Cabin camping options near Camillus, New York range from basic lakefront accommodations to full-amenity forest retreats. Most cabins in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with peak visitation during summer weekends. The area features several water-based recreation options with Oneida Lake to the north and the Finger Lakes to the south.
What to do
Hiking and waterfalls: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels leading to one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. As one visitor noted, "The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable. There is also at least 2 other state parks within 30 minutes to visit if you have time."
Swimming in natural waters: Green Lakes State Park Campground provides a unique swimming experience in glacially-formed lakes. "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands," wrote one camper. The park maintains a lifeguarded beach area during summer months.
Military history exploration: Sampson State Park Campground maintains a military museum on the grounds of a former naval training base. "It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era," notes a reviewer. The park combines historical elements with recreational facilities for a multifaceted visit.
Fishing opportunities: Duck Lake Cabins and Campground provides waterfront access on a small, quiet lake ideal for fishing. One visitor mentioned it's a "Tiny quiet campground right on duck lake. Water front sites available."
What campers like
Modernized bathroom facilities: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its clean facilities. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," noted one reviewer.
Proximity to wineries: Sampson State Park Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Finger Lakes wine country. A visitor mentioned among the nearby attractions simply: "Wineries."
Uncrowded camping at smaller sites: Smaller campgrounds like Pleasant Lake Campground offer a more peaceful alternative to larger state parks. According to one camper, "This is a fantastic place for kids and adults...The RV sites are spacious enough that you don't feel like you are too close."
Waterfront cabin options: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground provides sites with lake views. One camper shared, "We stayed in the 800 loop along the tree line. Sites were very spacious! Great camping location with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy or just sit and enjoy the peace."
What you should know
Cabin availability challenges: Most cabins in the region book quickly for summer weekends. Reservations for Verona Beach State Park Campground cabins should be made 6-9 months in advance for peak season stays.
Varied privacy levels: Some campgrounds offer more secluded cabin sites than others. One camper at Oneida Shores County Park noted, "Sites are small and close together. Nice wooded setting on the lake."
Seasonal weather considerations: The region experiences temperature swings between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Pack accordingly for cabin stays that may not include heating or cooling systems.
Limited amenities in basic cabins: Standard cabin rentals typically require guests to bring their own bedding and cooking equipment. Many cabins feature only electrical outlets without plumbing or kitchens.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and playground combination: Verona Beach State Park Campground offers both water recreation and play facilities. "Nice small state park, our site had a water spigot right behind our site hook up hose and filled camper. Lake is dirty but they had a nice splash pad for the kids," reported one family.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature interpretive trails and nature programs. Green Lakes State Park Campground offers unique ecological features. "The hiking includes an easy 3.1 mile loop with much shade around two glacier formed turquoise lakes," noted a visitor.
Wildlife viewing for children: Many cabins place families close to natural habitats. Watch for indigenous wildlife, especially during morning and evening hours.
Avoiding peak crowds: For quieter family experiences, consider midweek visits during shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) when cabins remain available but crowds are smaller.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric access considerations: Hejamada Camping Resort provides full hookups near cabin areas. "They have a lot of space and different types of sites. You get to enjoy nature. They have a pub onsite," noted one visitor.
Shared electrical boxes: Sampson State Park Campground has an infrastructure setup requiring planning. "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough," advised a camper.
Limited dump stations: Most parks in the region operate with minimal waste disposal facilities. "There is only 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. Only 2 dump stations," mentioned a reviewer about Sampson State Park.
Paved access advantages: Some parks feature better internal roads than others. According to one RVer, Sampson State Park offers "Paved loops - good for bikes and scooters."
