Cabin accommodations near Ghent offer varied camping experiences throughout New York's Hudson Valley region. The area sits at the foothills of the Berkshires and Catskill Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall nights can drop into the 30s, requiring appropriate preparation for cabin stays.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Bash Bish Falls directly from Taconic State Park campsites via well-marked trails. "Great campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes one visitor who gave the park a 5-star rating. Multiple hiking trails connect camping areas to regional attractions.
Fishing opportunities: Most cabins are situated near stocked fishing areas or natural waterways. "The pond is fun to fish in," reports a camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, where cabin guests have access to Plattekill Creek running through the property.
Swimming options: Developed swimming areas provide alternatives to creek access. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," reports a camper about Taconic's swimming facilities, which include lifeguarded areas. Most cabin properties maintain seasonal swimming pools with structured hours, typically 10am-7pm during peak summer.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site selection greatly impacts the cabin experience. "We ended up with a site in one area of the park because I was told the sites near our friends were full. Visiting our friends site each day I could see the site I asked about remained empty the whole time," notes a visitor at Copake Camping Resort, highlighting the importance of researching site locations before booking.
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains high standards for its rental units. "Clean cabins, cottages, beach—no complaints. Everything is perfect every year we've been. The lake is beautiful and clean," confirms a repeat visitor. Bathroom facilities typically include hot showers with varying fee structures across properties.
Structured activities: Organized events enhance the cabin camping experience. "They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates which is nice security wise," notes a visitor describing the amenities at Taconic State Park, which maintains a regular activity schedule during peak season months.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Most cabin properties enforce strict cancellation penalties. "Extreme cancellation policy," notes one visitor about Copake Camping Resort, where cabin rentals require substantial advance deposits. Weekends often sell out 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
Wildlife considerations: The natural setting means wildlife encounters are common. "We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty," reports a camper at Taconic State Park, highlighting the biodiversity that cabin guests can expect.
Cabin inventory variations: Accommodations range from rustic to modern. "They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins," describes a visitor to Treetopia Campground, showcasing the diverse options within a single property.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Brookside Campground offers structured water recreation. "Nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do," notes a visitor, though ratings average 3.5 stars compared to higher-rated swimming options at other properties.
Kid-friendly programming: Scheduled activities keep younger campers engaged. "This place had was huge and had a lot of things for kids to do. Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time," reports a camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, where the activity calendar remains full throughout summer.
Playground access: Most cabin camping areas maintain playground equipment. "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming," shares a visitor to Taconic State Park, describing amenities that accommodate families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Dingman's Family Campground accommodates varying camping styles. "Sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn't have been happier with our stay," reports one camper, highlighting the property's layout that suits both RVs and tent campers.
Seasonal differences: Weather patterns significantly impact cabin camping experiences. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018)," describes a fall visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Utilities awareness: Cabin utilities vary significantly by location and type. "Full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services. 3 different types & sizes of rental cabins," notes a visitor to Copake Camping Resort, underscoring the importance of confirming specific amenities before booking cabin accommodations.
