Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill offers cabin camping with elevations reaching 2,256 feet above sea level, providing cooler summer temperatures than the surrounding lowlands. Cabin camping locations near Penfield, New York operate primarily from May through mid-October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to snowfall that averages 77 inches annually in this region of western New York.
What to do
Hiking at Ontario County Park: The park features multiple trail systems for different skill levels with elevation gains up to 400 feet. "There are numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings. Stunning overlook that is breathtaking (also great for weddings). Hiking, bike trails, fishing pond, playground, open fields for sports, much more," notes Sarah C. about Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing, requiring no special permits. At Lake Bluff RV Park, campers enjoy "a frog pond, catch and release fishing. Has a nice camp store. They do events for kids every weekend," according to Sara H.
Winter activities: While most cabin facilities close by November, Letchworth State Park maintains year-round access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on designated trails. "The park itself is fantastic. The campgrounds are basic and very nice given the relatively high popularity... all are close to the gorge/river and wooded, and connect to trails directly from your campsite," writes Harry H.
What campers like
Private sites: Webster Park receives consistently positive feedback for site spacing and natural surroundings. "This was our first trip here. It was nothing short of perfect. Staff was super helpful and friendly. Camp sites are wooded and private. Very quiet and peaceful. Clean and well maintained," explains Amanda M. about Webster Park.
Family activities: Cabin campers appreciate structured activities for children during summer weekends. At Junius Ponds, "There is a nice pool and playgrounds. The campground is well maintained and has clean restrooms. There are many options for different sites. They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids," reports Amy T.
Lake access: Several campgrounds provide direct or nearby lake access within a 20-minute drive from cabin sites. "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonals. Lots of activities for kids, and just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see!" writes Keri about Lake Bluff RV Park.
What you should know
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking with different reservation windows. Carl C. explains about Webster Park: "I've stayed four times in 2021, for as much as 2 weeks at a time. Cell phone coverage is poor by Verizon and T-Mobile, and there is no WiFi, and no camp store (but the town of Webster is nearby)."
Cellular coverage: Signal strength varies significantly between facilities, with hillside locations often having limited connectivity. At Stay Bristol Woodlands, one positive aspect is "real Wi-Fi" according to Donald R., who notes, "We have been staying at this Jewel of a campground for years. The new owners have brought this place to a new level Great amenities, real Wi-Fi and a great pool."
Cabin features: Cabins range from rustic one-room structures to deluxe models with refrigerators. At Timberline Lake Park, "Their little cabins are really cute and not too expensive too!" according to Mariah G., who adds the location is "really quiet and you can really feel like you're getting away out here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Most campgrounds with cabins feature multiple play areas within safe walking distance from accommodations. At Ontario County Park, Jonathan G. notes, "Great campground for kids, events, and hiking. Plenty of room on each site for whatever you need. Multiple playgrounds which are clean & well maintained."
Kid-friendly programming: Several facilities offer supervised activities during summer weekends. Rich L. describes the experience at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA: "Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals. There's Ziplines with treetop walk and a bounce. And even a play area for your dogs."
Safety considerations: Most cabin camping areas maintain 5-10 mph speed limits and provide separated camping loops. Rachel T. appreciates that at Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Sites with water and electrical connections are typically situated around the outer edges of camping loops. Scott C. explains that at Webster Park, "The difference is 30a power and no water or sewer, 50a power and water, and 50a power and water/sewer. There is a dump station. The motor home sites are all along the entrance road."
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloped sites requiring blocks. Jonathan G. advises about Ontario County Park, "Make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level."
Proximity to supplies: Most cabin camping locations are within 15-30 minutes of grocery and hardware stores. Jody M. appreciated at Stay Bristol Woodlands that the "Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!)" and bathrooms were "clean and fully functional."
