Cabins near Homer, New York typically operate from May through October, with seasonal closures during winter months. The Finger Lakes region sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet above sea level, creating microclimates ideal for both summer camping and fall color viewing. Most cabin campgrounds in the area feature wooded sites with moderate privacy between units.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, cabin guests can access multiple trail difficulties. "Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges," notes Harry H.
Swimming in glacier-formed lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground features unique swimming opportunities. "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands," explains Kenneth S., who recommends renting boats during your stay. The swimming areas include lifeguards during peak season.
Boating options: Many cabin sites offer easy lake access. "Owasco Lake is a short drive from the campground and is great for all types of water sports," mentions Shari G. from Fillmore Glen State Park. For beginners, flat water paddling on the smaller lakes provides calmer conditions with rental equipment available at most parks.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Cabin guests appreciate Watkins Glen State Park Campground for its updated amenities. According to Lori F., the campground has "Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy, tent sites are nice and shaded. Some of the shower houses are better than others."
Cabin layout and spacing: At Fillmore Glen, Kim B. notes that "There are cabins and camping along the creek and if you want quiet get the sites furthest away from the road across the creek, trees but not a lot of shade." This camping area offers more privacy than many of the centrally-located cabin clusters at other parks.
Natural swimming areas: Several reviews highlight the unique swimming features at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground. Barbara S. reports, "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of." Many cabin sites offer convenient walkable access to the swimming areas.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, Mary S. advises, "We usually prefer sites on the outer part of a loop, and this was no exception. The sites have more trees." The camping loops often determine noise levels and privacy.
Seasonal facility openings: Barbara S. from Taughannock Falls notes timing issues to consider: "The swimming area was closed for the season by the time we arrived." Most cabin facilities reduce operations after Labor Day, with swimming areas typically closing in mid-August regardless of temperature.
Wildlife encounters: Mary P. from Chenango Valley explains, "They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland." Food storage becomes essential, as raccoons are commonly reported at many cabin locations throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground receives consistent praise for family features. According to Jennifer D., there are "great hiking to waterfalls, beautiful campgrounds and a large playground. Some sites have shared fresh water hookup between the sites."
Swimming safety: Green Lakes provides specialized swimming areas for younger children. Sara H. reports, "Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous. Great playgrounds. Bathrooms and showers were very clean." Several parks offer graduated swimming areas with shallow sections for beginners.
Rainy day options: Weather contingencies matter for family trips. Fred C. from Chenango Valley suggests, "Chenango Valley is a great state park. The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids." Indoor facilities vary significantly between parks.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Cabin and RV access varies widely at Pinecreek Campground. Mindie C. warns, "My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!" Many of the cabin areas require navigation on unpaved roads.
Hookup considerations: Most state park cabins lack water hookups inside units. At Robert H. Treman, Victoria notes, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers." Campgrounds generally require bringing water containers from central spigots to cabin sites.
Extended stay policies: Cheryl W. from Pinecreek explains an unusual policy: "They also charge for electricity on any stays one week or longer which we had not encountered previously at campgrounds where we have stayed." Most cabin sites have additional fees beyond the standard nightly rate.
