Cabin accommodations near Pleasantville, New York range from basic structures without plumbing to more equipped options with modern amenities. The region sits at the northeastern edge of the Ramapo Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet throughout nearby state parks. Winter cabin camping requires extra preparation as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking near cabins: High Point State Park offers trails directly accessible from cabin areas. A camper noted, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake." The park has multiple lakes, though they require driving between them.
Swimming opportunities: Croton Point Park provides designated swimming areas with safety measures in place. According to a visitor, "gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" Swimming is restricted to areas within buoys when lifeguards are present.
Winter activities: The cabin sites at Harriman State Park remain open year-round, making them suitable for cold-weather excursions. While summer offers swimming and hiking, winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the extensive trail network throughout the park.
What campers like
Lake access: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers water recreation options right from the property. A visitor mentioned, "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity. Highly recommend if you are in the area!" The center includes platforms for camping as an alternative to cabins.
Meal plans: Some cabin facilities provide food service options, eliminating the need to cook. One camper shared, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Wildlife viewing: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area offers opportunities to observe local fauna in a protected environment. A reviewer wrote, "Beautiful views, clean bathrooms, and nice trails." The grounds are well-maintained and provide dedicated spaces for military families and veterans.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some cabin options require military affiliation. A visitor to Round Pond Recreation Area explained, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only... The same is true for Lake Frederick another nearby campsite."
Reservation requirements: West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area and other military recreation areas have specific booking procedures. A visitor noted, "This place is incredible. Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained."
Basic cabin conditions: Sebago Cabin Camp provides minimal but functional accommodations. According to a camper, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge." Cell service is limited or non-existent at many cabin locations.
Tips for camping with families
Cabins for beginners: Croton Point Park offers an accessible introduction to cabin camping for first-time families. A visitor shared, "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."
Entertainment options: Jellystone Park Gardiner provides dedicated programs for children. One family noted, "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."
Holiday celebrations: Some cabin sites offer seasonal activities during holiday periods. A visitor to Croton Point Park mentioned, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides both cabin and RV accommodations with electrical service. A visitor noted, "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."
Accessibility: Larger vehicles require careful site selection. A camper mentioned, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City." The sites are paved and mostly level, making setup less challenging.
Site spacing: Cabin areas typically offer more privacy than RV sections. At Mahlon Dickerson, a reviewer observed, "They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway."
