Cabins near Adams, New York dot the shoreline of Lake Ontario and inland areas within 50 miles of this Northern New York community. The region features elevations ranging from 250 to 500 feet with a climate characterized by heavy lake effect snow in winter and mild summers averaging 75°F. Most cabin facilities operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with cabin options ranging from basic wilderness shelters to modern cottages with amenities.
What to do
Water activities: Lake Ontario provides fishing opportunities with salmon, bass, and trout. At Sun Outdoors Association Island (formerly KOA), visitors can "drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool," according to Donna C.
Hiking trails: Multiple state parks offer marked paths through diverse terrain. Selkirk Shores State Park Campground features "miles of hiking trails by the water" where trails lead to scenic vistas and wildlife viewing areas.
Fishing excursions: The Salmon River area offers premium fishing spots. Stoneys Pineville Campground serves as a base for anglers, with one visitor noting they had been "out three years consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay."
Winter activities: While most cabins close for winter, several locations offer year-round rentals. Visitors can access regional snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing routes from cabin properties when conditions permit.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Direct water access rates highly among cabin guests. At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "waterfront campsites" where they spent "most of the time there fishing and canoeing."
Privacy levels: Some cabins offer more seclusion than others. As one camper at Wellesley Island noted, their site was "very spacious and private," which enhanced their camping experience significantly.
Sunset views: Lake Ontario sunsets receive consistent praise. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, campers report "spectacular" western views where "you'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets!"
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with cabins typically include recreational options. Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort offers "so many different activities, from gem mining to mini gulf, swimming to the water park," making it "perfect for the family."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin operations run May through October. A visitor to Southwick Beach State Park Campground noted "beautiful new buildings on site" but warned the "beach is nice but can get crowded."
Reservation requirements: Peak weekends book months in advance. Many locations require minimum stays during summer, particularly for cabins.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes raccoons and skunks. One camper advised to "watch out for the skunks and raccoons on this island, they are huge from partaking in campers food!"
Accessibility challenges: Some cabin areas have limited wheelchair access. Terrain can be challenging with gravel paths and steps to cabin entrances.
Insect preparation: Lake proximity means insects are prevalent. A visitor to Association Island noted "the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select cabins near play areas for convenience. Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort offers extensive children's activities where "the kids had a blast playing in the river, heck the adults had fun too."
Beach safety: Lake Ontario has variable conditions. Southwick Beach provides "access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario" with waves that "don't get too big, so it is very safe for kids."
Kid-friendly programs: Several parks offer organized activities. One visitor to Yogi Bears noted "so many activities for the little ones" including "crafts, games, activities, playground, pool, bouncy pillow, twice daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, bike parades."
Budget planning: Extra activities often incur additional fees. A camper mentioned "although the extras cost a bit, the extras are totally worth it and there is little to no reason to leave the park itself."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific cabin locations before booking. At Brennan Beach Campground, one RVer found "our site was a little narrower than others based on our proximity to a corner, but we still loved it."
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season offers more availability and privacy. A visitor noted "we went late summer so it was becoming offseason. Most amenities close down."
Utility considerations: Not all cabins include full utilities. Some visitors recommend bringing extension cords and supplemental heating/cooling options depending on cabin amenities.
Local recommendations: Staff often provide valuable information about nearby attractions. At Association Island, "Bob gave us amazing local recommendations" about nearby points of interest not found in guidebooks.
Arrival logistics: Check-in procedures vary by location. One camper appreciated that "at check in they take you to your spot and help you get settled in. That is a marriage saver."
