Cabin rentals in the Colebrook area range from primitive forest structures to fully furnished units with kitchenettes. Most locations operate between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, with peak demand occurring July through September. Northern New Hampshire winter temperatures average 18°F, while summer averages 66°F, making cabin accommodations a practical choice for the region's variable weather conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Umbagog Lake State Park provides excellent locations for seeing diverse wildlife. One visitor shared, "I loved the loons, bald eagles, and herons" while another mentioned, "The sunsets here put all other sunsets to shame. The lake is crystal clear, there are so many great places to snorkel, swim, kayak, fish, literally anything." Many cabins provide access to these same viewing areas.
Paddling expeditions: Access local waterways directly from cabin properties for fishing or exploration. At Lake Francis State Park Campground, a camper reported, "I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet (30min east of the campground)." The park offers boat launches for small watercraft and convenient cabin accommodations nearby.
ATV trail access: Several cabin rental properties connect directly to the extensive ATV trail network. At Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground, visitors noted its position as "a nice good place to make your base with easy access to trails and lakes." Sites with direct ATV trail access can be specifically requested when booking.
What campers like
Simplicity and disconnect: The lack of cell service appeals to many cabin renters seeking true disconnection. As one visitor to Umbagog Lake State Park explained, "There is also no cell service up there so no phones as distractions!" Brighton State Park campers noted similar appeal with "listening to the loons in the morning."
Clean facilities: Renters consistently praise bathroom and shower cleanliness across properties. At Maidstone State Park, visitors appreciate "facilities on the A loop are vintage 1950s, simple clean but not new." Another reviewer noted, "The facilities are new, with nice gendered bathrooms, a non-gendered single bathroom, coin-op showers and a dish pit."
Multiple sleeping configurations: Cabins provide varied accommodations for different group sizes. The Nulhegan Confluence Hut features "a sleeping loft with a few foam mattresses" and "a futon downstairs that can be used as a couch or sleep two people." Most park cabins include both loft and main floor sleeping areas to accommodate families.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for cabin rentals, particularly for waterfront locations. At Lake Francis State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "We stopped in on a Saturday at noon to see if by chance there was a site available for one night. There was a cancellation and we had a beautiful secluded, sunny, grassy site."
Supply considerations: Most cabin rentals provide basic furniture only. A visitor to Brighton State Park Campground advised, "They rake the sites after people leave so everything is neat and tidy and as flat as possible for your tent." Bring all bedding, cooking supplies, and food as most properties have limited on-site stores.
Shower operations: Pay showers are standard at most facilities. At Lake Francis, "Hot showers are $0.25/3 minutes. I must say that I've never had a shower that felt like I was being power washed. Great water pressure!" Brighton State Park also offers "cleanest showers I've seen at any campsite so far."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs and wildlife viewing areas. At Coleman State Park, "The pond is wonderful, the sounds of loons - Magical." Brighton State Park offers "THE best. Some of my favorite photos from hiking, and the trail names/maps are below. The Moose Observation Platform is no lie."
Appropriate cabin selection: Choose accommodations based on sleeping arrangements and location. Coleman State Park Campground provides varied options: "The mix of site types is one of a kind for the area, Lodges, Cabins, Lean-to and tent sites." Some cabins are "nicely tucked into the trees" while others provide lake views.
Winter considerations: Most cabin facilities close by mid-October. Verify off-season operation before planning winter trips. Some year-round cabins may not maintain road access during heavy snow periods. The Nulhegan Confluence Hut remains accessible with "a short walk from a roadside parking area (though a little longer in the winter due to the parking being moved across the road)."
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: Few cabins offer complete RV utilities. Lake Francis State Park Campground provides "about 7 RV sites right on the lake with full hookups which are great but they do not have the privacy." Umbagog Lake offers some water and electric hookups, but limited sewer connections.
Access limitations: Road conditions vary significantly by season. One visitor to Big Rock Campground noted the campground is "very close to the road, not much privacy." Dirt access roads to more remote cabin sites may become difficult for larger vehicles during wet conditions.
Supply procurement: Stock up before arrival at remote cabin sites. At Lake Francis, "There is a store - Young's General Store less than 3 miles away that says they 'have pretty much everything'." A visitor recommends, "If you want a fire, buy your firewood when you arrive. I made the mistake of waiting and the office closed by 5pm on a weeknight."
