Cabin rental options near Monticello, Utah vary in availability depending on the season, with elevations ranging from 6,820 feet in town to over 9,000 feet at higher camping areas in the nearby La Sal Mountains. Temperature fluctuations between locations can exceed 20°F, making mountain cabin accommodations particularly valuable during summer months when lower elevations experience temperatures above 90°F. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during the peak tourism season of April through October.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Explore the extensive network of trails accessible from Warner Lake Campground where elevations exceed 9,000 feet. "From here you have so many trail options for hiking, equestrian, and MTB! The Gold Knob trail heads to the North, you have the Oowah-Warner trail which connects you to the majestic green Oowah lake," notes one Warner Lake visitor.
Scenic drives: Take the La Sal Loop Road for cooler temperatures and mountain views. The 5-mile access road to Warner Lake is unpaved but manageable. "Most of the road on the way to the site is paved (La Sal Loop Road) - it's only the last 5 miles on the turn off to the campground that are not, but it is graded gravel/dirt and not a problem."
Cultural experiences: Visit neighboring indigenous sites at Hovenweep National Monument, accessible from 3 Step Hideaway, where one camper noted it's "45 miles to Moab, but a world away. Dark skies. Hikes, dirt biking, mountain biking, ATV / 4wd trails everywhere."
What campers like
Off-grid retreats: Wilderness cabin camping provides escape from crowds common at national parks. The 3 Step Hideaway offers "Old western town vibe. Dark skies" with "amazing hosts, fantastic meals available," according to reviews.
Temperature diversity: Choose between in-town cabins or mountain accommodations based on seasonal comfort needs. Warner Lake campers appreciate the climate difference: "I camped here in September 2019 as a home base while exploring the Moab area. Loved it... it was a nice break from the crowds and the leftover heat of the summer. It's at 9,000+, so temps are much cooler."
Community facilities: Some locations offer shared kitchen spaces for cabin guests. The HTR Moab campground provides "stocked with pots and pans and plenty of room to cook even if you're sharing the space with other groups. Same with the bathrooms - really clean, spacious and hot water."
Wildlife viewing: Several cabin locations allow for animal sightings. "There were deer everywhere at this campground, especially close to the lake. They are not afraid of people and will poke around your site at night when you are in your tent," reports a Warner Lake visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many camping cabins near Monticello close during winter months. The Views RV Park & Campground operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 31" according to their listing, with one camper noting "we need to stop at an Rv park once in awhile to get organized and do laundry. This is a very nice Rv park! The sites are spread out with trees."
Bathroom variations: Cabin bathroom access varies widely between locations. At Old West RV Park, "you've got shower and bath and laundry and a great host and owner. Very neat and clean bathrooms, just not new."
Limited cell service: Communication options may be restricted at more remote cabin sites. The Views RV Park was described as "A bit off the beaten path, but the people and the views are great. Really nice campground with spacious spots. The only downside was that the service (AT&T and Verizon was pretty spotty)."
Food preparation: Cooking options vary between cabin rentals. HTR Moab offers "well equipped group kitchen inside and outdoors. Grills, stoves even a pizza oven in the out door kitchen. Plenty for everyone."
Tips for camping with families
Pet-specific accommodations: Some cabin sites offer specialized pet facilities beyond basic pet-friendly policies. Moab KOA "is a great pet friendly campground. They even have little cabins with yards with fences around them to let your buddy stretch his legs."
Activity proximity: Consider driving distances when planning multi-day itineraries. One camper at Old West RV Park noted "Monticello is the ideal place to explore eastern Utah from. Everything is about an hour away. National Parks and monuments: Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep, Monument Valley, Canyons of the Ancients, even Mesa Verde is close."
Temperature planning: Pack for wider temperature ranges than expected, especially at higher elevations. "If you are lucky enough to visit the Moab area in fall, make sure Warner Lake Campground is on your list. We stayed in mid October and it was unbelievably beautiful (although crisp at night...)."
Cabin alternatives: Consider tent-cabin hybrids for family flexibility. "We were here only for few days, but the experience was amazing," noted a visitor at The Views RV Park, which offers glamping tent options alongside standard cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for proper setup. At Wingate Campground, "If you have pets, watch out for the sticker bushes as they are everywhere along with cacti. The sky at night is breathtaking. It's like being at a planetarium."
Utilities planning: Not all cabin camping locations provide the same hookups. "No water here so bring your own. Nearest hospital and store are 30 minutes away," warns a Wingate Campground visitor.
Space considerations: Site dimensions affect larger RVs and cabin selection. The Moab Rim RV Campark has "very well-kept and the views are amazing. Most sites are huge (center sites a little close together) and they offer full hookup, pull thru, and back-in sites. There are trees for shade."
