Camping cabins near Phillips, Maine offer convenient access to the western Maine mountains at elevations between 500-1,000 feet. The region experiences warm summer days with cooler nights, even in July and August when temperatures can drop to 50°F after sunset. Winter cabin camping options remain available through select providers despite seasonal closures at many campgrounds from October through May.
What to do
Gold panning in Swift River: At Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins visitors can try prospecting. "Rent a pan or sluice from the coos canyon rock and gem shop a 3 min walk from the office and pan for gold in the river right from the campground," suggests one camper who stayed in 2025.
ATV trail access: Several cabin locations offer direct trail connections. "This campground has ATV trail access. There was no cell service but wifi was available at the office," notes a reviewer about Coos Canyon. Another camper states, "Great place to stay with ATV trails access right from your campsite."
Moose watching: Early morning or dusk provides prime viewing times near Umbagog Lake State Park. "I saw 5 during my 5 days there," reports one visitor. "Pick up same map mentioned above from UNWR and look for the moose icons to give you a heads up where to look."
Lake activities: Cabin rentals near water bodies offer swimming, fishing, and boating. "The lake is crystal clear, there are so many great places to snorkel, swim, kayak, fish, literally anything," writes a camper about Umbagog Lake State Park.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: Some locations offer more seclusion than others. At Deer Farm Camps & Campground, "Each wooded site is relatively level and offers water and electric hookups, all for a price on par with state parks without utilities." The campground is described as giving "the real feel of being out in the woods. It is a very secluded place."
Proximity to hiking trails: Cabin locations serve as basebases for regional trail networks. "I stayed here because of its proximity to the Fire Warden trail up Mt. Abram; I like to get up and on the trail early, so this was an ideal location," notes a Deer Farm Camps visitor.
Clean facilities: Many reviews highlight facility maintenance. At Happy Horseshoe Campground, "Grounds are equipped with spacious woodsy sites, two very clean bath houses, a rec room, walking trail, nice sized inground pool, playground for smaller kids, a store with Cafe and a teeny-tiny laundry room."
Affordable cabin options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value. "We discovered it while on a motorcycle trip 2 years ago. It was a great find. We visited it again last summer of 2018. The lake is about a 5 minute walk from the campground, but, what a beautiful lake it is."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "No cell reception and wifi only available at the camp store," notes a Coos Canyon visitor. Another adds, "This campground is right on the lake with access to boating and fishing. The bathrooms are clean and also nice showers."
Cash-only policies: Some smaller operations don't accept credit cards. "Bring cash or a check because they don't accept credit cards," advises a Deer Farm Camps visitor.
Seasonal operation: Most cabin rentals operate May through October. Mountain View Motel & Campground offers "newly added 13+ campsites are easy in and out, well appointed and have wonderful facilities. Toilets, hot showers, gazebo with fire pit, lounge with WiFi, full kitchen, TV, games and more."
Varying amenities: Cabin furnishings range widely between providers. "It's not our type if place, as the sites are rather close together, but it's a nice campground. Extremely clean, well-maintained. It's obviously a labor of love by the owners, because it is in pristine condition."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill offers extensive children's programming. "Great little fishing ponds, cabins and a Treehouse! Fun swimming pool and sooo many kid's activities," mentions one visitor. Another notes it's a "family campground with pool, playground, bounce house, Yogi Bear, theme weeks, store, rv sites and cabins."
Playgrounds and game rooms: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. Happy Horseshoe Campground provides "a rec room, walking trail, nice sized inground pool, playground for smaller kids."
Weekend entertainment: Some locations schedule regular activities. "Good campground for older adults. Not much in the way camping as much as it's a community. Good for family visits, they do events for families like cookouts and dances."
Swimming options: Look for cabins with beach access. At Honey Run Campground and Beach, one visitor noted it's the "Perfect stay if you have kiddos and dogs! There's a playground, arcade, and beach. They offer kayak and canoe rentals."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Consider your specific needs. "I wish that they had more hiking trails accessible from the campground but it's still a nice campground. We had site 42 reserved for 6 nights... #42 has the best privacy and water access in my opinion but only if you have a smaller rv."
Electrical capacity varies: Some locations have limited power. "The campground needs updating for electricity and water. Not enough electricity to run acs last summer."
Bring supplies: Stock up before arrival as camp stores have limited inventory. "The camp store has some bare necessities, but did not have any bug swatters (the horse flys can get crazy here) but a spatula from the camp store worked OK."
Seasonal considerations: RVers should check operating dates. "Truly nice folks who built this campground 39 years ago, still run it. Well maintained and full of nice folks. Mostly rv camping with some tent sites. A lot of seasonal rv occupants."
