Cabin camping near Burdett, New York offers lodging options within the Finger Lakes region at elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, while summer evenings typically cool to the mid-60s. Most cabins in the region lack plumbing and require campers to access central bathroom facilities.
What to do
Gorge hiking trails: Robert H. Treman State Park features waterfall-lined trails with various difficulty levels. "There are endless waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing holes and bird watching opportunities," notes one visitor. The rim trail provides more challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Swimming areas: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers a swimming area reaching 12 feet deep with a jumping dock. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," reports a camper. The park also features relatively flat hiking trails suitable for beginners.
Wildlife observation: Multiple parks provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall," mentions one visitor to Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground. The wooded environment supports various bird species and small mammals.
What campers like
Large playground areas: Several parks maintain playground facilities for children. At Sampson State Park Campground, "Recreation Hall, swimming, fishing, great lake front playground, camp store, hiking trails (many wheelchair friendly) and boating" are available according to a recent visitor. The playground areas provide entertainment between hiking excursions.
Wooded privacy: Many cabins offer secluded settings among trees. "The campsites are great and are all tree lined giving to a bit of privacy. As much as you get in campgrounds," reports a visitor to Watkins Glen State Park Campground. This woodland environment creates natural sound barriers between sites.
Military history: Some campgrounds feature historical significance beyond natural features. At Sampson State Park, "It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era. Very shady and ample bathroom, shower, and water facilities." The park previously served as a Naval training base during World War II.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some facilities experience water quality issues. At Ferenbaugh Campground, one camper advises, "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there." Multiple visitors mention bringing water filters for cabin stays.
Cabin electricity variations: Electric service differs significantly between parks. Taughannock Falls cabins have electricity but no running water, while others include both. Robert Treman's electricity setup presents challenges for certain vehicles, as "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Buttermilk Falls operates from May 20 to October 10, while Robert Treman extends from April 22 to November 20. Swimming areas typically close earlier than camping facilities, sometimes by early September regardless of temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: When weather threatens, some campground pools close regardless of actual conditions. A visitor to Watkins Glen/Corning KOA noted, "A lot of outdoor features for kids which were closed while we were there." Consider campgrounds with indoor recreation options as backup.
Multiple activity options: Look for campgrounds with diverse facilities. At Pinecreek Campground, visitors appreciate that "Family friendly, beautiful atmosphere, nice roomy sites, great pool and kids get to ride their bikes all over and feel safe." The open areas allow for impromptu games and activities.
Bathroom proximity: Consider cabin location relative to bathrooms. At Robert Treman, "Site 54 is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom." Families with young children may prefer sites closer to facilities despite potential noise from door closings.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Plan for potentially awkward electrical connections. According to Sampson State Park visitors, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough." Some campgrounds require specific cord lengths or adaptors.
Water fill logistics: Multiple campers note limited water filling stations. "There is only one source for water fill up. This could end up being a very very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers," warns a Sampson State Park visitor. Plan arrival times to avoid peak check-in periods.
Limited dump stations: Many parks operate with minimal waste disposal facilities. "Only 2 dump stations" mentions a Sampson visitor, which can create morning congestion on busy checkout days. Some campgrounds restrict backing procedures, noting "They don't allow pull-in camping. Campers MUST be backed in."
