Cabin camping near Caroga Lake, New York offers diverse accommodations in the southern Adirondack region, situated at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months, while winter brings significant snowfall making some cabins inaccessible from November through April.
What to do
Hiking trails connection: DevilDoc Campsites provides direct access to hiking trails from their property. One visitor noted, "Hiking is also available directly from the campgrounds and connects to nearby trails, leading wherever your heart desires, from treks to the lakes nearby to one that even goes all through the Adirondacks."
Swimming opportunities: Caroga Lake Campground connects to a beach area suitable for swimming. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers were typical of other campgrounds and not overly large however they were cleaned regularly and the water was hot which was great for the end of a long day."
Mining adventures: Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground offers a unique activity with their on-site Herkimer Diamond mine. A reviewer explained, "A fine campground with it's own Herkimer Diamond Mine walking distance (or you can drive up your vehicle) to the mining area."
Winter activities: For those seeking year-round cabin options, some sites remain accessible for cold-weather camping with specific winter amenities. Several cabins provide heating systems suitable for winter conditions, allowing access to snowmobile trails and winter sports nearby.
What campers like
Privacy levels: The privacy between cabins varies significantly by location. At DevilDoc Campsites, one camper highlighted, "The campsites themselves are huge - this isn't a state park site where you're smushed on top of your neighbor. There are all types of campsites available for various camping styles."
Water features: Many visitors appreciate cabins with water access. One visitor to Moffitt Beach Campground shared, "Campsites are unremarkable but not in bad way. Very generic DEC campground, facilities are clean and well maintained. Nice swimming area, smallish day use area."
Star visibility: The rural location provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at DevilDoc Campsites observed, "You'll fall asleep to the sounds of bull frogs, oh and the star gazing is pretty darn nice as well!"
Fire pit access: Nearly all cabin sites include fire pits with various wood supply options. A visitor to Crystal Grove noted, "Purchased firewood that was quite competitive in price compared to local grocery/convenience stores that sell kiln dried wood here in NYS. I'd say about double the amount of wood."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advanced planning is essential for securing cabin accommodations. At Cooperstown KOA, which is within driving distance of Caroga Lake, guests noted reservation benefits: "We had the whole camp ground to myself so that was even better. It is definitely off the beaten path but we'll worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom options range widely between properties. One visitor to Caroga Lake Campground mentioned, "Our site was out of the main population, but it was a bit of a hike to the restroom which is something to keep in mind if you've really got to get to a bathroom first thing in the morning."
Wildlife awareness: Some cabins experience regular wildlife visitors. A camper at Caroga Lake Campground shared, "This site also is bordered by a small stream so expect mosquitoes and the occasional visit from wildlife (we had raccoons at our site each night, so kept food in the car)."
Off-season limitations: Services and amenities reduce significantly in off-peak months. During shoulder seasons, water systems may be turned off and shared facilities closed at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer designated children's areas. A visitor to Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA shared, "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms. Lots of grass and shade."
Tubing options: Water activities provide family entertainment at select locations. One reviewer at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA explained, "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. A visitor to Glimmerglass State Park Campground noted, "There is also a nice playground for kids. 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."
Educational opportunities: Mining activities offer both entertainment and education. A visitor to Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground mentioned, "The grandchildren had a great time and love looking and finding Herkimer Diamonds."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabins at locations that also serve RVs, choose carefully for appropriate spacing. At Royal Mountain Campsites, a visitor shared, "Site was HUGE! Website stated sites were 30Amp so very happy to have found 50Amp upon arrival!"
Power options: Electricity availability varies significantly between cabin locations. One camper at Royal Mountain Campsites commented, "Navigating the campground was easy and they had social fires by their pond in the evenings. Plenty to see nearby or just stay in."
Dump station access: For RVers bringing trailers to cabin sites, dump facilities are important. A reviewer at DevilDoc Campsites mentioned, "Only con was that they were limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to anothwr place, a little hassle."
Ice cream proximity: Several campgrounds feature ice cream access, a popular amenity. A visitor to Royal Mountain Campsites noted, "I'm sorry but I gotta start by saying that we ate ice cream every night!!! The 'office' is an ice cream shop off the side of the road that all the locals apparently love based on lines and what we tasted!"
