Cabin camping in the Adirondack region of northern New York offers seasonal variety, with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during days and dropping to 50-55°F at night. The Keeseville area sits at approximately 650 feet elevation on the western shore of Lake Champlain, creating a microclimate that extends the camping season from early May through mid-October. Winter cabin rentals require preparation for temperatures that can drop well below freezing, with annual snowfall averaging 65-75 inches.
What to do
Hiking and water access: AuSable Chasm Campground provides direct access to hiking trails. A reviewer noted, "The campground is across the street from Ausable Chasm and it is very close to the ferry that will take you to Burlington, VT." Sites are positioned for convenient exploration of the famous chasm's unique geology.
Lake activities: At Camp Skyland in South Hero, Vermont, the water is a primary attraction. "Great tent/RV/cabin site on an island in Lake Champlain... Small rocky beach is available for great swimming and kayaking/SUPs," shares Patrick in his review. The camp includes a swimming area with clear lake access.
Winter sports: The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday has trails leading directly to Whiteface Mountain. One reviewer mentioned, "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike." Winter cabin stays provide access to nearby skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Cycling adventures: Bike-friendly terrain surrounds many cabin locations. A Button Bay State Park camper observed, "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard. Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, cabins provide more seclusion than tent sites. A reviewer commented, "The first [loop] is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy." The cabins are strategically positioned for lake views while maintaining separation.
Diverse accommodations: Button Bay State Park Campground features various cabin options. "The second camping loop has a few waterfront camping cabins, which we are dying to check out, but haven't yet," notes Tara S. in her review. These cabins combine waterfront views with proximity to park amenities.
Year-round availability: Some cabin locations maintain winter operations. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, cabin rentals continue through snow season. One visitor remarked, "We stayed in a full hook-up site that was plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car," showing the accessibility even for large vehicles during winter months.
Well-maintained facilities: Iroquois Campground & RV Park cabins receive regular upkeep. A reviewer noted, "Staff very friendly, under new ownership, lots of seasonal sites and folks, fun activities, campers friendly and welcoming, roadway a little rough but overall ok, nice large pond, reasonable price."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak demand affects cabin availability throughout the region. At Apple Island Resort, a visitor advised, "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory... Study the sites carefully because our 'premium view site' looked into a boulder." Advance planning becomes essential during foliage season.
Temperature variations: Adirondack nights cool significantly even in summer. A Grand Isle State Park camper mentioned, "We spent a long weekend here to enjoy some mid-summer bike riding along the many bike-paths Vermont has to offer... It rained for part of our stay. The site drained well and was plenty big enough for our tent and needs."
Ferry access: Lake Champlain crossings connect New York and Vermont cabin options. According to a North Beach Campground guest, "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain."
Site variations: Cabin placement affects views and experience. At Button Bay State Park Campground, a reviewer explained, "The main camping area is essentially a huge field, so not much shade or privacy. The benefit of this area is that it's closer to everything - the playground, pool, nature center, kayak and canoe rentals, and the trail out to the point."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Button Bay State Park Campground provides structured activities for children. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" mentions Debbie S. in her review.
Entertainment options: North Beach Campground offers both natural and urban diversions. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach," notes a reviewer describing the balance between nature and city access.
Seasonal programming: Many locations offer structured activities for families. At AuSable Chasm Campground, a visitor described, "3 night stay, tent camping on a site with water and electric. The site we had was quite large, I had booked an end site (#73) hoping it would be big! The campground staff was friendly, and worked hard to keep the bathrooms and showers clean."
Rocky beaches: Lake access points often have uneven footing. A Grand Isle State Park Campground visitor cautioned, "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in, a bit of a walk to the water." Pack water shoes for children to navigate shorelines comfortably.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Champlain Resort Adult Campground, positioning matters for views. "Our camp spot had an amazing view of the lake which we didn't ask for specifically which made it even better," mentions Mallory P., highlighting the importance of discussing preferences during booking.
Utility connections: Hookup configurations vary between parks. One reviewer at Apple Island Resort noted, "The hook-ups at our site (11AD) were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.'" Bringing sewer hose supports and adapters proves helpful.
Seasonal road conditions: Unpaved access routes can deteriorate with weather. A visitor to AuSable Chasm Campground observed, "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining." Planning arrival during dry weather minimizes access challenges.
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies by location. At Iroquois Campground & RV Park, a camper noted, "Sites somewhat small and tight but there are some larger sites." Requesting specific sites based on RV size improves the camping experience, especially for larger units requiring more space for slides and awnings.
