Cabin camping near Haines Falls, New York provides access to the eastern Catskills region at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 14-34°F, while summer averages 53-78°F. Cabin availability is most limited during fall foliage season from late September through mid-October when colors peak across the region.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Explore Bash Bish Falls via short trails from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park. The falls cross state lines into Massachusetts. "Quick hike to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," reports one visitor.
Swimming options: Taconic State Park features two lifeguarded areas for different skill levels. "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," notes a camper. The swimming areas operate from late June through early September, with hours typically 11am-6pm on weekends.
Creek relaxation: Visit Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds where some sites allow direct creek access. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids! Pricey--$60 a night. But super nice being right on the creek--we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," shares one visitor.
Farm encounters: Brookside Campground offers a small farm where children can see animals. "Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," notes a visitor. The farm area is accessible to all campers, creating an additional activity for families with young children.
What campers like
Secluded platform sites: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers elevated camping platforms that enhance the experience during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring," shares one camper.
Diverse cabin options: Blue Mountain Campground offers cabin rentals with varying privacy levels. "The tent site are very rocky and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent," notes a camper, making cabins an attractive alternative for those seeking more comfort.
Security features: Some properties prioritize camper safety with controlled access. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, one camper appreciated the "gated security. My husband went on a work trip and left me alone for a few days and we left our rig to take the train into the city for the weekend and we had no problems."
Camp stores: First-time cabin campers appreciate accessible supplies. "The camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!" notes a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. Most stores operate from 9am to 7pm during peak season.
What you should know
Off-season considerations: Several campgrounds operate with limited schedules. "Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground runs from May 6 to November 27, while some private properties remain open year-round. "We stayed for a few days while on a week long trip. The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean," reports one camper about off-season facilities.
Weekend crowds: Proximity to urban areas creates busy periods. "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," warns a Taconic State Park visitor. Reservations are recommended 9-12 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tent site limitations: Not all properties have ideal tent areas. "The tent site are very rocky and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent," notes a Blue Mountain Campground visitor, making cabin options more practical for some campers.
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities range widely between properties. "Bathrooms were pretty gross when I went there though, spiders everywhere in the bathrooms but all in all an awesome adventure," reports one Taconic visitor, while others note clean, updated facilities at the same property.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused properties: Choose campgrounds with planned children's activities. "Brookside Campground has a nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do," notes a visitor. Most organized activities run on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Child-friendly water options: Properties with shallow swimming areas provide safer experiences. "There's a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," reports a Taconic State Park visitor, noting the separation of swimming areas by age and ability level.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back," shares a Rip Van Winkle visitor.
First-timer friendly sites: For new camping families, structured environments help. "Great place for First Timers... This place is very good for easing on first timers and there were quite a few children so those who are parents should consider this a great place to get kids involved in the outdoors," recommends a visitor to Taconic State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection process: Some properties assign sites rather than allowing selection. "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn't get to choose our site, but you can't go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated," reports a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. Call at least two weeks ahead if you have specific site requirements.
Hookup limitations: Check electrical capacity before booking. "Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite," notes a Rip Van Winkle visitor, while other properties have more limited options: "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse."
Drainage issues: Some properties have clay-based soil that affects water flow. "During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas," cautions one RVer about seasonal considerations.
