Cabin camping near Maplecrest, New York offers outdoor experiences in the eastern Catskills at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 feet. This region features a mix of deciduous forest and mountain terrain with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Winter cabin options are limited with seasonal closures affecting most properties from mid-October through May.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The eastern Catskills offer numerous hiking options within minutes of most cabin accommodations. At Blue Mountain Reservation, trails are readily accessible. "This was my first time staying at this campground. I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc. It's proximity to those trail heads was great," notes a camper.
Fishing opportunities: Several cabin locations provide access to stocked fishing areas or natural waterways. "The pond is fun to fish in," mentions a reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, where cabin guests can fish without leaving the property.
Swimming: Seasonal swimming is available at select locations, typically from late May through early September. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground shared, "Best swimming experience ever. I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many cabin sites maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities despite high usage. A reviewer at Max V. Shaul State Park noted, "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!"
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings of many cabins support natural wildlife observation. "There's a small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese," reported one visitor at Brookside Campground, showing the mix of farm and wild animals in the region.
Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution in the area creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," explains a camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance bookings, particularly during summer and fall foliage seasons. Weekends from June through October often book 3-6 months in advance at popular locations.
Site variations: Cabin sites vary significantly in terms of privacy and terrain. "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel," notes a visitor at Country Roads Campground.
Seasonal closures: Many cabin facilities close completely from mid-October through mid-May. Winter cabin options remain limited to a small number of year-round operations. "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains theres a horrible smell across the campground," reports one camper about conditions at Blue Mountain Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Cabins near Maplecrest provide various family-oriented amenities. "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," shares a visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Kid-friendly options: Several locations feature designated family areas with special accommodations. At Treetopia Campground, "We were able to meet Betty, Treetopia's manager, who toured us around the campground and took us into each type of rental they provide for that special camping trip. They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!"
Educational opportunities: Wildlife education programs operate seasonally at select locations. "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. They have animals the kids can go check out," explains a Brookside Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most cabins near larger RV sites offer better accessibility options. "We stayed in The Pines section. Spacious sites. Super friendly and helpful staff," notes a visitor at Country Roads Campground.
Cabin alternatives: RVers sometimes opt for cabin rentals when traveling with non-RV guests. "I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air. It's obvious that the campground recently underwent major renovation the bathrooms and showers are out of this world! Best of any campground we've ever visited!" reports a Treetopia Campground guest.
Utility considerations: Cabin renters should verify electrical capacity if planning to use heating appliances. "There is a general store about 3 miles west as well as other shopping. Lots to explore near Blue Mountain," mentions a camper at Blue Mountain Reservation, highlighting the need to know where to find supplies.
