Cabin camping near Errol, New Hampshire ranges from primitive shelters to fully equipped units with seasonal availability varying by location. Situated in Coos County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the region experiences temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night even in summer months. Most cabins close by mid-October due to early frost and snowfall patterns that begin in the White Mountains region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Early morning and late evening offer optimal wildlife spotting opportunities around Umbagog Lake. "I saw 5 [moose] during my 5 days there. You're most likely to see moose very early (sunrise) or as dusk," notes a visitor at Umbagog Lake State Park.
Water activities on calm mornings: Kayaking is best before 10am when winds are minimal. "I recommend heading over to Steamer Diamond Landing for early morning paddle with the loons," suggests an Umbagog Lake State Park camper who enjoyed the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge's waterproof maps available at boat launches.
Remote cabin adventures: Access remote cabin sites by boat for a more secluded experience at Lake Francis State Park Campground. "There are a number of nice campsites right on the lake, but even if you don't have a waterfront site, there is a public boat launch," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the dishwashing station, laundry facilities, and clean bathrooms.
Gold panning excursions: Try recreational gold panning at Swift River. "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!" recommends a Coos Canyon Campground visitor.
What campers like
Quiet, cell-free zones: Many cabins offer a digital detox experience. "This is an amazing little campground off in the middle of nowhere. My friends and I went up here for a weekend and we love how isolated it was. It had a beautiful waterfront, it was quiet, and dog friendly! There is also no cell service up there so no phones as distractions!" reports a visitor to Umbagog Lake State Park.
Lakefront cabin locations: Waterfront cabins provide direct water access. "Umbagog Lake Campground is a great place to stay! The campground offers a wide range of different experiences, from on-shore campsites with a more car-campy feel to very secluded paddle-out sites on islands across the lake," notes a camper who plans to return to the remote island sites.
Heated cabin options for cold nights: Fall campers appreciate warm overnight accommodations at Coleman State Park Campground. "It was bitterly cold overnight (24-27 degrees), so I was grateful for my trailer, but it made for some beautiful, if foggy, mornings and brilliantly clear skies for stargazing. If a tent or trailer isn't your choice, there are cabins available, too," writes one camper who visited during autumn.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and hot showers rank highly in cabin camping satisfaction. "Very clean facilities. Friendly staff. I only explored sites 1-21, but all of those sites without hook ups are pretty private," notes a Lake Francis State Park visitor.
What you should know
Winter facility closures: Most cabin areas shut down by early November. "The campground was closing down for the season when I was there, but I suspect that in the summer, esp. around the time of the ATV festival, it'll be a busy place," reports a visitor to Jericho Mountain State Park Campground.
Limited supply options: Bring essential supplies with you. "The camp store had very limited supplies, but did have ice, firewood, t-shirts, sweatshirts and candy bars. There is a store - Young's General Store less than 3 miles away that says they 'have pretty much everything'," explains a Lake Francis camper.
Variable water levels: Lake and pond levels can fluctuate seasonally. "The lake was incredibly low so it was a good thing we weren't trying to launch a boat," notes a Lake Francis visitor who stayed in fall.
Limited connectivity: Most cabin areas have no cell service. "Wifi only works at the camp store, there are extenders throughout the camp, and it worked at our site the first day but didn't after that," reports a Coos Canyon Campground visitor, noting that staff confirmed limited connectivity range.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly waterfront access: Choose shallow beach areas for young children. "The beach is shallow, and perfect for young children," notes a visitor to Umbagog Lake State Park who enjoyed early morning and late evening kayak/canoe trips with family.
Recreational planning: Balance outdoor time with weather contingencies. "We go the same week each year with a hoard of kids and they remember us each year. My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," shares a Timberland Campground visitor who appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere.
Cabin options for mixed-weather trips: Consider lean-tos for rain protection. "Some sites have new shelters, which are nice when you camp and it's calling for rain. Easily pitch a couple four person tents or a tent and table area, off the groups and well protected in the protected deck shelter," recommends a Lake Francis camper.
Off-site activities: Plan day trips to nearby attractions. "We were minutes from Grafton Notch State Park, which had 2 hikes that had waterfalls and swimming holes, Step Falls Preserve, and Screw Auger Falls. There are also several turnouts and a parking lot leading to trails, and a picnic area," explains an Umbagog Lake visitor with family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific sites before booking at Milan Hill State Park Campground. "The sites were all very private, the yurt was great, the bathroom was just a pit toilet," notes a visitor who found the privacy appealing despite basic facilities.
Early reservations required: Book waterfront sites months in advance. "Site fill up on weekends, especially prime lakefront sites. You can choose something more open and grassy or a wooded site," advises a camper who stayed at Umbagog Lake State Park.
Arrival timing considerations: Plan check-in during office hours. "If you arrive after 5 or 6 (depending on the day/month), you'll need to check in in the morning and won't be able to buy firewood on site," warns an Umbagog Lake visitor.
Site layout awareness: Request detailed site maps before arrival. "We had site 42 reserved for 6 nights and unfortunately when we arrived someone had already set up camp with a tent. Apparently a couple came in the night before and the camp host just assumed it was us and let them camp," reports an Umbagog Lake camper who recommends avoiding sites 48, 49, and 8 as they are very close to the RV dump station.
