Cabin accommodations near Winsted, Connecticut center around fishing access on the Farmington River and hiking opportunities in the Litchfield Hills. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,200 feet with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and snowy winters. Most cabin rentals operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October with overnight temperatures that can drop to the 40s even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing on the Farmington River: Campers at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground can access premier fishing spots directly from their sites. "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 river section near the campground operates under catch-and-release regulations for trophy trout.
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Visitors staying in cabins at Taconic State Park can hike directly to Massachusetts' highest waterfall. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," explains Jackie G. The falls are approximately a 1.5-mile hike from the campground.
Tubing opportunities: Cabin renters often bring their own tubes or rent from outfitters for floating the Farmington River. "We have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well," mentions Sue B. about activities at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. Most tubing excursions last 2-3 hours depending on water levels and seasonal conditions.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Cozy Hills Campground offers individual bathroom facilities that cabin guests appreciate. "Clean private bathrooms were a plus," notes Kim T. These private facilities provide an upgrade from the shared bathhouses common at other properties.
Swimming options: The variety of swimming spots makes cabin rentals appealing during summer months. "Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," mentions Gale S. about Prospect Mountain Campground. Some locations maintain separate children's swimming areas with shallower depths for safety reasons.
Cell service limitations: Some campers value the technology break at certain cabin locations. "No cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it," Katherine P. notes about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. This disconnection offers a more immersive outdoor experience for those seeking to unplug.
What you should know
Site cleanliness varies: Some cabin rental locations maintain better standards than others. At White Pines Campsites, one camper reported, "Upon arrival, I liked the atmosphere and friendly service but our site was filthy. A bag of dog poop by a tree, trash under the picnic table, cigarette butts littering the rocks around the fire pit." Bringing basic cleaning supplies may be advisable.
Seasonal RV neighbors: Many cabin rental properties also host seasonal RV campers who establish semi-permanent setups. "Night fell and the place turned into Margaritaville. The seasonal RVers have really taken over the place and while some have tasteful decor and lights, others not so much," noted Sylvia P. about White Pines Campsites. Noise levels can increase on weekends.
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in the region, particularly around improperly stored food. "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," reports Sylvia P. All cabin locations require proper food storage in hard-sided containers or vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused properties: Lake Compounce Campground provides cabin accommodations with organized activities. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," reports Nichol P. The camp hosts weekend activities like bingo and corn hole tournaments.
Fishing for children: Several cabin properties maintain stocked ponds suitable for children learning to fish. "Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end," notes Rino S. about Cozy Hills Campground. Many rental properties provide simple fishing equipment for beginners.
Protection from insects: The region's wooded setting means mosquitoes and ticks are abundant during summer months. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" warns Katherine P. Permethrin-treated clothing and proper repellents are essential for comfortable family camping.
Tips from RVers
Dump station limitations: Some properties with cabins and RV sites have limited waste disposal facilities. At Lake Compounce Campground, one RVer noted, "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station." Campers reported occasional issues with dump station maintenance at some locations.
Platform sites: For those combining cabin and tent camping at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground, the tent platforms provide advantages. "We used Winnebago 1700BH to block it out, and set up under the canopy of old growth pines and oaks," explains Chris A. about creating privacy between sites. The wooden platforms keep tents dry even during heavy rain.
Off-season quiet: Cabin campers seeking solitude should consider weekday visits outside peak summer months. "By 12 on Sunday-we had the entire campground to ourselves… in the middle of JULY," notes Chris A. about Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground. Many properties operate at reduced capacity from late September through early May.
