Cabin camping near Tatum, Texas offers options in pine forests and along several lakes. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in East Texas with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures often remain above freezing, making year-round cabin rental possible with seasonal considerations affecting availability and comfort.
What to do
Primitive island camping: Martin Creek Lake State Park provides a unique primitive camping experience on an isolated island. "My wife and I did our first camp at Martin Creek Lake state park the other week. It was a great smaller state park. 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," notes one visitor to Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground.
Kayaking among cypress trees: Explore the bayou-like waterways with distinctive vegetation. "This is a beautiful park which has access into the bayou. The park offers canoe rentals or bring your kayak which you can put in the 'pond' and paddle around the amazing cypress trees that are draped in moss," reports a camper at Caddo Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking through pine forests: Several parks offer trail systems through tall pine trees characteristic of East Texas. "Nestled in the piney woods, Great Lake, MTB, hiking and good facilities," states a reviewer about Tyler State Park Campground.
What campers like
Screened shelters: Some parks offer screened options for those seeking more protection than tents but more connection to nature than cabins. "There are sites with screened in shelters if you need extra room. Make time to go to Uncertain, Texas and eat at Shady Glade Cafe for the best chicken fried steak you'll ever eat (I highly advise splitting it)."
Lakeside views: Waterfront cabin locations provide direct water access. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats. The hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler," mentions a visitor to Tyler State Park.
Private, wooded sites: Daingerfield State Park Campground offers secluded cabins among tall trees. "The title sums it up! Nice hiking trials. Privacy if that's your thing, it is for us and our three dogs. However, there is an awesome pavilion, swim dock, picnic area and paddle boat area. Something for everyone."
What you should know
Power plant noise: Some cabins at certain parks experience industrial background noise. "There's a power plant over there. Didn't know that when I booked my site. Nice short distance hiking trail, I enjoyed quite a bit. The sites were clean, well kept. The bathrooms were also clean (Always a good thing to have!)"
Bug considerations: Mosquitoes and ants can be problematic depending on season and location. "The big turn off for me on this park is that, despite its beauty, there is incessant road noise that you hear from every campsite. If you're a big boater, kayaker, or fisher, maybe you won't mind because it's the best place to do those things."
Highway and train noise: Several campgrounds report traffic noise. "Pros: Very quiet campground except for highway and train noise. 4 camp hosts. Good night sky viewing in BIG PINE. Good view of lake in BIG PINE. Privacy from side neighbors," notes a visitor to Daingerfield State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Laguna Vista RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a nice, little East Texas park. It 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."
Swimming areas: Lakes with designated swimming zones provide safe recreation. "Pretty cool play ground, trails to explore, covered picnic tables in the swim area, nice fishing piers. A really cool SP," writes a visitor about Martin Creek Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Many cabins provide direct access to fishing spots. "Took the grandson and we had a blast. Lots of fishing and swimming. Wasn't to impressed with trails," reports a camper at Martin Creek Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Carthage RV Campground offers varying site sizes. "Sites are perfectly level and concrete. Sites toward the front seem pretty close together, but sites further from the road are spread out more. Lots of permanent residents who seem to take pride in keeping their sites nice."
Utility placement: Some parks have hookups positioned inconveniently for certain RV types. "It is clean and quiet. Sites are Large and spaced out nicely. I gave it a 4 because the hookups are locate too far back especially if you are pulling a car or trailer behind you RV."
Overnight convenience: Several parks offer easy access for one-night stays. "We pulled in late and stayed one night. The owner greeted us and the welcome was genuine and warm. While the site had many long term residence. Our site was good with easy full hook ups, drive through, but required side leveling."
