Camping cabins near Putnam, Connecticut provide seasonal lodging within the quiet Quiet Corner region of northeastern Connecticut. This area sits at elevations between 400-700 feet, experiencing warm summers and cold winters with average snowfall of 45 inches annually. Most cabin facilities remain open from mid-April through mid-October, with peak availability in summer months when temperatures typically range from 65-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Visitors at George Washington State Campground can take advantage of well-maintained paths. "Has great hiking trails going around some lakes," notes Joey S., who also mentions the campground's clean shower facilities.
Kayaking opportunities: The lakes and rivers surrounding cabin camping areas provide water recreation. At West Thompson Lake Campground, "the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings," according to Cynthia K., who adds that fishing is catch and release.
Disc golf course: West Thompson Lake Campground features an on-site disc golf course. One visitor, Jason L., reports "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property." The course provides an additional recreational option beyond traditional camping activities.
Boating and fishing: Many local cabin sites offer pond access for recreation. At Sutton Falls Camping Area, Dr. D. appreciated "the boat rentals and fishing" and noted that staff provided helpful restaurant recommendations for exploring the surrounding area.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cabin campers appreciate the natural surroundings at many locations. At Charlie Brown Campground, Laurie R. describes it as "so scenic. Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River."
Riverside locations: Many campers value waterfront cabin options. Michael from Charlie Brown Campground notes their recent experience: "This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance matters significantly to cabin guests. Nick P. from George Washington State Campground reports, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Family activities: Scheduled events enhance cabin stays for many visitors. At Brialee Family Campground, Mallory P. shares, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
What you should know
Seasonal openings: Most cabin facilities operate between spring and fall. Wells State Park Campground runs from "May to October," while Charlie Brown Campground operates from "April 15 to Oct 15."
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for cabins. Kwan C. from Stateline Campresort & Cabins reports, "Called on Sunday morning and reserved a spot for 2 nights. Was very helpful on the phone, though was not informed that on Sunday the office and store closes early at 3 but was still able to check in easy enough."
Swimming restrictions: Not all water features permit swimming. Deborah B. notes about West Thompson Lake Campground: "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course."
Gate closure times: Some properties limit nighttime access. Cameron F. mentions that at West Thompson Lake Campground, "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation variety: Properties with multiple activity options work best for families. One camper at Brialee Family Campground reports, "They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. Jason L. at West Thompson Lake Campground explains, "Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful. Had a great weekend."
Water activities appeal to children: Ponds and pools provide entertainment for younger campers. Kailie G. notes about Brialee: "Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn't great so if you're planning on working during some down time, this isn't the place. Nice hiking around the area."
Ask about scheduled events: Many campgrounds organize family-friendly activities. Johnny W. from Charlie Brown Campground mentions, "Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup details: Available utilities vary significantly between locations. Bobcat B. reports that Charlie Brown Campground offers "water, electric, gray water hookup, $63" and notes firewood costs $5 per bundle with pumpout service at $25.
Level sites matter: Not all cabin camping areas provide flat parking. Sean from Sutton Falls Camping Area shares, "the site we stayed at (47) took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water."
Campground size considerations: Some prefer smaller, more intimate settings. Cynthia K. from West Thompson Lake notes, "This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft."
Cell service limitations: Remote cabin locations may have connectivity challenges. Sean from Sutton Falls reports, "Without our antenna we we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint."
