Cabin rentals near Westby, Wisconsin provide access to the unique Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in dramatic bluffs and valleys. Most rental accommodations sit at elevations between 850-1,200 feet, with seasonal temperatures ranging from winter lows near 10°F to summer highs around 80°F. Cabin options vary widely in elevation and proximity to trout streams.
What to do
Bike the historic trails: The Elroy-Sparta bike trail runs through Tunnel Trail Campground, featuring three old rail tunnels to explore. "The Elroy Sparta Bike Trail, North America's first rails-to-trails project, runs through the Tunnel Trail Campground. The campground is very nice, especially for tents and smaller campers and caters to bicyclists," notes one visitor. Even with trail conditions that change seasonally, the experience remains accessible. "The trail is washed out shortly to the north of the campground but at check in they let us know and told us what they thought was the best way to address the issue."
Trout fishing access: Cabin sites often provide direct stream access for fishing. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground offers "an easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," according to one reviewer. The park features "a beautiful, cold, and clear" river where visitors can see trout in accessible pools. Water clarity varies by season, with best fishing conditions typically in spring and early summer.
Farm animal interactions: Some lodging properties include hobby farms where guests can interact with animals. Shady Rest Acres stands out for its diverse farm experience. A visitor noted they "have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs." Farm activities include guided animal feeding and observation, typically scheduled in morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Westfork Sports Club & Campground offers multiple cabin styles beyond standard options. One reviewer mentions, "For rent on site is a cabin, 2 Native lodges and a clubhouse for large groups, events, and meetings. Reservable from the website." Their membership model provides cost benefits for repeat visitors, with a reviewer noting it "covers your camping fee and then any time you return in the year the camping is only $20."
Swimming facilities: Water recreation options range from natural settings to developed facilities. Whiskey Creek Family RV Park features "a beautiful white sand beach around a 1-acre swim pond. The water was the color of the Caribbean with these huge blow-up toys and slides in the middle." Swimming areas typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting, with some requiring adult supervision for children under 12.
Quiet natural settings: Many cabin sites offer secluded locations with natural soundscapes. At Beaver Creek Valley State Park, visitors can "fall asleep to the creek" in a setting where "the sound of the creek was so peaceful." Sites vary in privacy, with "sites that back up to the creek" being particularly valued for their soothing background sounds and ease of water access.
What you should know
Membership requirements: Some properties operate on a membership model. Westfork Sports Club requires "a membership... and covers all the amenities, well worth the cost. The club raises trout and does conservation work locally helping the environment."
Military presence: Pine View Campground - Fort McCoy operates on an active military installation, affecting the camping experience. "Reveille, call to mess, retreat, tattoo and taps daily. If you was in the military and haven't heard bugle calls for awhile, this is the place," notes one camper. Another mentions, "We did have an alarm every morning with the sound of bugle three or fore time throughout the day and evening."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies dramatically by location due to the region's topography. In Beaver Creek Valley, "there is no cell reception because of the valley. This great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it." Signal strength generally improves at higher elevations, with ridgetop cabins offering better connectivity than valley locations.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Look for cabins with kid-friendly swimming areas. Whiskey Creek Family RV Park features activities specifically designed for children with "a cool swimming pond with inflatables" where "kids loved it." Rental cabins typically range from $75-150 per night depending on amenities and season.
Playground access: Many campgrounds offer play structures to keep children entertained. Tunnel Trail Campground provides "an older wooden play set" while Leon Valley Campground has "a nice pool, picnic pavilion and large playground for children." Most family-oriented facilities include activity areas within walking distance of cabin sites.
Educational opportunities: Justin Trails Resort offers unique animal interactions for children. "The llamas are fun to feed," notes one reviewer who stayed in their cabins. Many properties offer morning farm chores or nature programs that welcome child participation, typically scheduled daily during peak summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Access roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. Tunnel Trail Campground received feedback about navigation difficulties: "We had difficulty getting to our site as tight corners for rigs 38 feet or more." Before booking, confirm maximum vehicle lengths for access roads and individual sites.
Level sites: Pine View Campground gets positive reviews for site quality from RV users. "The sites were paved and level. Nicely wooded and made it easy to setup," noted one camper. Most cabin areas share parking and access roads with RV sites, making this feedback relevant for all guests arriving by vehicle.
Seasonal considerations: Operating dates vary significantly between properties. Leon Valley Campground operates from April 1 to October 31, while Pine View Campground remains open year-round with heated cabin options. Winter cabin rentals typically cost 15-25% less than peak summer rates but may have limited amenities.
