Cabins near Colton, New York provide access to the St. Lawrence River Valley and western Adirondack region with elevations ranging from 300-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from November through March, while summer highs average in the mid-70s F. Most cabin facilities in this region operate seasonally from May through early October, with peak reservation periods in July and August.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At Cranberry Lake Campground, visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area and fishing directly from shoreline sites. "We spent one day kayaking on the lake and another day hiking. The campground reminded us of summer camp on the lake, as it seemed frozen in time," notes one visitor who recommends bringing bug shirts for hiking trails.
Winter exploration: Robert Moses State Park Campground maintains select cabins for winter access, allowing for ice fishing and snowshoeing when conditions permit. As one camper mentions, "The cabin is cozy and on the water! You'll love it!" The park's proximity to Eisenhower Locks provides opportunities to watch international shipping vessels navigate the St. Lawrence River.
Hiking access: Meadowbrook Campground serves as a convenient basecamp for accessing Adirondack hiking trails, including the Saranac 6er peaks. "There's a trail to Scarface that leaves from the campground. Like many of the towns in the area, Saranac has a hiking challenge. Complete 6 hikes in the area and earn a patch," explains one visitor who appreciated the historical attractions nearby.
What campers like
Bathroom facilities: Cranberry Lake Campground maintains clean shower facilities with reliable hot water, a feature frequently mentioned in reviews. "The bathrooms are kept tidy, the shower house is classic and clean, and there is an extensive recycling facility," writes one camper who appreciated these amenities after days spent outdoors.
Family-oriented activities: Pine Ridge Park Campsite coordinates regular scheduled activities for children throughout the summer season. According to a seasonal camper, "The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long. The staff is always smiling and welcoming you into the campground." Theme nights and holiday celebrations create community among visitors.
Privacy between sites: Sites at Cranberry Lake offer more separation than many other campgrounds in the region. "The campground/lake views are breathtaking! Beach front area is great for families! Sites are fairly secluded!" notes a visitor who found the balance of privacy and community appealing for family camping trips.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Kring Point State Park Campground waterfront sites book far in advance, particularly for summer weekends. "We've camped here every year but it's getting difficult to get in here... It's beautiful park. Goose bay on one side St Lawrence River on other," reports a regular visitor who recommends booking nine months ahead for prime locations.
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions dictate facility availability, with most cabin operations closing by mid-October. "We stayed here in our RV while visiting Lake Placid... The bathrooms were clean and staff very friendly," notes a Meadowbrook visitor, though other reviews mention unheated bath facilities and lukewarm showers during cooler seasons.
Occupancy limits: Most cabin facilities enforce strict occupancy limits based on cabin size, typically 4-6 people maximum per structure. Larger family groups should confirm availability of adjacent cabins or consider tent sites as overflow options when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach safety: Fish Creek Pond Campground offers shallow water access ideal for younger children. "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond... Very site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water," notes one visitor who found the sandy bottom with minimal rocks suitable for barefoot wading.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground equipment for children, though facilities vary widely. Kring Point State Park includes "playground, private bathrooms, boat launch, docks, beach and fishing," making it a comprehensive option for families with varying interests and age ranges.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and nature walks provide learning experiences for children. "Every site has a picnic table and open grill and all sites are non-electric. We stayed in site #45, right on the edge of the lake, with great kayak access," shares a Cranberry Lake visitor who incorporated outdoor activities into family exploration.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Riverside Campground offers full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs. "Owner's are great the rates low and the place clean and right on the river," reports a regular visitor who appreciates the value and waterfront location.
Site dimensions: Pay attention to site dimensions when booking cabins or RV sites, as some older campgrounds have limited space. "The sites in the center of the loop are more open; if I had a larger rig, I'd stick to that area. Some areas get a little tight and the website doesn't provide vehicle length information," notes a Meadowbrook visitor who documented site configurations.
Winter storage: Seasonal cabin rental may include optional winter storage for campers at select locations, reducing transportation requirements for return visitors. Inquire about off-season rates and security protocols when considering longer-term arrangements.
