Cabins near Garrison, Utah provide access to the Great Basin region where elevations range from 5,000 to over 13,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Most cabin accommodations are concentrated in neighboring Nevada towns, with options ranging from rustic single-room structures to units with basic conveniences. Summer high temperatures typically reach 85-95°F while winter lows frequently drop below freezing, making cabins a practical alternative to tent camping during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Explore Lehman Caves: Located 5 miles from Whispering Elms Motel, Campground & RV Park, these limestone caverns require advance reservations. "Make sure you make reservations early and purchase your tickets for the tour of the caves before you get there. Several people that just showed up were not able to get tickets to go inside Lehman Caves," advises Kenyon from Whispering Elms.
Hiking trails from basecamp: Some accommodations offer direct trail access for various activities. At Ely KOA, "There are trails right from the grounds for walking, biking, quading," notes Susan N., making it convenient for day adventures without driving.
Cave exploration beyond the park: The Bates Family Ranch offers private cave tours with personal guides. "Took the cave tour that was so fun. Kirsten was a great tour guide and love hearing the stories of her family exploring it," reports a visitor who appreciated the family history component of this lesser-known option.
What campers like
On-site social spaces: Whispering Elms Motel, Campground & RV Park features a bar that many campers appreciate. "The building where you stop to check in is ALSO A BAR! With a respectable tap selection of Nevada beers, a beer case full of interesting beers and some unusual bar selections too," notes Reuben, highlighting an unexpected amenity.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Several cabin locations accommodate travelers with animals. Jennifer T. mentions, "This is your typical KOA. Open area with several pull thru's for big rigs. My daughter (8) loved the playground," showing that facilities cater to both human and animal family members.
Proximity to national park: Location relative to Great Basin National Park is a primary consideration. Theo A. from Whispering Elms notes, "The highlight is that it is located across from the entrance to Great Basin National Park. What a location!" The convenience factor outweighs other considerations for many visitors.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Extreme temperature fluctuations affect camping comfort. "We stayed here to visit Great Basin National Park because the weather was going to be too cold to camp in the park safely without hookups for us," explains Elaine V., highlighting why cabins are sometimes necessary rather than optional.
Reservations essential: All cabin locations fill quickly during peak season. "All spots were sold out on the weekend so make reservations early," advises Kenyon from Whispering Elms Motel, Campground & RV Park, emphasizing the limited availability in this remote region.
Limited services: Grocery and fuel options are sparse. "Nearest convenience store and gas station was 15 minutes away (Border Inn)," notes LH, highlighting the need for advance planning and provisioning before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Cabins with climate control: Temperature management is crucial for comfort with children. At Ely KOA, cabins offer climate control systems that help during extreme weather. Deborah B. notes, "It has air and heat along with a small fridge. The porch had a nice swing to enjoy!"
Recreation facilities: Look for properties with dedicated play areas. "My daughter (8) loved the playground," shares Jennifer T. about Ely KOA, which also offers "a pool, playground, so many family activities," according to Brittney C.
Bathroom proximity: Consider cabin location relative to shared facilities. Craig J. observes at Whispering Elms, "Bathrooms/showers were very clean," though facilities vary significantly between properties, with some requiring longer walks to reach shared bathrooms.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions vary: Within the same campground, experiences differ based on site assignment. "Our site (24) is crappy. No trees, back by the car charger, motel. On the plus side, some sites have trees and look more like a campsite should," reports Anita J. from Whispering Elms, suggesting specific site requests when booking.
Internet considerations: For those needing connectivity, signal strength varies. "AT&T coverage was good, with 4 bars of 5G and speeds up to 8 MB/s. We had access all 3 western DISH satellites and Starlink had speeds up to 11 MB/s," details Ray & Terri F., providing specific technical information that remote workers might require.
Dust management: The arid climate creates particular challenges. Reuben from Whispering Elms advises, "Just drive slow to avoid kicking up dust," noting that many properties consist primarily of dirt and gravel with limited dust control measures.
