Cabin camping near Fort Hunter, New York offers accommodations at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet in the southern Adirondack foothills. Winter temperatures typically drop to 10-20°F, while summer averages 75-85°F with moderate humidity. Most cabin rentals operate seasonally from April through October, with a few locations offering winter accommodations for cold-weather recreation.
What to do
Winter recreation: At Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground, visitors can combine cabin stays with unique activities. "Along with staying at this peaceful wooded campground, one can 'mine' Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals adjacent to the campground via a bridge over the stream," notes Denise D. The mine operates from April through October.
Hiking nearby: Peck Hill State Forest provides trails within 10-15 minutes of most cabin locations. "Plenty to hike and bike in the area," reports Rosie Lon S. about DevilDoc Campsites, adding that the "property has an abundance of free firewood you can collect." Trails connect to longer routes through the southern Adirondacks.
Lake activities: Summer visitors can access swimming and boating at nearby lakes. "Nine Corners Lake is a must! It has beautiful clear water and we spent two entire days hanging out there," shares Allegra K. Caroga Lake also offers swimming from May through September with beach access points near several cabin rental locations.
What campers like
Private settings: Many cabins provide secluded experiences away from crowds. "We had the entire place to ourselves as our little Hiker Trailer was able to make it up to the clearing where there's a little pond. We had tons of privacy as it is well clear of the host's home and neighbors," explains Toshi about their DevilDoc experience.
Spacious sites: Royal Mountain Campsites offers cabin accommodations with ample space. "Site was HUGE! Website stated sites were 30Amp so very happy to have found 50Amp upon arrival!" reports Brittany V., who also mentioned "We paid for wood and the owner drove it to our site and gave us half a tree for $10!!"
Water features: Cabins near streams or ponds are popular choices. Douglas J.B. shared their experience at Crystal Grove: "Our site was next to the creek and relaxed to the quiet sound of water flowing by." These water-adjacent sites fill quickly during summer months and typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard sites.
What you should know
Amenities vary significantly: Cabin facilities range from rustic to modern. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed," according to Nancy W., who noted "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower."
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rentals close during winter months. Some campgrounds like DevilDoc offer limited winter availability for hardy campers. "You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," explains James S. about Frosty Acres Campground's winter section.
Pet policies: Most locations allow pets with restrictions. "Take note that only two pets are allowed per campsite, so plan accordingly if you are a pet owner," advises Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park. Some cabin rentals charge additional pet fees ranging from $5-15 per stay.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Glimmerglass State Park Campground provides family-friendly water activities. "The beach area here is huge! Great for families, the parking lots is huge, there's easy hiking on the grounds, and it's close to cooperstown," notes Brian H. The beach includes lifeguards from late June through Labor Day.
Playground facilities: Several cabin locations include play areas for children. Darby R. points out that at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept."
Educational opportunities: Family-oriented activities abound near cabin locations. "The grandchildren had a great time and love looking and finding Herkimer Diamonds," shares Denise D. about Crystal Grove, where kids can participate in guided gem hunting sessions for $12 per child with equipment rental included.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some cabin areas have limited road clearance. "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," reports Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground, adding that "Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs."
Electric options: Electric service varies between cabin locations. "We used his power source so we were near his home and site was level for the travel trailer," notes Rosie Lon S. about DevilDoc Campsites, mentioning that their only issue was "limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to another place."
Seasonal crowds: Summer months see increased visitors at popular locations. Robert L. advises about Moreau Lake: "during the summer season I wouldn't go here expecting to have the park to yourself" due to "proximity to I-87 and being conveniently located 20 minutes from both Lake George and Saratoga Springs."
