Cabins near Garden City, Utah range from basic structures to upgraded accommodations with amenities not found in standard campsites. Located at approximately 5,900 feet elevation along the eastern shore of Bear Lake, Garden City experiences warm summer days with cool evenings and significant temperature drops after sunset. The turquoise waters of Bear Lake create high demand for waterfront accommodations during peak season from June through August.
What to do
Water activities: Rent equipment at Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday where beach access provides easy lake entry. A visitor noted the campground is "close to Bear Lake Marina and rentals and tons of great activities" including "basketball, pickle ball, bounce area, mini golf, shuffle board, sand volleyball, and a pool as well as hot tub."
Mountain biking: Forest trails surrounding Garden City offer varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. Near Egan Basin Guard Station, there are "nice trails nearby for hiking and mountain biking and ATVs. Also there is a stream that runs along the road to the cabin that is available for fishing."
Nearby fishing spots: Streams and creeks in the area offer alternatives to lake fishing. At Cub River Lodge & RV Park, campers can enjoy "razor rides on all the many trails up the Mountainside" and access to "the Cub river" which flows through the property.
What campers like
Privacy options: Secluded sites at smaller facilities offer more quiet than larger resorts. According to one camper at Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey, it's "smaller in size and way less amenities than the other KOA but way more quiet. If you're looking to have a more peaceful stay, this is your place."
Cabin amenities: Modern features in some cabins include unexpected comforts. At Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey, "cabins are new with TV (local channels only), microwave and refrigerator."
Bathroom facilities: Clean, modern washrooms remain important to cabin campers without private facilities. Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah receives praise for its bathhouse: "The bathhouse was very clean. Did seem less busy than the KOA."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Late spring through early fall marks the operational window for most cabin facilities. Most Garden City area cabins close by mid-October, with Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday operating "April 1 to October 15" and Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey running "May 1 to Sept 23."
Booking timeline: Reserve months ahead for summer stays, especially for holiday weekends. During peak season, cabins fill quickly as "Bear Lake becomes a popular destination for water recreation."
Noise levels: Site selection matters for peace and quiet. One visitor at Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah noted it "seems like it is one of the closer campgrounds to the water" and "did seem less busy than the KOA."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Playground access can determine family happiness during downtime. Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey is "awesome for kids. They loved all the activities available to them. Right close to the shops and ice cream shakes."
Site selection: Consider proximity to facilities when choosing cabin locations. At Montpelier Creek KOA, families appreciate that it's "nestled right beside the creek. The scenery all around is beautiful rolling, green hills. Very quiet and clean. Clean restrooms and just 2 miles from town."
Cabin configuration: Check bed arrangements before booking for family comfort. Many cabins require bringing your own bedding and have limited sleeping capacity, though some offer flexibility as "the covered wagons are super unique and can sleep up to six."
Tips from RVers
Utilities and hookups: Confirm available connections before booking cabin stays. Some cabins like those at Hyrum State Park Campground come with "w/e and about a dozen sites with dry camping. All the sites are paved (even the dry camping sites) and level. Grassy and shady on most sites."
Extended stays: Cabin features become more important for multi-night visits. Cabins with kitchen facilities and private bathrooms provide more comfort for longer stays, though basic cabins may only include "picnic tables outside and access to communal fire pits."
Proximity to supplies: Location relative to stores matters for cabin campers. Montpelier Creek KOA has a "shop at the campsite has basic necessities, snacks, and drinks" while other locations require bringing all supplies as "it is about an hour + to get somewhere where you can get water or other supplies."
