Cabin camping near Dover Plains, New York typically features seasonal availability from mid-spring through early fall. The terrain transitions between the Berkshire foothills and the Hudson Valley, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet providing varied camping environments. Winter cabin rentals remain limited with most locations closing after Columbus Day weekend through April.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a designated swimming area with varying depths for different skill levels. One visitor noted, "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)" The park allows personal watercraft use for a fee.
Hiking access: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park connects directly to trail networks including routes to Bash Bish Falls. A camper shared, "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming. This location was very accesible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore."
Farm and historic site visits: Several campgrounds provide access to historic attractions. A visitor at Mills Norrie State Park Campground remarked, "Close by is the Roosevelt Presidential Library and house, Vanderbilt House, and even further out is Woodstock and plenty of other cool parks." These sites typically require a 20-30 minute drive from most cabin locations.
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: Cabin occupancy patterns create distinct experiences. One camper at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground reported, "The fishing, peace and quiet of the place was exactly what we needed! Tons of birdwatching, hiking, river floating… the cabins look great also."
River access: Several campgrounds feature direct waterfront access for fishing and kayaking. A visitor at Lake Waramaug noted, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates optimal viewing conditions. A guest at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground shared, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low." Most cabin areas maintain quiet hours after 10pm.
What you should know
Cabin furnishing variance: Beyond basic beds and electricity, amenities differ significantly. At Interlake RV Park, a visitor staying in a cabin reported, "Clean & had all the amenities but very dated & dark. Could use brighter light bulbs!! Beautiful & quiet."
Limited cell service: Several parks have minimal connectivity. A Lake Waramaug camper noted, "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Bathroom facilities: Most cabin areas have centralized facilities rather than private bathrooms. At Cozy Hills Campground, a reviewer highlighted, "Clean private bathrooms were a plus," though this represents an exception rather than the norm for most cabin options in the region.
Seasonal operation: Most cabin rentals operate on limited schedules. One visitor remarked, "Monday apparently is trash day in the area for all the homes around the lake. They start collecting very early and the sound really carries over the lake," indicating how local services affect the camping experience during operating seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Family-focused campgrounds offer structured programming. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, a parent observed, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive. It looks like Saturdays have the best activities but we were not there on a Saturday."
Site selection: Families with young children should consider proximity to amenities. At Cozy Hills, a visitor advised, "It's very hilly. A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool."
Water features: Several parks offer child-friendly swimming. One visitor reported, "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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time."
Pack everything: Limited shopping options require advance planning. A camper noted, "This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I've driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient."
Tips from RVers
Platform sites: Several campgrounds feature raised platforms beneficial during wet weather. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, visitors mentioned, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly." Platform sites help keep equipment dry during frequent spring rain.
Site drainage: Regional terrain creates uneven drainage patterns. A visitor cautioned, "Every campsite has deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear." This affects equipment placement even at developed sites.
Hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full hookups. A Mills Norrie visitor noted, "The campground was nicely maintained and space was restricted between sites due to Covid. Firewood wasn't available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some." Many cabin areas maintain similar distance between utility hookups and cabins.
