Cabin camping near Apulia Station offers options for visitors seeking shelter in New York's varied seasons, where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Most cabins in this region sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating distinct seasonal experiences with colorful fall foliage and snow-covered winter landscapes. Spring brings muddy conditions to many campsites, requiring appropriate footwear and preparation.
What to do
Swimming at natural features: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers a swimming area with depths reaching 12 feet and a dock for jumping. "The swimming area has depths reaching 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," notes Barbara S., who also mentions the park's hiking trails are "very manageable."
Hiking glacial formations: Green Lakes State Park Campground features unique trails around two glacier-formed turquoise lakes. Sheri S. describes the experience: "The hiking includes an easy 3.1 mile loop with much shade around two glacier formed turquoise lakes (you need to see them in person to appreciate)."
Boating opportunities: Multiple parks offer boat rentals with hourly rates around $7. "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," writes Cindy H. about Green Lakes, while noting the campground has "a camp store, laundry room, recreation room, playgrounds and much more."
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground integrates waterfalls with swimming. "The falls are always fun, despite the lack of impressive height. The fact they're integrated into the swimming area is a unique feature," writes Chris D., who found the campground "earthy, woodsy and not crammed too close together."
Campground layout: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers exceptionally flat sites. "Sites were really flat with some tree coverage for shade. Great water for older kids that can swim. Lots of hiking trails that were along the gorge with water scenic views," shares Kelly J., who found the campground staff "really nice."
Privacy levels: Bowman Lake State Park Campground provides more separation between sites than most regional parks. "It was very secluded and in the woods, right next to the lake as well. I enjoyed how spread out this campground is compared to most and the location is beautiful," writes Katarina M.
What you should know
Shower facilities: Locations vary in shower quality and access. At Oneida Shores County Park, "Showers are available but a bit far from the actual campground. Water was warm but the water pressure wasn't great," according to Nicole V., who also mentions separate men's and women's bathrooms with multiple stalls.
Reservation timing: Most parks fill completely during summer weekends. For Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, Michelle L. advises: "Yes, this is a busy campground for a small town but what people forget is the hiking trails and the falls that you see are absolutely breathtaking."
Site specifics: Some campgrounds have better sites than others. At Cayuga Lake State Park Campground, Jeremy T. recommends: "We stayed 2 nights at site 1002. I think this site is one of the best in the campground! Very secluded and private. Be weary that some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground features a large playground area. Amanda K. notes the "Large playground" among the highlights, along with "Swimming, Fishing, Kayak or canoe launch pad."
Beach access: Multiple parks feature beaches with varying amenities. At Verona Beach State Park Campground, Carl G. mentions, "Lake is dirty but they had a nice splash pad for the kids. Nice consession stand reasonably priced for a State campground."
Water safety: Consider swimming abilities when selecting parks. At Robert H. Treman State Park, "Great water for older kids that can swim," advises Kelly J., while Green Lakes offers "a wide and shallow" beach area according to reviewers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground has both flat and uneven options. Kim B. notes: "The campground has playgrounds and areas for various sports but is pretty 'rustic' overall. There are cabins and camping along the creek and if you want quiet get the sites furthest away from the road across the creek."
Hookup details: Many parks offer electric but limited full hookups. At Verona Beach State Park Campground, one visitor found "our site had a water spigot right behind our site hook up hose and filled camper," making water access convenient despite no direct hookups.
Site selection: Some parks restrict larger RVs. At Robert H. Treman, Victoria notes: "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
