Best Cabin Camping near Orwell, NY

After meeting up with the owner we went down to the parking area. A dirt trail and park on the side in the grass. You have to walk in about 2 minutes on a trail. The owner has a golf cart with a small wagon and transported our stuff to the campsite and back when we left…he was really nice and very helpful.the trail opened to open grassy areas with surrounding trees where we pitched our tent…a small table and fire ring w grate provided. Also firewood.you get water back up at the barn but the owner was nice and brought us a 5 gal. Jug. Pond stocked with fish…catch and release. We caught some nice bass and bullhead…kids had a blast. Past the pond is the cabin with sitting spots and an open cement fire stove and oven also a fire pit. Theres an outhouse behind the cabin w a seat over a bucket w chemicals…papertowels tp hand sanitizer and disenfectant wipes nicely provided. We did have cellphone signals. Overall a really nice spot to relax and commune w nature.

We drove through here but didn’t stay. The non-electric sites were pretty much all on hilly areas, most would be impossible for an RV to get level, though there were a few that would have worked. 

We drove through the “bluffs” loop (electric sites), thinking it would be beautiful and look out on the water, but it was a nightmare for us, with huge RVs jam packed side by side like a parking lot. 

The lakeview loop was nicer, but still too many RVs all in a row. There are also cute cabins here for rent. 

When we were there the city was under a water advisory- all water had to be boiled before any kind of use. There was a dump station, and trash bins but no recycling (I’m disappointed in the lack of recycling at NY State campgrounds!) So, we moved on to Selkirk SP and stayed there instead.

This is a great example of what a state park should be. It not only preserves a place of unique biological diversity and geologic interest, it is also well set up and well maintained to maximize low impact outdoor recreation and environmental education. A new state of the art regional environmental education center is being built now that will open in spring, as well as new handicapped access kayaking docks that complement Accessible trails and campsites throughout the park. This is a great destination for families, handicapped campers, and natural history enthusiasts. There are several campgrounds, one is large and open and meant for large RVs, others are drive-in forested tent sites or trailer sites with hookups, and several walkin sites. There is also a colony of rustic camper cabins. The campgrounds have brand new restroom facilities and playgrounds, and the main lake has a new beach house. The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear and very deep. There are hiking trails, paved bike trails, a nature preserve for bird watching at Round Lake, a golf course, and great kayaking or canoeing. It is also located right next door to the Erie Canal State Park for those who want to hike or bike the historic Erie Canal. Though you might expect a park like this to be in a remote location, it is actually just a short distance east of the suburbs of the Syracuse metro area, so it is an easy park to get to, plus staying there also provides easy access to stores for supplies, or access to local cultural activities or restaurants for those who want that. One of my favorite state parks in New York!

I booked this site for one night and ended up staying three. Trying to avoid the heat, I was relieved that the shaded electric camping area staved off most of the days heat. I was in site 63 the first night and 68 the other two. 63 has more shade but 68 is right next to the bathroom and water spout if that’s important. I was able to find shade.

Some people may find the sites too close together, I didn’t mind since I’m solo camping and feel a bit of safety with closer neighbors. The loop was majority RVs and campers but it was still quiet all night and until late morning.

The showers and bathrooms are mostly clean and well stocked and there is a dedicated sink outside the building for dishes.

What I really loved is how far into the park the camping is, you’re really surrounded by woods. There is also excellent and easy access to Lake Ontario.

The park store has firewood, ice, and lots of other items like corn hole for rent. There is also a small boat shanty for boat rentals.

This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups.

The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground.

The hiking includes an easy 3.1 mile loop with much shade around two glacier formed turquoise lakes ( you need to see them in person to appreciate)

The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas. in close proximity to the store and snack shop (ICE CREAM)

Just past the swimming area is boat rentals ($7/hr for row boat rental)

Golfing is also available on site!