Cabin accommodations near Great Bend, New York range from rustic to premium options across a variety of settings. Located in the western Adirondack foothills at approximately 577 feet elevation, Great Bend sits along a distinct curve in the Black River. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the 70s F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways near Great Bend offer diverse fishing experiences. At Kring Point State Park Campground, campers can fish from nearly any part of the park. "Great fishing from almost every part of this park. Two beaches to swim. Almost every campsite is on the water," notes one visitor.
Boating access: Several campgrounds provide boat launches and rental options for water exploration. Wellesley Island State Park Campground features "a marina, boat launch and boat rentals. Docking. You can even day trip it use public grills and still enjoy everything the park has to offer," according to a visitor.
Hiking trails: Local parks maintain hiking networks suitable for various skill levels. Wellesley Island State Park offers "miles of hiking trails by the water," with one visitor recommending "heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many cabins offer direct water access and scenic vistas. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, campers appreciate the unique setting: "Small island that you get to by a causeway. You'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets! Nice pool. Not a lot to do if you don't have a boat, but great for a short weekend."
Privacy options: Some cabins provide more secluded settings away from busier areas. One visitor to Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA noted, "The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept."
Evening atmosphere: Campers frequently mention the night sky visibility from cabins in the region. One visitor to Swan Bay Resort shared, "Quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!"
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most cabin facilities in the Great Bend area operate from May through October. Westcott Beach State Park specifically lists its season as "May 20 to September 4," while Sun Outdoors Association Island operates "May 26 to October 9."
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential, especially for waterfront sites. "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!" mentions one visitor about Kring Point State Park.
Weather considerations: Wind conditions can affect outdoor activities at some locations. At Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina, one camper advised: "It is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle. Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several cabin sites provide play areas for children. At 1000 Islands Campground, a visitor noted, "My son loved the playground. Park was clean! Bathrooms were nice. We didn't have any issues at all!"
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer designated swimming areas. According to a Kring Point State Park visitor: "It has a little beach area and great rock cliffs to jump off and swim! The fishing is also awesome, my husband caught a pike and small mouth bass his first day!"
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on specific family needs. A Westcott Beach visitor recommended: "We always camp in the plateau across the road from the main park area-sites are huge, clean bathrooms and a nice park right in the circle. The beach is nice but can get crowded."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer connections differ significantly between cabin locations. Fort Drum Recreation Area is "a Military campground, but for the several military families looking to disconnect a couple of miles from home this would be it. They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones."
Pad construction: Surface materials vary by location, affecting leveling needs. Swan Bay Resort features "All of their sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river."
Accessibility considerations: Terrain varies significantly between properties. Cedar Creek Cabin provides more basic amenities: "They currently have 4 sites and a cabin, 30 amp electric, water to fill your tank, and a dump station. But like I said the best part is the riding and close to several local bar/restaurants that have good food and good folks."
