Cabin camping near Arkville, New York provides visitors access to the western Catskill Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 3,500 feet. This region experiences cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with evening temperatures often dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Most cabin facilities operate from mid-May through mid-October with limited winter availability due to mountain road conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Russell Brook Campsites offers direct water access with spacious sites adjacent to the water. "Our site was massive (39) and had direct access to Russell Brook. Couldn't keep my son out of the water. Very peaceful. Felt like we had the place to ourselves," notes Mike C.
Hiking trails: Multiple cabin providers position visitors near trail networks. At The Blueberry Patch, Shirley A. shared: "To our surprise we found this beautiful yurt in the Catskills with views to envy any nature enthusiast. It was beginning of fall in October and the dark nights were filled with gazing shooting stars."
Seasonal activities: Winter cabin options remain limited but some locations stay open. Several campgrounds including Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offer extended seasons. According to William R., "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Cabins offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Roscoe Campsites, Richard V. noted: "Right on the Beaverkill River, it's quiet, clean, gorgeous, brand new cabins and concrete pads. Fisherman's heaven. Can't wait to go back."
Water features: Many visitors specifically seek waterfront cabins. At Russell Brook Campsites, Attila T. mentioned: "Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing."
Cleanliness standards: Maintenance varies between locations. Country Roads Campground receives consistent praise for upkeep. Tom R. shared: "Beautiful campground. Stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require 2-7 day advance booking during peak season. At Crazy Acres Campground, Wilson W. noted: "I truck camped here. Very nice place with super owners. Very clean bathrooms and showers. My site had 30 amp electric (also 2 extension cord outlets in the box) and water."
Bathroom facilities: Shower access varies significantly between properties. Brian J. from Russell Brook Campsites explained: "Have stayed at RB multiple times over the years since Charlie ran the place. It's an awesome visit to the woods. As close to nature as possible with modern conveniences still nearby."
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin rental operations close completely after October. Jen C. from Crazy Acres noted: "Excellent campground. The tone of the place is set when you drive in. Everyone, staff and campers are friendly respectful even the kids! Grounds are clean, kids were constantly busy and happy."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-focused cabins typically cluster near recreation areas. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, Jennifer I. shared: "This campground is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity."
Swimming options: Several facilities offer supervised swimming areas. Amanda S. from Jellystone noted: "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Noise levels: Family-oriented cabin areas may have earlier quiet hours. Robert M. from Crazy Acres explained: "We are full timers and took our daughter, her boyfriend and our granddaughter for a weekend camping. We had fun, plenty of activities, a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by. Nighttime family fun as well."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some cabin areas share infrastructure with RV sites. Mike C. from Roscoe Campsites noted: "Nice place. Only ever been during mid week and the place is empty which is nice. The general store isn't always open which can get annoying at times."
Hookup quality: Electric service varies between cabin properties. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers both cabin and RV options. Kyla B. shared: "Stayed for a night. We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids! Pricey--$60 a night. But super nice being right on the creek."
Year-round accessibility: Most cabin rental operations have limited winter access due to snow. At Country Roads Campground, Philip M. observed: "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel."
