Cabins near Etna, New York provide access to the rolling hills and glacially-formed lakes of the Finger Lakes region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet, with seasonal temperatures varying from below freezing in winter to highs in the 80s during summer months. Most cabin properties maintain varying degrees of tree cover, offering natural shade during peak camping season.
What to do
Gorge hiking trails: Robert H. Treman State Park offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels near their cabin accommodations. "There are a total of 19 waterfalls on your way up, all of them absolutely beautiful. There are also several more waterfalls nearby that are very easy hikes. Our favorite was Eagles Cliffs Falls," notes a visitor at Watkins Glen State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural settings: During summer months, several parks maintain supervised swimming areas with unique features. "The beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day," reports one camper about Robert H. Treman State Park. Lifeguards are typically on duty from late June through Labor Day weekend.
Winter activities: Some cabin locations remain accessible during colder months. Fillmore Glen State Park offers options when temperatures drop: "The winter the campground is open for hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling," according to a visitor. Operating schedules vary significantly between winter and summer seasons.
What campers like
Cabin locations within parks: Most state park cabins are positioned with convenient access to natural features. "Stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves. The gorge trail is a MUST," reports a camper at Watkins Glen State Park.
Privacy levels between sites: Some cabin locations offer more seclusion than others. At Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, "The campground is wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges." Cabin sites typically provide more privacy than tent camping areas.
Cabin construction quality: Standards vary between parks, with some offering more robust structures. "We've camped in two rustic cabins over the years. The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like," notes a visitor at Empire Haven Nudist Park. Most structures feature solid wood construction with screened windows.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, particularly during peak season. "Reserve ahead of time in summer," advises a camper at Buttermilk Falls State Park. Booking windows typically open 9 months in advance through the New York State Parks reservation system.
Seasonal access limitations: Weather impacts cabin availability throughout the year. At Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, a visitor noted the seasonal operation window runs "April 15 to October 16," which is typical for many parks in the region.
Bathroom and shower facilities: Access to facilities varies by location. "Bathrooms were ok—not terrible, but could use updates," reports a camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground. Most cabins do not include private bathrooms, requiring guests to use centralized facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's play areas. "Great playgrounds for the kids. Good central location for exploring the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls, Cornell and Ithaca," notes a camper about Robert H. Treman State Park.
Swimming options for children: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to traditional pools. A visitor at Fillmore Glen State Park Campground reports, "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach." Most swimming areas maintain 3-5 foot water depths in designated sections.
Field space for activities: Open areas provide recreational options beyond hiking. At Pinecreek Campground, a visitor noted, "Family friendly, beautiful atmosphere, nice roomy sites, great pool and kids get to ride their bikes all over and feel safe." Most cabin locations include nearby open field spaces for outdoor games.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions for larger vehicles: Some cabins share access roads with RV sites, creating potential navigation challenges. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," notes a visitor to Robert H. Treman State Park.
Alternative accommodations when RV sites are full: When RV spots aren't available, cabins offer alternatives. A camper at Pinecreek Campground mentioned, "Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table." Many parks maintain a mix of both cabin and RV accommodations.
Road conditions within campgrounds: Access paths vary significantly between locations. At Pinecreek Campground, a recent visitor cautioned, "My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!" Most cabin areas require navigating unpaved roads for final access.
