Cabin camping near Berkshire, New York offers access to the scenic Finger Lakes region at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. The area features hardwood forests, glacial lakes, and notable gorge formations carved by retreating ice sheets. Most cabin facilities remain open from May through mid-October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: Robert H. Treman State Park features a unique swimming area formed by a waterfall. "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more? Actually, it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own 'space,'" notes Matt G. The swimming area includes a diving board into a pool filled by the cascading water.
Hiking gorge trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers the popular Gorge Trail with 19 waterfalls. "The gorge trail is a MUST," emphasizes Laura L. in her review. Most trails are moderately difficult but accessible for families with children. The park provides a shuttle service that allows hikers to walk down the gorge and catch a bus back.
Kayaking on lakes: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides access to Cayuga Lake. The park is "walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," according to Barbara S. Visitors can bring their own watercraft or find rental options at many of the state parks along lake shores.
What campers like
Cabin proximity to trails: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground cabins are situated in wooded areas close to water features. "None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges," notes Harry H. The cabin locations provide convenient access to nature without requiring long hikes to reach trail systems.
Seasonal variations: Cabin visitors experience different natural settings throughout the camping season. "Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful," comments Harry H. about Buttermilk Falls. Fall colors typically peak in mid-October, providing a dramatic backdrop for cabin stays at the end of the camping season.
Campground size: Smaller campgrounds offer a more peaceful cabin experience. "It was SO nice to have a small campground to stay in! This park isn't terribly busy, but busy enough that it was necessary to 'escape' at night and relax," reports Sara S. about Buttermilk Falls State Park.
What you should know
Cabin condition expectations: Round Top Retreat offers rustic cabin accommodations with minimal amenities. "The lack of electricity and plumbing doesn't bother us one bit. And the water pump is awesome," explains Tara D. Many cabins in the region are designed for campers comfortable with basic facilities rather than luxury accommodations.
Reservation timing: State park cabins fill quickly during peak season. Particularly on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, cabins should be booked 6-9 months in advance. For weekday stays or shoulder season (early May or October), 2-3 month advance booking is typically sufficient.
Wildlife encounters: Campgrounds in the region have active wildlife populations. "Beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out," warns Mary S. about Chenango Valley State Park. Secure food storage containers are recommended for cabin campers.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water features: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers water recreation suitable for various ages. "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids," notes Fred C. The park recently underwent renovations to improve the swimming facilities.
Activity variety: Family groups benefit from multiple recreation options within single parks. "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house. They have fishing and boat rentals... There are nice trails for hiking that go all the way around the lake," describes Mary P. about Chenango Valley State Park.
Biking opportunities: Several parks offer safe biking environments for children. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation," recommends Courtney Z. about Chenango Valley. The relatively flat terrain of many campgrounds makes biking accessible for younger riders.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground offers varying levels of privacy depending on location. "The sites in the middle section of the campground don't really have designated boundaries, while those around the edges are more traditionally divided," explains Shari G. Cabins and RV sites have different levels of separation from neighboring campers.
Hookup variability: Electric hookups at cabin and RV sites may have placement challenges. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," warns Victoria about Robert H. Treman State Park. Some sites require extension cords due to hookup positioning on the wrong side.
Seasonal facility changes: Park amenities vary throughout the season. "We didn't want to detach for a one night stay. Even if the pad wasn't that long, there are other pads wide enough to handle a vehicle and trailer like ours side by side," notes Mary S. about Chenango Valley State Park, highlighting the flexible parking arrangements for visitors with trailers.
