Cabin camping near Caledonia, New York offers access to the scenic Genesee River Valley with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F, while fall brings cooler 45-65°F conditions ideal for hiking. Most cabins in the area remain open from May through mid-October, though several parks extend their cabin rental season into November for fall foliage viewing.
What to do
Hiking through gorges: Stony Brook State Park Campground features multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The gorge trail spans 1.1 miles and showcases three major waterfalls. "The gorge trail is very busy but you still can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along with the gorge formation. We also did the east trail that goes up to the top of the gorge and is also a little further into the woods. It was much quieter up there and the views looking down from there were breathtaking," notes one visitor.
Swimming in natural pools: Several parks offer unique swimming opportunities beyond standard pool facilities. Stony Brook State Park provides a natural swimming area carved directly from the mountainside. "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing. Great hikes with bunches of little waterfalls and small pools for swimming," shares a camper.
Fishing opportunities: The Ridge Campsite maintains multiple fishing ponds stocked seasonally. Located just 15 minutes from Caledonia, the property offers both catch-and-release and keep options depending on the pond. "They have a nice little store for necessities and a snack shop. Highly recommend this place," mentions a reviewer who enjoyed the fishing amenities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Webster Park offers well-spaced cabin and tent sites set among mature trees. "Camp sites are wooded and private. Very quiet and peaceful. Clean and well maintained," reports a camper. The park's layout features separated loops with natural barriers that maintain privacy despite the campground's popularity.
Family-friendly amenities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA provides extensive recreational options for families staying in cabins. "We spent father's day weekend at the KOA. Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals. There's Ziplines with treetop walk and a bounce. And even a play area for your dogs," explains one visitor.
Convenient location: Many cabins offer strategic positioning between natural attractions and urban conveniences. Webster Park demonstrates this balance well. "Close to lake Ontario tucked back in the woods yet very close to inner city shopping restaurant everything at your fingertips," notes a camper. This park sits just 15 miles from Rochester while maintaining a wooded, natural setting.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most cabins close by mid-October, though some parks extend their season. Letchworth State Park officially operates from May 6 to October 16, while Darien Lakes State Park follows a similar schedule. As one visitor notes, "In most states, those without falls like Niagara, this state park would be the pride of the land. With three serious drops in as many miles, the Genesee River winds its way through what locals call the 'Grand Canyon of the East.'"
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for weekend stays from June through August when cabin occupancy reaches 90-100%. Most parks use an online reservation system with booking windows opening 9 months in advance.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and access vary significantly between properties. Webster Park earns high marks for cleanliness: "Bathrooms and showers clean! Sink available for dishes," reports a camper. Many cabins require short walks to centralized bathroom facilities rather than in-unit options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near recreational areas for convenience with young children. Webster Park offers this advantage: "We stay close to the playground these days in our pop up usually at site 5 so our 5 and 9 year old can walk or ride to campground. We like site 1 as well. We stay on the outer ring on that side of loop as it gives access to the woods and trails behind the sites."
Nature-based activities: Several parks provide educational opportunities beyond standard playgrounds. Darien Lakes State Park recently added a Frisbee golf course and maintains extensive hiking trails suitable for children. "This park is a nicely kept, clean and quiet gem. I live local to the area and still find a time to setup the tent and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the noise of daily life. There are miles of hiking trails, nice 'lakes' to fish and swim in," shares a local camper.
Weather considerations: Spring camping often brings rain and cooler temperatures. Pack extra tarps and rain gear, particularly in May when the region averages 3.5 inches of rainfall. "Planned this campout about a month ahead and hoped for good weather. Turned out to be a rainy week and weekend, a few dry spells in between. We had plenty of shelter with us to keep dry," recalls a Stony Brook visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance roads that require careful navigation. The Ridge Campsite requires attention during arrival: "Driveway getting in and out is a little tight for big units, definitely have to swing wide. Sites are very big and clean has plenty to do with multiple fishing ponds, swimming pool and playgrounds."
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from basic 30-amp to full 50-amp with water connections. Many parks offer a mixture of hookup options within the same property, often at different price points. Expect to pay $5-10 more per night for upgraded electrical service.
Water connections: Bring extra hose lengths for cabins and RV sites with water hookups. Webster Park specifically requires longer hoses: "You need a long hose for fresh water in the RV. No sewer sites," advises a camper. Standard 25-foot hoses often prove insufficient at several area campgrounds where water connections may be positioned awkwardly.
