Cabin rentals near Champlain, New York provide lake access for water recreation in an area that experiences warm summers from June to August with average temperatures between 70-85°F and cooler spring and fall seasons. Most cabins sit at elevations between 100-500 feet above sea level, offering views of Lake Champlain's 120-mile length and proximity to the Adirondack Mountains.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Burton Island State Park Campground maintains waterfront areas for launching small watercraft from cabin sites. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike," notes one visitor about the nearby area.
Off-season activities: Several cabin locations maintain year-round access with heated options. "The views of lake Champlain are amazing. Ex check in and plenty of amenities," reports a camper who stayed at Apple Island Resort during shoulder season.
Nature programs: Some sites organize educational activities for visitors. "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," explains a cabin camper who visited Grand Isle State Park with their family.
Swimming options: Cabins near specific sections of Lake Champlain offer better swimming conditions. "The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming. The northern part has shale beaches, and a few areas of mucky/pebbly beaches," reports a Burton Island visitor.
What campers like
Adult-focused accommodations: Champlain Resort Adult Campground provides cabin options specifically for guests seeking quieter environments. "Where do I begin, the name says it all. It is child free which means it is super quiet and so relaxed. We spent about 11 days in absolute paradise at this campground," explains a visitor who appreciated the atmosphere.
Lean-to options: These three-sided shelters offer more protection than tents while maintaining a rustic feel. "We spent 4 nights in a 'prime' lean-to at this location on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. This was our second time at this location, but first experience in their lean-tos, and the views, staff and cleanliness of this place did not disappoint," notes one Grand Isle State Park camper.
Accessible cabins: Some locations prioritize accessibility features. "We actually stayed in an ADA site (it was the only one left). It was REALLY nice. Gravel drive all the way in to a nicely built 3 walled platform with a roof," reports a visitor who stayed at Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Local food options: Cabin guests appreciate nearby dining. "Cody's cafe for breakfast one day it was good. We needed a real grocery store so ventured to find one. Hanafords isn't that far from there," explains a visitor who stayed at Campbells Bay Campground.
What you should know
Limited prime site availability: Waterfront cabin sites book quickly. "Waterfront sites at Burton Island book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites," advises a frequent cabin camper.
Ferry requirements: Some cabin locations require boat transport. "You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains a Burton Island visitor about accessing their cabin site.
Cash-only policies: Not all cabin rentals accept credit cards. "Bring your cash or checkbook as they don't take credit cards," warns a visitor about North Beach Campground.
Water conditions: Swimming quality varies by location and season. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," reports a Lake Carmi State Park visitor who stayed in a cabin during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity options: Some cabin sites maintain dedicated children's programming. "What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated," notes a visitor to Grand Isle State Park.
Consider beach quality: Rocky beaches may not suit young children. "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix," reports a visitor about Lake Carmi, noting this affected their family's enjoyment of the waterfront cabin experience.
Check for playground availability: AuSable Chasm Campground maintains family-friendly cabin amenities. "Large and nice-looking playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails," reports a visitor who appreciated the range of options for children.
Verify noise levels: Some locations attract louder groups. "The people that seemed to be attracted to this place were crude, rude and didn't follow any of the posted rules. Maybe this is a fluke for the week we were there but it was consistent no matter where we were," warns a Lake Carmi visitor about their cabin camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Consider site leveling: Some cabin and RV sites require equipment to level. "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles," reports a visitor to AuSable Chasm Campground.
Check road conditions: Access roads vary greatly between cabin locations. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," notes an AuSable Chasm Campground visitor.
Look for pull-through options: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provides larger cabin and RV sites. "We reserved a full hook up 50a pull through for 3 nights as we toured the northeast. Check in was a little tricky, as we missed the 'REGISTRATION' sign at the Lodge and had to drive around again," explains a visitor.
