Cabin camping near Mount Kisco, New York offers varying options within the Hudson Valley region, situated at elevations between 200-1,300 feet. Most sites in this area remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations. The Hudson River forms a natural boundary to the west, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons.
What to do
Hiking near historical sites: At Mills Norrie State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trail networks from the cabin area. One camper notes, "There are a lot of sweet stuff to see near the park. Close by is the Roosevelt Presidential Library and house, Vanderbilt House, and even further out is Woodstock and plenty of other cool parks."
Swimming with restrictions: Croton Point Park offers swimming opportunities with specific limitations. According to a visitor, "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present. Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
Winter activities: The area provides year-round options with seasonal variations. At Sebago Cabin Camp, winter visitors can participate in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails when conditions permit. During colder months, cabin heating becomes an important consideration as one camper mentioned, "These cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
What campers like
Easy commuting distance: The campgrounds serve as convenient getaways from urban areas. A reviewer at Kettletown State Park mentioned, "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway... It's quiet, clean, and exactly what we were looking for in a weekend. Close to Southford Falls for a nice hike and waterfall views."
Wildlife observation: Multiple cabins offer opportunities for animal sightings. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed, "Scenery is also a little drab. On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!" Another noted, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Group camping structures: Several sites cater specifically to larger gatherings. As noted by a visitor to Croton Point Park, "There is a lodge and cabins close to the end of the point, but they appeared to be part of a group camp experience. They all appeared to be closed for the season (or because no one was renting at the time; they reminded me of places I used to take youth groups for weekend camps)."
What you should know
Seasonal bathroom access: Bathroom facilities vary widely between locations and seasons. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one visitor noted, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires specific food storage practices. A camper at Croton Point Park advised, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night. Fire is allowed and has no issues of mosquitoes."
Noise factors: External noise sources affect several cabin locations. A reviewer at Mills Norrie mentioned, "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection for children: Jellystone Park Gardiner offers specialized cabins for families with young children. According to a visitor, "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. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow."
Campground layout considerations: When selecting a cabin location, consider the proximity to amenities. A Jellystone Park Gardiner visitor shared, "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
First-time cabin camping: For those new to cabin camping, certain locations prove more welcoming. One Croton Point camper reported, "I took my 5 year old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Military-only options: West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area provides specialized cabins for military personnel. A reviewer cautioned, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Winter access: RVers seeking winter cabin alternatives should verify specific dates. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, winter operation schedules vary: "Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained."
Site leveling issues: At several cabin locations, uneven terrain presents challenges. A visitor to Mills Norrie noted, "There are only a handful of sites with electric hookups and only one (site 51) is level. Some have a steep descent off the road, abs there's a lip on the road that can scrape bottom of campers/RVs."
