Cabin accommodations near Chester, New York range from basic rustic structures to well-appointed facilities across several recreation areas. Located in the Hudson Valley region at elevations between 500-1,800 feet, the area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters that affect cabin availability and comfort. Most cabins require reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers platform cabins with access to a peaceful lake for swimming and canoeing. A camper noted, "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains."
Family activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner provides numerous activities for children staying in their cabin accommodations. One visitor mentioned, "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," while another added, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Hiking access: Cabin rentals at High Point State Park offer convenient access to numerous trails. A visitor reported, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Military cabins at Round Pond Recreation Area receive high marks for cleanliness. A visitor noted, "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound. We were very impressed with the playground on site!"
Peaceful surroundings: The unique cabins at Moon Valley Campground offer tranquility and views. A reviewer shared, "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the 'dome' which has incredible views."
Swimming areas: Sebago Cabin Camp provides excellent water activities. According to a recent visitor, "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
What you should know
Cabin conditions: Sebago Cabin Camp offers basic accommodations. A camper advised, "The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up. Don't expect to swim on site- go to Lake Welch near by!"
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities in the Chester area require advance planning, particularly for summer months. At High Point State Park, campers should know, "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs."
Military-only facilities: Both Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area and Round Pond are restricted to military personnel. A veteran explained, "Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained. Between rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but, still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience, there is something for everyone."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers extensive family programming. A parent shared, "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers. It is a bit more open and campsite can be a bit close to each other. But the place was very clean a friendly."
Consider cabin spacing: When booking cabins with children, look for places with adequate room between sites. One family at Jellystone noted, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there. We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site."
Nature education: Peace and Carrots Farm offers a unique cabin experience on a working farm. A visitor described, "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning."
Tips from RVers
Transportation options: When staying in cabin accommodations, consider rental options. At Jellystone Park, a visitor cautioned, "Love it here but renting a golf cart is prob not the best option $175 for 2 days and it only goes 5mph I can walk faster than that."
Site selection: For those transitioning from RVs to cabins, consider accessibility needs. A camper at High Point State Park advised, "Drive in but ours had a drive in to a mini trail so it was a pain to load/unload. Camping right along the lake was nice, small trail to walk around river and trails to hike into the mt."
Meal planning: Many cabins near Chester offer limited cooking facilities. At Korns Campground, a visitor appreciated, "The campgrounds were clean and beautiful. We parked right next to our camp site and had water, fire pit, outlets, and our car all in one area."
