Cabin camping near Candor, New York provides options ranging from primitive wilderness retreats to modernized facilities within the Finger Lakes region. Located in the Southern Tier of New York at approximately 850 feet elevation, the area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with cabins typically operating from May through October due to harsh winters. Most state park cabins require reservations 9 months in advance for peak summer weekends.
What to Do
Waterfall swimming: At Robert H. Treman State Park, the natural swimming area provides a unique experience. "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 one visitor.
Hiking trails: The cabin accommodations at Watkins Glen State Park provide access to the famous Gorge Trail system. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" advises a regular camper.
Wine country exploration: Cabins serve as convenient base camps for exploring regional attractions. "Location in the Finger Lakes region makes it a good base camp for winery tours. Recommended," shares a visitor about the cabin camping experience.
What Campers Like
Privacy and seclusion: Many cabins near Candor offer secluded experiences. Visitors to rustic retreats report the natural settings as key attractions. "Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table," describes one visitor to Pinecreek Campground.
Swimming facilities: The cabin camping areas at Taughannock Falls State Park offer water recreation opportunities beyond just hiking. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of. The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable."
Fall foliage viewing: Shoulder season cabin camping provides spectacular views. "Been coming here since I was a kid. The camping itself is typical of upstate NYS parks, earthy, woodsy and not crammed too close together," notes one camper about the scenic qualities during autumn months.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins must be booked well in advance, particularly for state parks. "Reserve ahead of time in summer," warns a camper at Buttermilk Falls State Park, where cabins are situated in wooded settings.
Primitive vs. improved options: Cabin amenities vary significantly across properties. "The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there. The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each," reports one visitor about the facilities adjacent to cabin areas.
Weekend noise levels: Many cabin areas become busier on weekends. "This is definitely a large family area. Expect to hear your neighbors once and a while," notes a regular camper about the sound levels during peak periods.
Tips for Camping with Families
Splash pads and pools: For cabin stays with children, Chenango Valley State Park offers amenities beyond basic accommodations. "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids. There are miles of trails to hike and roads to bike."
Playground access: When booking cabins, check for kid-friendly amenities nearby. "Great campground with well-kept bathrooms. Close to hiking trails along the gorge and Cayuga Lake access for swimming and boating," mentions a family who appreciated the recreation options.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin sites often provide wildlife encounters. "We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning," reports a camper about deer sightings, making wildlife viewing an added benefit for families staying in cabins.
Tips from RVers
Campground roads: When transporting gear to cabins, consider road conditions. "Be careful! The campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel," advises a visitor at Pine Valley RV Park & Campground.
Hookup locations: For cabins with electrical service, position matters. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," recommends a camper about the technical aspects of some cabins.
Camp store supplies: Cabin campers should verify what supplies are available on-site. "They had a store right next to the pool area that offered common items with a small grocery area as well which included bundles of wood and ice," notes a visitor about provisions available at some locations.
