Cabin camping near Deposit, New York provides access to the upper Delaware River Valley where elevations range between 1,000-1,600 feet. The region experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F and cooler nights around 55-65°F. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through October due to the colder winters that bring significant snowfall.
What to do
Paddle the Delaware River: At Soaring Eagle Campground, visitors can enjoy direct river access. "Great river based location (Delaware River)... great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing," notes one camper. The campground offers canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
Swimming and fishing: The man-made lake at Oquaga Creek State Park Campground offers swimming and fishing opportunities. "Great little lake for swimming & fishing," reports one visitor. The lake includes a designated beach area with swimming permitted during daylight hours when lifeguards are on duty, typically 10am-6pm.
Stargazing: Clear nights away from city lights provide excellent stargazing conditions. "You can see incredible stars at night," mentions a camper at Oquaga Creek State Park. The park's higher elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal viewing conditions, particularly during the new moon phase.
What campers like
Off-grid experience: Many cabins offer a true escape from technology and connectivity. "Oquaga is a great campground if you want to get off-the-grid for a little while," shares one camper. "No cell service or wifi which didn't bother me but could some."
Spacious sites: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers generous campsites. "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps," notes one visitor. The park's non-electric sites are particularly well-suited for tent camping.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We had four deer that were feeding behind our site in the morning," mentions one Chenango Valley camper. The park is also home to numerous bird species, rabbits, and chipmunks that regularly visit campsites.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Many cabin areas have minimal or no cell service. "It seems like a nice local campsite even though it is a state park," notes one Oquaga Creek visitor. Campers should download maps and information before arrival.
Weather preparedness: Rain can significantly impact camping conditions. At Pine Crest Campground, one visitor noted the owner "even brought a tarp to keep our wood dry during rainy days." Pack waterproof containers for food and equipment.
Reservation timing: Most cabins require advance booking, particularly during summer months. Weekend availability becomes limited 3-4 months in advance, while holiday weekends often fill 6 months ahead. State park cabins can be reserved up to 9 months in advance through the New York State Parks reservation system.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers numerous organized events for children. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day," shares one family. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, fishing, and outdoor games.
Safety considerations: Many parks have dedicated swimming areas with safety measures. "The beach area is well staffed and clean," notes one Chenango Valley camper. "Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids."
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds have terrain suitable for children's bicycles. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great," advises one Chenango Valley visitor. The paved roads throughout many campgrounds provide safe riding areas away from vehicle traffic.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Unadilla KOA, locations vary significantly. "Sites range from typical large rig to dispersed tents next to a creek," notes one RVer. When booking, specify your unit length and any slide-out requirements.
Electric hookups: Power connections may require adapters. "The tent sites with electric like the one we took used 240v 50A plugs, so we had to borrow a converter plug from the office for our 120v equipment," shares one Unadilla visitor. Many campgrounds offer 30-amp service standard, with 50-amp available at select sites.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "It is not very RV friendly as it can be challenging parking and setting up an RV," notes one camper at Oneida Campground. Contact the campground office for specific guidance on approach routes and site access.
