Cabin camping near Winchester Center, Connecticut offers varied accommodations from rustic shelters to fully-furnished units throughout the northwestern hills. This region sits at elevations between 700-1,100 feet with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than coastal areas. Winter cabin rentals at some locations extend through November, while others close by mid-October.
What to do
Fishing access: At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, the Farmington River provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes Melissa R. The Pleasant Valley General Store nearby supplies fishing equipment if you forget yours.
Hiking trails: Copake Falls Area offers multiple trail options within a short drive of Winchester Center. "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming. This location was very accessible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore," explains Christina M.
Entertainment options: Family-friendly activities can be found at Lake Compounce Campground. "It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park," explains Richard. The campground has "electric, water and cable TV connections" along with clean facilities and a store.
What campers like
Private sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced accommodations at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place," states Anthony and Kim C.
Swimming options: Many cabin camping locations include water recreation. "The pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids," notes Ann S. about Cozy Hills Campground. The shallow pool design makes supervision easier for parents with small children.
Weekend activities: Prospect Mountain Campground organizes regular events. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. They also have a nice little store and snack bar," says Sandra S.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Some camping areas have minimal connectivity. Katherine P. warns about Austin Hawes: "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it."
Reservation timing: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer. At Black Rock State Park Campground, availability fills quickly during peak season. "Rangers and other campers were very friendly. The sites are very spacious and clean," reports Tanya B.
Site selection matters: Choose locations carefully based on your privacy preferences. "The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site. A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand," advises Becca Z. about White Pines Campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom accessibility: Consider cabin proximity to facilities. At Bear Creek Campground, Diane R. notes, "Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." But others mention "only one set of facilities for the whole place. It's quite a walk to the bathrooms."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation. Cozy Hills Campground offers "Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc." according to Ann S. She adds that the pool is "very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Wildlife awareness: Cabin campers should practice proper food storage. Sylvia P. mentions seeing "a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours" at White Pines Campsites. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Ray B. points out that Bear Creek "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station." Plan accordingly if staying in a cabin with RV amenities.
Site leveling: Carefully review site descriptions before booking. "Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper. They have cabins, teepee and tent sites," notes Diane R. about well-designed sites at Lake Compounce Campground.
Check-in procedures: Most parks have specific arrival protocols. Topher L. appreciated that "the staff greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles" at Black Rock State Park Campground, which has "a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank as well."
