Cabin accommodations near Garrison, New York range from rustic platforms to fully equipped lodgings across several parks and recreation areas. The region sits at the intersection of the Hudson Highlands, where elevations reach 1,400 feet at spots like Storm King Mountain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak season, with high humidity common from June through August.
What to do
Hiking near lakeside cabins: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers excellent hiking opportunities around its beautiful lake. "You are able to do a hike around the lake," notes a visitor who enjoyed the lake-view trails near their cabin platform.
Swimming in designated areas: Croton Point Park provides cabin rentals with nearby swimming options. "There is a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty," explains one camper who appreciated the structured swimming access.
Military-exclusive recreation: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area offers military families cabin accommodations with additional activities. "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained," reports a recent visitor.
Farm-based tiny home experience: Peace and Carrots Farm Bluebird Tiny Home provides a unique cabin camping option alongside agricultural activities. "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm. The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning," explains one camper who enjoyed this unique lodging setup.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sebago Cabin Camp maintains well-kept shared bathroom facilities for cabin guests. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," explains one visitor who appreciated the basic accommodations.
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity offers a true escape at several cabin locations. A Sebago Cabin Camp visitor noted, "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," highlighting the digital detox aspect many cabin campers appreciate.
Family-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner structures their cabin areas for maximum family enjoyment. "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," notes one parent who found the facilities well-designed for children of different ages.
Quieter weekday stays: Mills Norrie State Park Campground cabins offer a more peaceful experience during non-weekend periods. "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely," reports one camper who enjoyed the weekday tranquility.
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Some cabin facilities near Garrison have access limitations. A visitor to Round Pond noted, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies significantly between cabin locations. At Round Pond Recreation Area, one camper advised, "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Reservation requirements: All cabin facilities require advance bookings, with some having complex systems. For Croton Point Park, "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site."
Bathroom limitations: Shared facilities can become crowded during peak periods. One camper at Croton Point Park observed, "Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
Tips for camping with families
Pool depth considerations: When choosing cabins with swimming access, check pool depths for child safety. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, a parent noted, "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."
Playground proximity: Select cabin sites near play facilities for convenience. A Round Pond visitor shared, "We were very impressed with the playground on site!" while another camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley noted "This campground is great. Lots of activities a pool access, food court and basketball courts."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for nighttime visitors around cabins. One Croton Point camper warned, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Cabin size limitations: Most basic cabins have limited space for families. A Sebago visitor described, "These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," indicating the need to right-size expectations for family stays.
Tips from RVers
RV alternatives: Many RVers appreciate cabin options during shoulder seasons. At Round Pond, a visitor noted, "No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," describing amenities that appeal to both RV and cabin campers.
Seasonal limitations: Water systems at many cabin facilities shut down during colder months. A Round Pond camper shared, "Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups," highlighting the need to check seasonal availability.
Noise considerations: Train noise affects some cabin locations. At Croton Point Park, a visitor observed, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
