The Adirondack region surrounding Jay, New York sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation within the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer days typically range from 65-80°F. Cabin accommodations near Jay provide strategic access to over 46 high peaks and 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails, with seasonal availability varying widely between properties.
What to do
Hiking from your doorstep: Multiple cabin properties offer direct trail access without driving. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, guests can "hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground." One visitor noted that "There are only 32 sites so it never felt too crowded."
Kayaking and paddling: Cabin locations with water access allow for extensive exploration. At Fish Creek Pond Campground, "So many of the ponds connect that you could paddle for days and not get bored." The water is "super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks."
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal properties, some cabins remain open year-round. Visitors to Heart Lake during winter months report that "Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The bathrooms are really nice and warm, especially during the cold off season."
What campers like
Privacy levels: The degree of seclusion varies significantly between cabin locations. At Draper's Acres, "The RV and tent camping is well separated and there are different kinds of RV space available as well. The tent sites are a little bit difficult to navigate and find, especially when arriving at dusk."
Waterfront options: Many visitors prioritize cabins with direct water access. Fish Creek Pond stands out as "a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. Very site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline."
Mountain views: Cabins positioned for views of the High Peaks region receive consistent praise. One camper at Wilderness Campground shared: "The whole campground was quiet and beautiful to stroll around and see the lake and nearby mountains. You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Cabin availability and pricing fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. At AuSable Chasm Campground, "Summer months are very crowded there, reservations always encouraged. If you enjoy leaf-peeping, I recommend the last week of September when the colors and the mountains are just gorgeous!"
Shower facilities: Shower quality and availability vary widely between properties. Some properties offer "individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it's a game of 'what's behind door number 1?' There was no light in the shower room that I looked at so a night shower would be out of the question."
Connectivity options: Cell service and internet access differ significantly between cabin locations. Many properties offer limited connectivity, while others provide designated areas for catching signals. At North Beach Campground, "You can purchase firewood at the office" and visitors mentioned "we had no issues with our 9-5 jobs. Connecting and taking calls on Verizon and AT&T worked well."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations offer dedicated play areas for children. Button Bay State Park features "a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" Another visitor noted it's "a good campground for families that are not too rowdy."
Swimming options: Family-friendly cabins often provide safe water access. At Button Bay State Park Campground, facilities include "a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
Educational opportunities: Some cabin properties offer nature programs specifically for younger visitors. Grand Isle State Park features "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs" and remains "a quiet, family friendly campground" according to recent visitors.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV-compatible cabins vary significantly in privacy and convenience. At Meadowbrook Campground, "The sites in the center of the loop are more open; if I had a larger rig, I'd stick to that area. Some areas get a little tight and the website doesn't provide vehicle length information."
Utility considerations: Hook-up availability differs between cabin properties. At Meadowbrook, "There are no hookups, electric or water. There is wood for sale when the office is open, a dump station and it has showers."
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabins present challenges for larger vehicles. Visitors to Wilderness Campground advise "beware of the roads coming in. 40MPH is too fast for these torn up roads" and note that "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
