Camping cabins near Lake Katrine, New York range from basic forest shelters to more substantial structures with amenities. The Hudson Valley region features elevations from 200 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler evenings in the higher elevations.
What to do
Stream fishing access: At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, campers can enjoy fishing in Plattekill Creek right on the property. "The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in, the RC track is great for those who are into it," notes one visitor.
Hiking nearby trails: Many cabin sites serve as excellent base camps for exploring the eastern Catskills. "It's proximity to those trail heads was great and we had perfect weather. The campsites are nothing special here, they come with a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill," reports a camper who used Blue Mountain Campground as a staging area for hiking the Devil's Path and Echo Lake trails.
Seasonal activities: Fall foliage viewing from cabin sites creates spectacular viewing opportunities. "We spent two separate weekends at this campground; one during October and the other during early May. Camping here during October was, by far, better. The foliage was turned to all hues of orange, yellow, green, and red," reports a visitor at Mills Norrie State Park.
What campers like
Waterfront options: Several cabin sites offer water views or direct water 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 a reviewer from Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Bathroom facilities: Cabin campers appreciate the maintained restroom facilities. "Showers always clean bathrooms also. Group camping sites. Single private sites. R.V. Welcome. Boat access. Marina. Kyack," notes a visitor at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Well-stocked camp stores: Most locations maintain stores with essentials. "They have a camp store at the front of the property and it's stocked with basically anything you could think of needing including charcoal, ice, firewood among other camp items," reports a camper at Blue Mountain Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability variations: Most cabin rentals operate on limited schedules. "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. The left over of hurricane Henri passed through during our stay so we were unable to utilize any of the facilities," notes a visitor at Brookside Campground.
Campsite terrain: Tent platforms at some locations provide alternatives to ground camping. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits," explains a Lake Taghkanic State Park visitor.
Site spacing concerns: Some cabin and tent areas have limited privacy between sites. "The sites were spacious enough to allow for two cars each and probably 3 tents each (saw this at one site). Rangers running the place were pleasant and informative," reports a visitor at Mills Norrie State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Many campgrounds feature dedicated recreation areas. "This place had was huge and had a lot of things for kids to do. Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time," reports a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Animal interactions: Some properties feature small farm animals. "Quain little campground, nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," describes a visitor at Brookside Campground.
Pool options: Swimming facilities vary significantly between locations. "The campground was nicely maintained and space was restricted between sites due to Covid. Firewood wasn't available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some. Close to town so easy to grab needed items," notes a camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should check ahead for leveling requirements. "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having 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," shares a visitor at Interlake RV Park & Campground.
Hook-up access: Water and electric connections may be shared between sites. "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer. Sites were sized well and management spaced out the reservations," notes a visitor at Brook N Wood Family Campground.
Reservation patterns: Many cabin rentals near Lake Katrine are booked well in advance for weekend stays. "We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We're from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities," reports a visitor at Mills Norrie State Park.
