Cabin camping near Norfolk, Connecticut offers accommodations amid the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and cooler nights around 55-65°F. The area's mix of state forests and private campgrounds typically opens for the season from mid-April through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing access: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground at American Legion State Forest provides direct access to the Farmington River. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes camper Melissa R. The Pleasant Valley General Store nearby sells bait and fishing gear.
Hiking trails: Taconic State Park offers multiple trail options including the popular route to Bash Bish Falls. A camper mentioned, "Sunset rock was an adventure but a blast and nearby is the main attraction Bash Bish Falls, which you take a short hike across state lines into Mass."
Swimming options: October Mountain State Forest provides swimming opportunities for families. "Two lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," reports Erin B. The swimming areas are typically open from late June through early September.
Water sports: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground offers multiple water activities on its namesake lake. "Great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," according to a visitor. Rental costs vary from $15-30 per hour depending on watercraft type.
What campers like
Private cabins: White Pines Campsites offers cabin accommodations with varying levels of privacy. "We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance," notes camper Yoni N. These cabin sites must be reserved well in advance during summer months.
Family amenities: Prospect Mountain Campground provides numerous organized activities for children. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," according to Sandra S. The campground also features mini-golf and gem mining activities for younger visitors.
Proximity to natural attractions: Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground cabins provide convenient access to the Housatonic River. "We have stayed there many times. We have a few favorite sites," reports Dawn D. The park sits adjacent to the river, allowing for fishing and kayaking directly from the campground.
Clean facilities: Cozy Hills Campground maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Well maintained, very clean campground. Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc.," mentions Ann S. The campground's pool is designed with families in mind, featuring no deep end for safety.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most cabin rentals near Norfolk close by mid-October. "Lone Oak Campsites has a season from Apr 15 to Oct 15," notes a site listing. Some campgrounds offer limited cabin availability during shoulder seasons with restricted amenities.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for cabin accommodations in the area. At Cozy Hills Campground, campers should book weeks or months ahead, especially for holiday weekends. "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community," explains Jon R.
Site conditions: Some cabin sites may have terrain challenges. At White Pines Campsites, a visitor reported, "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand." Many campgrounds feature wooded sites with drainage ditches or exposed roots.
Bears in the area: Wildlife precautions are necessary in this region. "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," warns one camper at White Pines. Food storage requirements vary by campground but generally include keeping food in vehicles or hard-sided containers.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose cabin locations carefully for the best family experience. "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site," notes Becca Z. at White Pines Campsites. Request sites away from main roads if traveling with small children.
Swimming options: October Mountain State Forest offers family-friendly swimming facilities. "There is a lake across the street where you can paddle, swim, etc... (free to campers)," explains one reviewer. The swimming areas are typically shallow and appropriate for younger children.
Entertainment planning: Bring additional activities for cabin stays. "Bring scooters or bikes for little kids to use within the camp," suggests Mo S. about Lake Waramaug. Many cabin sites have limited on-site activities during weekdays compared to weekends.
Cabin sizes: Most rental cabins accommodate 4-6 people with basic furnishings. "The cabins are small but very clean," reports one visitor. Larger family groups should confirm maximum occupancy when booking or consider multiple adjacent cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some cabins near Norfolk have challenging access roads. "The sites are good size and seemed well laid out. Looking forward to going back later in the season," notes Bryan S. about White Pines Campsites. Many cabin access roads have tight turns and may be difficult for larger vehicles to navigate.
Utilities: Cabin rentals offer varying levels of amenities. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "There is no cell service in that area," according to Katherine P. Some cabins provide electricity while others are more rustic with no indoor plumbing or power.
Off-season considerations: Cabin availability decreases significantly after Labor Day. "This campground changed in the last few years, but not for the better," warns Tom J. about Lake Waramaug State Park. During cooler months, cabins with heating are limited primarily to Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area.
