Cabin camping near New Preston, Connecticut is predominantly available from May through early September, with a small number of private campgrounds extending into mid-October. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,000 feet in the Litchfield Hills, creating cooler evenings even during summer months. Night temperatures can drop into the 50s°F even in July, requiring appropriate sleeping gear for cabin campers.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation: At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, trails offer views across the lake and surrounding hills. As one camper notes, "The trail is a nice hile up to a stunning view," providing a perfect morning activity before returning to your cabin.
Fishing opportunities: Cabins at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground put anglers within walking distance of prime fishing spots. "We have stayed there many times. We have a few favorite sites... trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," explains a regular visitor.
Water activities: Multiple cabin locations near New Preston provide lake access. A visitor at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce noted, "Great time! Would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park," suggesting visitors should research swimming options before booking.
Local exploration: The region surrounding cabin sites features small towns worth visiting. A camper at Black Rock State Park Campground recommends, "Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby," highlighting attractions within short driving distance from cabin accommodations.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Cabin sites vary significantly in their seclusion. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, a reviewer appreciated that "Well spaced out lots, you have a lot of privacy," while another mentioned, "The sites are nice and large, with room for trailers, and they also have a few cabin sites as well."
Accessible natural features: Many cabin locations feature easy access to water. At Kettletown State Park Campground, "Stayed in a cabin on the lower loop. Went hiking all day. Kinda close together sites, but the trails make up for it," showing how natural amenities balance other factors.
Bathroom facilities: Cabin campers frequently comment on shower and bathroom quality. A camper at Black Rock State Park described, "Well maintained bathrooms, with available showers, are also spread throughout the grounds," while another at Bear Creek noted, "Bathrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Off-season availability: Some cabin locations extend into fall. At Cozy Hills Campground, a visitor in October mentioned, "So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area," suggesting benefits to off-peak cabin rental.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations require planning. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground advised, "This place is not glamping. The area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies dramatically across cabin locations. At American Legion State Forest, a visitor warns, "No cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it," while Lake Waramaug reviewers noted, "Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Reservation timing: Peak season cabin rentals book quickly. At Cozy Hills Campground, visitors observed tight spacing: "They pack us in pretty tight in some sites," suggesting early reservations are essential for preferred sites.
Wildlife encounters: Some cabin areas have regular wildlife visitors. At White Pines Campsites, a camper warned, "Beware of bears. We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours."
Tips for camping with families
Child-appropriate swimming options: Not all swimming areas work well for all ages. A reviewer at Lake Waramaug noted, "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Activities planning: Some locations offer organized events for kids. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, a parent shared, "Excellent Family Campground. Well maintained, very clean campground. Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Site selection for families: Some campgrounds have specific areas better suited for families with children. A Kettletown State Park visitor advised, "Place is perfect for young kids! The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!"
Noise levels: Weekdays generally provide quieter cabin camping experiences. A Lake Waramaug visitor shared, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," while another cautioned, "I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Cabins at some locations may be challenging to reach. At Cozy Hills Campground, an RVer noted, "Golf cart recommended. Stayed for 2 nights midweek. Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool."
Utilities availability: Many cabins near New Preston lack full hookups. At Hemlock Hill Camp Resort, a visitor reported, "Great weekend campground. If you like the CT part of the AT it's a great place to camp and get lost in the Litchfield hills," suggesting focus on natural surroundings rather than amenities.
Travel planning: Locations for resupply can be limited. A Lake Waramaug visitor warned, "This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I've driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient."
