Cabins near Chatham, New Hampshire range from minimalist forest shelters to fully equipped retreats for year-round use. Located in the eastern White Mountains at elevations between 700-1,300 feet, cabin accommodations provide protection from the region's significant temperature swings, with summer nights often dropping below 50°F even after 80°F days. Winter cabin users frequently encounter temperatures below freezing and snowfall from November through April.
What to do
River activities: Try tubing on the Saco River at Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis, which offers tube rentals and convenient river access. "Located between the Saco and Ellis Rivers, this campground is a gem. Clean water, great swimming, tubing and fishing. Mountains and hiking are within easy reach and a day spent at the campground itself is never a wasted day!"
Hiking with mountain views: Access the Boulder Loop Trail directly from Covered Bridge campground for a moderate 3-mile hike with elevation views. "Boulder Loop Trail is attached to the campground (it's relatively short, offers several great vista views, and you can walk there from the campground and not have to deal with parking)."
Winter recreation: Reserve woodland cabins for cold-weather activities. "Great place year round. For those looking for some powder runs in the winter, camp here over night and do some touring during the day!" Trails around many cabin properties allow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing directly from your doorstep.
What campers like
Private beach access: Many campers appreciate direct water access at Eastern Slope Camping Area. "Our site was a good size, but in a tucked away dead end area of the campground... There is also a great big beach right on the Saco River that was excellent!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rustic cabins put you closer to nature. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer... There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch. Of course we never left any food out!"
Organized activities: Family-friendly cabin sites often include structured recreation. "Included in your stay is Mini golf, shuffle board, the Waterpark, hayrides, movie night, magicians and more. They also have tubing in the Saco River, ice cream socials and a food truck."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential when staying in woodland cabins. "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite! It was our first time seeing a black bear walking around."
Water conditions: Rivers and swimming areas vary seasonally. "There is swimming/bathing in the Swift River but it was low (we are in a draught)." Check with campground staff about current water levels before planning water activities.
Train noise: Some cabin locations experience railroad disruptions. "There are active tracks literally on the other side of the line of sites... and there are freight trains that come through regularly including all hours of the nights."
Seasonal availability: Most cabin accommodations in the Moose Brook State Park Campground area operate from "May 5 to November 4," though some higher-elevation properties close earlier due to access limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin upgrades for convenience: Consider upgraded cabin options for easier family camping at Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins. "We stay in an HHK which is a site that has its own electric stove, kitchen sink, covered picnic table, and small bathroom in the back! It's definitely more lux than a standard site, but it makes camping with kids insanely easy."
Check bathroom proximity: When booking cabins with children, verify bathroom location. "There's a site called the Tree House and because the treehouse is a 'structure' (it contains two bunk beds) you aren't allowed to put a tent or a camper on the site... the nearest rest room is FOREVER away. I would never be able to get my kids to the bathroom in time."
Swimming options: Choose cabins with multiple water features. "Nice that it is right on the Saco river, has two beaches, the only con is the park for kids only has swings." Properties with both pool and natural water access provide alternatives when river conditions aren't ideal.
Tips from RVers
Electricity concerns: Some older cabin and RV sites experience power fluctuations. "The power at this place is clearly overloaded. On the weekend I was getting warnings that the voltage was in the 95v range(120v)... Below 100v you can start to see damage to electronics and motors as this is a brownout."
Space limitations: Many cabin areas have tight access roads. "The road in for RVs is not terrific. There is about a 1/2 mile that is mostly one lane (with a drop off on one side) and if someone is coming decisions have to be made." Check with White Birches Camping Park about cabin site accessibility before booking.
Height restrictions: Covered bridges limit access to some areas. "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in." Plan alternate routes if your RV exceeds height limitations.
