Cabins near Henderson, Texas offer rustic to modern accommodations across multiple state parks and private campgrounds. The East Texas Piney Woods region, with its loblolly pine forests and average summer temperatures reaching 95°F, creates a distinctive setting for cabin camping. Winter overnight temperatures can drop to 30°F, making climate-controlled cabins popular year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Martin Creek Lake State Park provides excellent catfish fishing from multiple docks around the lake. One visitor reported, "We caught 7 catfish using normal nightcrawlers as bait. Fried them up for lunch the next day and they tasted like heaven!"
Hiking trails: Explore the pine forests at Tyler State Park, which features multiple trails suitable for various skill levels. A camper noted, "The trails for biking and hiking are great!" Another visitor mentioned seeing "unbelievably tall Loblolly Pines back on the trails - simply amazing!"
Water activities: Many parks offer swimming areas and boat rentals during warmer months. At Martin Creek Lake State Park, "Swim area, alot of trails. Quiet campground," according to one review. The park also features "covered picnic tables in the swim area, nice fishing piers."
What campers like
Screened shelters: Some parks offer screened structures as alternatives to traditional cabins. At Martin Creek Lake, "Shelters 7-9 are located in great areas of the lake nearby... I'd take this shelter over a hotel stay ANY TIME!"
Island camping: For those seeking more seclusion near their cabin accommodations, Martin Creek Lake offers a unique option. One camper reported, "We highly recommend their primitive camping option on the island. Remember to bring your wagon, the parking lot is a good 70 yards to the camp sites."
Family-oriented parks: Jellystone Park Tyler provides cabin accommodations with numerous activities for children. A visitor shared, "Our site was very shady, and our ac had no issue keeping up with the temps. The bouncy pillow is always a fan favorite, and we spent just as much time there as we did in the water."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Beyond raccoons, some parks have other wildlife considerations. "Be very careful. There is an abundance of Poison Ivy around," warned one Martin Creek Lake visitor. Fire ants can also be problematic in certain areas.
Noise factors: Some parks have nearby infrastructure that creates ambient noise. A Martin Creek Lake camper mentioned, "There's a power plant over there. Didn't know that when I booked my site... The noise from the power station droned constantly at a low hum but was easy to tune out."
Reservation requirements: Rusk KOA and other private parks with cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We will definitely be back to stay in the area again on our trips through," noted one satisfied Rusk KOA guest.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Select parks with dedicated children's areas. At Jellystone Park Tyler, "The kids liked the trampoline and the hay ride around the camp!" Another family enjoyed "hay rides, gem stone mining, laser tag, outdoor movies, crafts, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, a kangaroo jump bounce pillow."
Cabin location considerations: Choose cabins strategically based on your needs. At Jellystone Park Tyler, "Sites are back ins and have beautiful scenery in every window of your RV. The park has tiny houses along the pond to rent and are spacious."
Seasonal activities: Visit during scheduled event weekends for enhanced experiences. One Jellystone visitor mentioned, "Have been camping here in the summers and both Easter & Halloween weekends and they do easter egg/candy hunts and have other events for the kids/kids at heart."
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Many campgrounds with cabins also accommodate RVs with varying hookup options. At Laguna Vista RV Park, "Pull through accommodated my 44 ft. MH, Jeep with mini golf cart carrier easily. Quiet and nice."
Leveling considerations: Be prepared for varied terrain across different parks. At Laguna Vista, sites required "side leveling" according to one camper, while The Trails at Lavender Road earned praise: "We've been several places throughout the country and our site was extremely level."
Long-term options: For extended stays near Henderson, several RV parks offer monthly rates for cabin rentals. Laguna Vista RV Park "has a pond, and is surrounded by 'tall/large' trees that you don't get a lot of in Texas. You can expect a nice laundry area, easy parking and nice people."
