Cabin camping near Hudson, New York offers diverse accommodations across the region's rolling terrain and wooded areas. The Catskill Mountains provide a backdrop for cabin stays at elevations ranging from 400 to 4,180 feet, with cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most cabins are accessible via paved roads within 30 minutes of Hudson.
What to do
Swimming at state parks: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers swimming options beyond just cabin stays. A camper noted, "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Stargazing by the water: Lake Taghkanic provides excellent nighttime viewing opportunities. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low. The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about."
Hiking to waterfalls: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park connects to several waterfall trails. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails 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."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabins provide access to fishing spots. "Wish I would have brought my fishing pole," mentioned one visitor to Lake Taghkanic after exploring the area.
What campers like
Platform cabins in bad weather: The raised platforms at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground protect against ground moisture. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Hot showers year-round: Cabin campers appreciate access to quality shower facilities, even in cooler months. "Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is."
Privacy options for couples: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers dedicated areas for adults seeking seclusion. "Stayed for a night. 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."
Creek access from cabins: Several properties feature cabins with direct water access. "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."
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies by season: Cabin campers should check facility conditions before booking. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there."
Booking policies can be strict: Some campgrounds have rigid cancellation terms. According to one camper at Copake Camping Resort, "Good place. They weren't completely ready for Memorial Day. Extreme cancelation policy."
Site quality differences within same property: Research your specific cabin site before booking. "This is a family friendly there's bathrooms/showers playground, pool, potable water and a outdoor pavilion. Located near hiking in the Catskills and 15 mins to Woodstock. The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent."
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Holiday weekends bring substantially more visitors. "Labor Day Weekend stay. A lot of people! Very nice beach but packed. Huge parties at the picnic area. If your okey with all that then it was a great time. Cottage was great besides all the bees."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Brook N Wood Family Campground provides multiple child-friendly amenities. "Loved this campground! The guests and staff we all very welcoming. They have a great heated pool that our little one loved. Lots of space to run around and a cute mini golf area."
Weekday visits recommended: Avoid crowds by planning mid-week cabin stays. "We went on weekdays which is not crowded. Wal-Mart was 25 minutes from the campsite which make making meals lots simpler and refilling our beers."
Check animal attractions: Some properties feature small farms as added attractions. "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."
Game rooms for rainy days: Cabins with access to indoor facilities help during inclement weather. "I went last year with my kids they loved the arcade small but it's a camp ground the playground area was nice. We use tents and got a bad storm the owner called and let up bunk in the arcade for the night since she was worried."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Brookside Campground provides hookups for those with RVs alongside cabins. "Stayed here 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."
Deck sites available: Some properties offer unique RV parking arrangements. "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air."
Water drainage concerns: The clay soil in some areas affects water runoff during heavy rain. "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."
Site selection importance: RV cabin hybrid sites vary in quality and layout. "The site we have was pretty closed to the others and so at night it got a bit loud."