Cabin camping near Burlington Flats, New York offers year-round opportunities in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall brings vibrant foliage displays from mid-September through October, creating ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor photography.
What to do
Swimming in Otsego Lake: Visitors to Glimmerglass State Park Campground can enjoy the pristine waters. "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach. Also a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping," notes one camper.
Tubing on West Canada Creek: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers a unique water experience just 45 minutes from Burlington Flats. "Super relaxing and the creek is AMAZING. Both kid and adult friendly and it's free, just bring a tube or purchase for cheap at the camp store. Lazy river flow with some faster spots, truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun," explains a visitor.
Gem hunting: Combine your cabin stay with a unique mineral collecting experience. "The mines are so much fun. Some of the sites are crowded but each site has plenty of space. The whole park is well maintained," reports a camper about the diamond mining opportunities.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Deer Haven Campground and Cabins offers more private cabin options. "Stayed during the week and was able to get a more secluded, wooded site. (Most of them are pretty open) It was quiet at night. Nice walking trail around the property through woods and field," shares a recent visitor.
Star gazing opportunities: The rural setting around Burlington Flats provides excellent night sky viewing conditions. One camper at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA noted, "Star gazing, falling asleep to the sound of the creek, lots of fun spaces for kids, inexpensive, etc. We loved it so much, we extended our stay."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. "We had a great time and saw deer on our site a few mornings!" mentions a camper staying at Deer Haven Campground and Cabins, adding to the natural experience.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During baseball season in Cooperstown, cabin availability becomes extremely limited. "Glimmerglass is beautiful! The beach was gorgeous the campsite was a great size and secluded. I can't wait to go back next year!" notes a camper, highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Cooperstown KOA, "The WiFi is very good-- modern and surprising speeds (60Mbps) and cell phone for AT&T was decent," reports one visitor, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Water conditions: Some lakes in the region experience seasonal algae issues. A visitor to Gilbert Lake State Park noted, "A major problem at this park is the recent development of a toxic algae problem in the lake. Because of algae blooms during warm weather, swimming and fishing in Gilbert Lake are now prohibited."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Gilbert Lake State Park Campground offers accessible outdoor experiences. "There is a big lake that is very built up for swimmers and has a playground, water sport rentals and more. There are also volleyball courts and horseshoes. Great place to bring the family!" shares a frequent visitor.
Baseball-themed activities: For families visiting during baseball season, specialized campgrounds cater to teams. "You could have the whole team stay here in the cabins and bring RVs too. Only 10min or so to dreams park. Wooded area where RVs are and separate area where the cabins are," explains a visitor to Beaver Valley Campground.
All-terrain accessibility: Some parks offer specialized equipment for families with mobility needs. A reviewer mentioned, "The park office has available a new all-terrain wheelchair that patrons can use to get out into the woods and explore."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Hartwick Highlands Campground, specific sections provide different experiences. "Quiet over in the 100 acre woods section so nice for a couples camping trip!" advises one camper, helping visitors choose the right cabin location.
Transport to attractions: When visiting Cooperstown attractions, parking for large vehicles requires planning. "You can't park any vehicle over 20' in Cooperstown, but you can park for free (even a motorhome) in the Yellow Lot and take the Trolley into town for $2.50. Super convenient!" recommends a visitor to Cooperstown KOA.
Utility considerations: Water pressure can be inconsistent at some locations. "One annoyance is the water pressure seemed to drop on occasion and one night was low for quite a while due to the pool being filled. We had to wait to do dishes until the next morning," reports a camper, noting that text message notifications about such issues were provided.
