Harriman State Park and surrounding areas offer multiple cabin options for visitors seeking rustic accommodations in the woods. Most cabins sit 1,200-1,400 feet above sea level in the Hudson Highlands, providing cooler temperatures than nearby urban areas. Winter cabin rentals typically require minimum stays of two nights, while summer reservations often need to be made 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Hiking from your cabin: Campers at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center can access multiple trails directly from the property. "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever," notes one visitor, who adds that the campground features "beautiful lakes all over the place" for exploring during day hikes.
Water activities: Sebago Cabin Camp offers cabin access near excellent swimming locations. While the immediate area has limited swimming, a camper advises: "Don't expect to swim on site- go to Lake Welch near by!" The lake provides "phenomenal local swimming" with "nearly beach-like camping" conditions during summer months.
Farm and brewery experiences: Stay in a tiny home cabin at Peace and Carrots Farm for a unique agricultural experience. "This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm," writes one visitor. "The host was fantastic and catered to all of our needs giving us some firewood, a tour of her farm, and some fresh produce she picked that morning." The farm also features an on-site brewery using crops grown on the property.
What campers like
Unique accommodation structures: Moon Valley Campground provides distinctive dome accommodations with panoramic views. "Headed back for a fall weekend in the 'dome' which has incredible views," shares one camper. The campground combines proximity to wilderness with architectural interest, sitting just an hour from Manhattan while connecting to the Appalachian Trail.
Military-exclusive facilities: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area maintains facilities specifically for service members. According to one regular visitor: "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that it's a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds." The cabins provide a sense of community for military families.
Group accommodations: Multiple cabin campgrounds cater to large groups. "The group sites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," reports a visitor to High Point State Park Campground. Group sites work well for family reunions or outdoor club gatherings.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Cabin availability varies significantly by season and guest type. Military-only facilities like Lake Frederick require proper identification at check-in. Most locations require bookings well in advance, with summer weekends filling 3-6 months ahead.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely among cabin sites near Monroe. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, "Bath houses are absolutely spotless," according to a recent visitor. However, some rustic cabins have limited or shared facilities, requiring walks to central bathhouses.
Cell service limitations: Many cabin areas have limited connectivity. At Round Pond, campers note: "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers cabin camping with extensive children's amenities. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also," explains one parent. The park includes "a bounce pillow" and organized weekend events tailored for children.
Nature education opportunities: Several cabin locations offer ranger-led programs during summer months. Guided hikes, wildlife talks, and junior ranger activities provide educational components to cabin stays.
Playground access: For families needing play structures, Croton Point Park provides cabins near recreation areas. "Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," shares one parent, noting the convenience of having play equipment visible from cabin accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Combining cabin and RV camping: Several locations permit mixed camping formats when traveling with multiple families. Kittatinny Campground offers "tent, RV, cabin, glamping" options at one location, making it possible for different family members to choose their preferred accommodation style while camping together.
Noise considerations: RVers note varying noise levels at combined RV/cabin campgrounds. One Kittatinny visitor advises: "If you're looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place." Consider weekday visits during shoulder seasons for quieter cabin camping experiences.
