Cabin camping near Craryville, New York provides access to the Taconic Mountains region at elevations between 700-1,400 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most cabin facilities close by mid-October due to decreasing temperatures and potential early snow in the higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Bash Bish Falls directly from Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes Priscilla M. The waterfall trail crosses state lines into Massachusetts and offers swimming opportunities when water levels permit.
Lake swimming: Lake Taghkanic State Park's campground features a supervised beach area for swimming. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks. Worth every penny," reports Mellisa T. The beach area is approximately a 5-minute drive from the campground section.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Multiple campgrounds maintain fishing ponds for guests. "The pond is fun to fish in," mentions Kathy G. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. No fishing license required for private campground ponds, but state waters require appropriate New York fishing permits.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded cabin options. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids!" shares Kyla B. about Rip Van Winkle. The dedicated couples area provides a quieter camping experience away from family activity centers.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions. "This was our first time staying here and based on some reviews I was not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised however. The park was clean and though the buildings and some equipment was old, it was well kept," notes April L. about Brook N Wood Family Campground.
Evening entertainment: Several campgrounds offer structured nighttime activities. "There's a full bar with adult only dancing upstairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowd downstairs," explains Amanda D. about entertainment options at Lone Oak Camp Sites.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Location within campgrounds significantly impacts experience. "There are 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts," explains Trip Over Life about October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Weekend crowds: Proximity to urban areas affects visitation patterns. "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," warns John E. about Taconic State Park. Booking midweek reservations provides a quieter experience, particularly during July and August.
Variable amenities: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer," notes April L. about Brook N Wood, highlighting the importance of confirming specific amenities before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Look for supervised swimming areas with graduated depths. "Two lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," mentions Erin B. about the water facilities at Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area.
Recreation buildings for rainy days: Some campgrounds provide indoor activities. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, providing weather contingency options for families.
Evening programming: Scheduled activities help entertain children. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back," shares Richard V. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Deck sites for smaller vehicles: Some campgrounds offer specialized setups for compact RVs. "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," recommends Janly P. about Treetopia Campground.
Electric requirements vary: Power options differ significantly between sites. "Be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies," advises Natalie N. about Lone Oak Camp Sites.
Leveling challenges: Terrain variability affects setup difficulty. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections," notes C O. about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, highlighting the importance of site-specific research before arrival, especially for larger rigs.
