Cabin rentals near Washington, Connecticut range from basic structures to accommodations with more amenities. Most cabins in state parks provide shelter with minimal features, while private campgrounds offer cabins with additional comforts. Washington sits in the Litchfield Hills region at approximately 900 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and proximity to the Shepaug River. Fall temperatures average 45-65°F while summer ranges 60-85°F, making cabin camping comfortable most of the season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Access trout fishing along the Farmington River at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes Tom C. The campground provides direct river access for anglers with "excellent fishing, hiking, and clean bathrooms."
Hiking trails: Explore surrounding forests on established paths with varying difficulty levels. "The trail is a nice hile up to a stunning view," remarks Sam G. about Lake Waramaug State Park Campground. Many cabins serve as basecamps for exploring the Litchfield Hills area trails, with one reviewer mentioning "mesmerizing" scenery.
Swimming options: Cool off in designated swimming areas during summer months. Black Rock State Park Campground includes a lake for swimming, with Tanya B. commenting, "Lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover. Beach was nice, just a bit crowded." Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
What campers like
Secluded cabin settings: Many campers appreciate privacy between cabins and natural surroundings. At Kettletown State Park Campground, one reviewer notes: "Beautiful trails, flat & hilly." Another mentions, "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive mentions despite varying age. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," reports Taylor C. While bathhouse quality varies between state parks and private campgrounds, most maintain reasonable cleanliness standards.
Local attractions: Proximity to nearby points of interest enhances cabin stays. "If you're looking for stress free and peaceful, this is not the place. It is party central on the weekends," warns one reviewer about Lake Waramaug, indicating different experiences depending on timing. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground receives praise for its "beautiful 8 am crossing of the sound on the Port Jeff Ferry" nearby.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak season. Availability at state parks becomes extremely limited between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations typically open 6-11 months in advance through CT state park reservation system or private campground websites.
Basic amenities: State park cabins provide minimal facilities. "This park is remote from all conveniences - pack it in or expect a drive," notes one Lake Waramaug visitor. At White Pines Campsites, cabins offer more amenities but "the showers could be more convenient," according to Brenda H.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report wildlife sightings. "We have also seen a bear eating food from the dumpster at housatonic meadows," mentions Dawn D. Another reviewer at White Pines cautions: "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
Activity options: Campgrounds with organized programs keep children engaged. At Lake Compounce Campground, Cindy reports: "Campground was awesome! Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area." The campground's connection to an amusement park provides entertainment options.
Safety considerations: Monitor children near water features. Michelle D. advises about Lake Waramaug: "A main road does separate the camp sites from the water so it is important to look after little ones." Swimming areas at most parks lack lifeguards, requiring parental supervision.
Site selection: Choose cabin locations based on proximity to facilities with children in mind. "If you have young kids that nap during the day, this truck would wake them," cautions one camper about sanitation vehicles at White Pines. Sites farther from main roads generally offer quieter environments for families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electricity and water access varies significantly between locations. Cozy Hills Campground provides fuller hookups, with Daniel M. noting: "Clean. Well run campground. Beautiful area. Fishing on site. Crafts and events. Great camp store and grill and hot food." Most state park cabins offer limited or no hookups.
Accessibility challenges: Some cabin access roads present difficulties for larger RVs. "The roads around the campground are very narrow with a lot of blind curves," warns a Lake Waramaug visitor. Many state park cabin areas have limited turning radius and low-hanging branches.
Storage considerations: Limited space requires planning. "Our site was T3 and it was spacious and spread out from other tent sites," mentions one White Pines visitor, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites. Storage options inside most cabins remain minimal, requiring careful packing.
