Cabin rentals near Durham, New York provide convenient access to the Catskill Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. Located in Greene County, the area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, making seasonal availability an important consideration for cabin campers.
What to do
Hiking nearby waterfalls: At Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, visitors can explore several waterfalls in close proximity. According to camper Brian H., "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," making it an excellent base camp for day hikes.
Local mountain ascents: The eastern Catskills offer multiple trails within 30 minutes of most cabin sites. One camper at Blue Mountain Reservation notes, "It's proximity to those trail heads was great... we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature fishing access with no license required for children under 16. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We took our chairs and plopped down in the water," highlighting the easy creek access available at some locations.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds have updated their facilities recently. At Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, camper Darby R. reports, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept. The staff is friendly and helpful, and check the campground regularly so you can feel safe."
Spacious cabin sites: Campgrounds frequently offer larger sites than expected. At Country Roads Campground, visitor Tom R. found "Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff." Similar feedback came from other locations with wooded cabin rentals.
Family activities: On-site recreational options enhance cabin stays. Regarding Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, Richard V. noted, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most cabin rentals near Durham operate from May through mid-October. According to Holly R., Max V. Shaul State Park Campground is "small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other."
Reservation requirements: Cabin accommodations fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Some properties like A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One limit capacity to just 3 sites total.
Weather considerations: The Catskills region experiences significant temperature variations. Camper Tom S. noted, "There is a well traveled road near the park so you get traffic noise. The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50 /night for non-resident."
Tips for camping with families
Safety amenities: Families appreciate campgrounds with regular staff presence. Margaret L. from Max V. Shaul State Park Campground shares, "This campground is a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms. There's a playground, a pavilion, they do fireside jams."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for cabin sites with scheduled programming. At Brookside Campground, camper michael A. reported, "I went last year with my kids they loved the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice...The pool is nice and they offer fun activists for the kids as well."
Budget considerations: Family cabin rentals typically start at $75-90 per night with additional fees for extra occupants. William R. noted about Country Roads, "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility information: Many cabins near Durham require walking on uneven terrain. At Treetopia Campground, Janly P. recommends, "I highly recommend the deck sites to people small to moderate sized RVs and for large rigs they have some big sites."
Site amenities: Check for included features before booking. Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure report that Treetopia "have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!"
Electrical access: Many basic cabins lack internal electrical outlets. David S. from Brookside Campground notes, "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean," highlighting the importance of checking facility conditions before booking.
