Cabin sites near Duanesburg offer year-round opportunities in the western edge of Albany County, where elevations range from 800 to 1,000 feet. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing from December through February, while summer highs typically reach the mid-80s. The region's mix of state forests and small lakes creates numerous opportunities for cabin stays within 30 miles of town.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground provides easy access to several waterfalls and Vroman's Nose, a popular hiking destination. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Swimming in clear waters: During summer months, the beach at Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers swimming in Otsego Lake. "The beach is great and well kept," according to one camper who visited with their dog. The beach area includes showers, bathrooms and a small food service area.
Stargazing opportunities: The elevation and distance from major cities creates good conditions for night sky viewing. "We have also had some great star viewing here!" mentions a camper who visits Glimmerglass annually with family and friends.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing between cabin sites as a positive feature. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed," reports one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathrooms and showers receives frequent positive comments. "The bath house is clean and modern," notes a visitor to Max V. Shaul, while another mentions it has "new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms."
Seasonal activities: Winter visitors find unique opportunities at Frosty Acres Campground where some cabin units remain open year-round. "You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," shares a winter camper who stayed through the colder months.
What you should know
Winter access considerations: Some cabins operate seasonally while others remain open year-round. At Frosty Acres, "They have a small winter section" with "seasonal rates are excellent," according to one winter visitor who noted the 1,409-foot elevation brings windier conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. "Make sure you call/text to check availability" advises a camper who almost missed staying at DevilDoc Campsites because online systems showed no vacancy.
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly between locations. One Frosty Acres visitor noted "Wifi is so so," while most primitive cabins offer no connectivity at all, requiring visitors to plan accordingly for off-grid stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. Max V. Shaul State Park includes "a children's playground and pavilion," according to a recent visitor, providing entertainment options beyond natural attractions.
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation opportunities vary by location. One frequent visitor to Max V. Shaul mentions they "do fireside jams" that appeal to families, while Country Roads Campground offers "special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo."
Swimming options for different ages: Families appreciate the range of water features, from small ponds to larger beaches. At DevilDoc, one visitor mentions you'll "fall asleep to the sounds of bull frogs" near the pond, while another notes the swimming options at Nine Corners Lake, "a beautiful clear water" spot about 15 minutes from camp.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. One camper at Adventure Bound Camping Resort mentions "where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared."
Power availability: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds, with some offering more robust connections than advertised. At Royal Mountain Campsites, one visitor was "very happy to have found 50Amp upon arrival" despite the website stating only 30Amp service was available.
Site navigation challenges: Some cabin areas have tight access roads. At Moreau Lake, visitors note "there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig," suggesting Loop A as the best option for larger vehicles.
