Cabin camping near Malverne, New York offers opportunities in both state and national parks within a 30-40 mile radius. The region features coastal and woodland settings with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,300 feet in Harriman State Park. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with moderate humidity at coastal locations and cooler temperatures at inland forest cabins.
What to do
Water activities at Croton Point Park: The park sits on a peninsula extending into the Hudson River with access for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. "There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park," notes a visitor who stayed in the full hookup sites.
Hiking at Turkey Swamp Park: Located about 45 miles from Malverne, this park features several short hiking trails with the longest being 2.5 miles. According to a recent visitor: "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental."
Archery range access: Some parks offer dedicated archery facilities for visitors wanting alternatives to water activities. "They have an archery range and a council ring (campfire)," reports a camper who visited Turkey Swamp Park, providing uncommon recreational options for cabin campers.
What campers like
Private wooded campsites: Many cabin locations offer good separation from neighboring sites with natural screening. At Wildwood State Park Campground, "You can find sites that are less wooded and better suited to group camping, as well as sites that are a little more secluded."
Platform tent options: For those wanting a hybrid cabin experience, some parks offer raised platform sites. "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms," shares a visitor to AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Beach access at Watch Hill Fire Island Campground: The combination of cabins with nearby beach access creates a unique camping experience. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it," notes a camper who found privacy despite the popularity of the area.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Temperature variations can be significant between coastal and inland cabin locations. When staying at Sebago Cabin Camp at Harriman State Park, campers note "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge."
Booking windows: Many cabins require reservations 9-12 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. Reservation processes vary by park, with some requiring phone calls rather than online bookings.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common, particularly in wooded areas and near water. "I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas within sight of cabin areas. At Allaire State Park, one visitor noted the campground has "lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year."
Cabin amenities for children: Look for cabins with specific family-friendly features. "It was a nice campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," reports a Wildwood State Park visitor who appreciated the facilities available for their family.
Educational activities: Rangers often provide programs specifically for younger campers. A visitor to Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area found "There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV cabin options: Most cabins near Malverne are designed for tent campers, with few offering the amenities RVers expect. At Heckscher State Park Campground, "Each site has a picnic table and barbeque grill. The sites are designated by printing on the roads and do not have clear boundaries between them. My site had good shade coverage and was free of rocks and other hazards."
Hookup availability: When cabins do have hookups, they're often limited. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities," shares a visitor who appreciated the pull-through sites at Wildwood State Park.
Space considerations: Cabin sites typically have less maneuvering room than dedicated RV sites. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
