Cabin camping near Paris, New York provides access to the Mohawk Valley and southern Adirondack foothills, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall can bring significant temperature variations and occasional frost. Most cabin rental facilities maintain operating seasons from mid-April through mid-October with limited winterized options.
What to do
Tubing adventures: West Canada Creek Campground offers tubing excursions with a shuttle service that transports visitors upstream. "We stayed on the campground pretty much the whole time! Super relaxing and the creek is AMAZING. Both kid and adult friendly and it's free, just bring a tube or purchase for cheap at the camp store," notes one visitor at West Canada Creek Campground.
Mining for Herkimer diamonds: Search for double-terminated quartz crystals at the mine adjacent to Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA. "The diamond mines are very cool also, I found some excellent diamonds!" reports a camper. The campground offers cabin stays with easy access to the mining activities across the street.
Lakeside activities: Verona Beach State Park Campground features cabin sites near Oneida Lake with swimming areas and recreational facilities. "Our site had a water spigot right behind our site hook up hose and filled camper. Lake is dirty but they had a nice splash pad for the kids. Nice concession stand reasonably priced for a State campground," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Spacious and well-appointed cabins: Gilbert Lake State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations that receive positive reviews for their layout. "There were dressers in each room. Also in the main room with a fireplace, futon, and table with benches. Screened-in porch that had a toilet area," shares a camper at Gilbert Lake State Park Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the region offer various activities for children. "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms. Lots of grass and shade," notes a visitor about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Natural surroundings: Cabins at Glimmerglass State Park Campground provide access to natural beauty and wildlife. "An easy hike to a nearby lake was very pretty. Lots of wildlife, coyotes howling in the distance at night and plenty of deer. Perfect time of year to go, barely any mosquitoes," shares a camper about their experience.
What you should know
Booking information: Most campgrounds with cabins require advance reservations, particularly at popular locations like Glimmerglass State Park Campground. "Very quiet small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups. Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground," notes a recent visitor.
Varied cabin types: Cabin styles range from rustic to modern across different properties. "Like all KOAs this one is very well manicured... The campground is also right across the street from one of the Herkimer diamond mines, so it's convenient if that is your intended purpose," explains a visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Water quality can vary throughout the season at some locations. A Gilbert Lake visitor mentioned, "A major problem at this park is the recent development of a toxic algae problem in the lake. Because of algae blooms during warm weather, swimming and fishing in Gilbert Lake are now prohibited."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers multiple family-oriented recreation options. "The beach can get busy during the summer however it is a great place to swim, camp, boat (there are rentals) and enjoy yourself! The hike around the lake is about 2 miles and it totally worth it!" recommends a camper at Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Cabin selection: When booking for families, consider cabin layout and proximity to amenities. "This campground, a KOA campground, offers all you could need and more. From dry tenting sites, RV hookup sites, to elaborate and science-based cabins. They offer a children's playground, pool, little grocery store, volleyball area," notes a visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature updated playground facilities. "Green lakes is a great place to visit. For the local area it's a great day trip. Small hikes swimming and good picnic area," shares a visitor about the day-use potential of cabin camping locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cooperstown KOA, RVers should note site limitations. "Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out," warns an RVer.
Service availability: Campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups for those transitioning between RV and cabin camping. "The free wifi worked well as did our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot. We picked up a dozen or so television channels with our antenna. The park does have a fair amount of trees that would interfere with roof-mounted satellite dishes."
Seasonal site options: Many campgrounds offer both cabin rentals and RV sites with different seasonal availability. "Stayed at KOA in May during height of Covid. Owners did a great job in keeping safety plan in place yet allowing campers to enjoy the beautiful campground. Sunrises and sunsets are amazing there."
