Cabin rentals near Palenville, New York provide access to the eastern Catskill Mountains at elevations between 700-3,500 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs around 80°F and winter nights frequently below freezing. Most cabin facilities operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, though select properties remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers cabins within short driving distance of multiple cascades. "Bash Bish Falls is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple cabin properties provide direct water access. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, cabins sit near the Plattekill Creek. "We took our chairs and plopped down in the water," reports a camper staying in the couples-only "Lover's Lane" cabin area.
Winter activities: While many cabin facilities close seasonally, Blue Mountain Campground operates year-round with cabin rentals. "Plenty of trails nearby!" mentions one visitor, with the eastern Catskills offering snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes during winter months.
What campers like
Private cabin areas: Several properties segment their cabin areas for different user groups. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, one area called "Lover's Lane" is described as "isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids!"
On-site recreation: Brookside Campground provides multiple recreation options with their cabins. A camper notes it has "a nice pool, large activities field, some things for kids to do. Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese."
River access: Water features remain a key attraction for Palenville area cabin rentals. One camper at Mills Norrie State Park described cabin camping with "great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."
What you should know
Cabin construction types: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers both basic and upgraded cabins. "Clean cabins, cottages, beach... the lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," explains a visitor.
Terrain challenges: Not all cabin areas have level grounds. At Blue Mountain Campground, a camper reported, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Mills Norrie State Park offers cabin options with varying seasonal availability. A visitor observed, "Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely... When the park clears out during the week you sleep to the sounds of nature and the occasional freight train in the distance."
Tips for camping with families
Larger cabin options: Family-sized cabins accommodate various group configurations. A visitor to Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds described it as a "fantastic little campground with lots of activities for kids. Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities."
Kid-friendly amenities: Treetopia Campground offers specialized accommodations. A camper noted 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!"
First-timer considerations: For families new to cabin camping, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides supportive infrastructure. "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home," reported one first-time camper.
Tips from RVers
Combination properties: Brookside Camp Grounds offers both RV sites and cabin rentals. A visitor observed, "Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it's a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite... this is mostly a trailer park."
Dedicated RV sections: Treetopia Campground accommodates various vehicle sizes near cabin areas. "We really enjoyed our 3 night stay at the campground. We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air."
Service availability: RVers staying at cabins should note service differences. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, a camper found "Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite. Loved having gated security... Cell coverage was good for us to work (att & Verizon). Stayed 8 nights."
