Cabin camping near Port Henry, New York provides access to both the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain shoreline. The region sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level along the lake, rising to over 4,000 feet in the nearby High Peaks. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cooler evenings in the 50s.
What to do
Paddling Lake Champlain: Button Bay State Park Campground offers excellent water access for kayakers and canoeists. "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard. Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway," notes a visitor.
Hiking mountain trails: The cabin areas at Putnam Pond Campground connect to several hiking trails. "Take the yellow trail through the sites to the Rock pond lean-to. Along the pond there are great views and potential swimming locations. Take the red trail around and you will come across the old graphite mine, which was cool to look at its remnants," shares a camper who explored the area.
Winter activities: Some cabins remain available during colder months, particularly at campgrounds open year-round. "We didn't advance book, so we were in one of the last available spots. Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup," reports a winter visitor to Shelburne Camping Area. Several cabin options provide electric heat for comfortable cold-weather stays.
What campers like
Waterfront locations: Cabins with lake views rank among the most requested. "Wonderful state park, the waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake. Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites," advises a Button Bay visitor.
Family-friendly amenities: Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground receives praise for its kid-focused facilities. "They have a heated pool, a couple different playgrounds and an arcade for those rainy days. Only downside is they only have one bathroom with showers; and the rest are porta-potties," notes a reviewer.
Natural swimming options: Beyond standard pools, natural water features attract cabin campers. "There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline. Each site has a fireplace and table. Some water sites have a steeper path to the water. Cell service is iffy," reports a visitor to Rogers Rock Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak season (June-August), cabin reservations should be made 6-12 months in advance, especially for waterfront units. Less popular times allow for more spontaneous trips.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and quantity vary significantly between locations. "The bathhouse was clean. The ladies side had a fresh flower arrangement everyday. We did a few loads of laundry: $2 to residential wash (2 washers) and .25 for every 10 min in an industrial dryer (2 dryers)," notes a visitor to Shelburne Camping Area.
Seasonal operations: Most cabin facilities close during winter, with notable exceptions. "We stayed at this campground in a travel trailer for one week spent hours floating down the river biking took day trips to Lake Placid and Burlington Vermont lots of seasonal campers but for a day camping the sites are really nice would highly recommend," shares a Medcalf Acres visitor describing the extended-season options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Branbury State Park Campground offers extensive recreation facilities. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes a satisfied family.
Swimming options: Heated pools provide reliable swimming regardless of weather. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" reports a Branbury State Park visitor.
Wildlife education: Several campgrounds offer nature programs specifically designed for children. "The Rangers are terrific! This is a very popular spot and it's nice to see so many people enjoying beautiful Lake George. The day use area has shady spots and grills, nice for the kids," shares a visitor to Rogers Rock.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Brookwood RV Resort provides detailed information about site specifications. "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), Level, shaded site, Wi-Fi, Pool, Cornhole, Chess, Connect 4, Playground, Bath house, Laundry, Nice picnic table," summarizes one reviewer regarding the amenities available.
Utility consistency: Water pressure and electrical service quality fluctuate between locations. "This RV park on the outskirts of Ticonderoga offers full hookups and can also accommodate tents. Seasonal sites are largely separate from short-term campers and they are clean and well-kept," notes a Brookwood RV Resort visitor.
Off-season access: Year-round RV sites with cabin options exist but may have service limitations. "With COVID-19 restrictions this year, the bathrooms are closed to those who have facilities in their RV. There's also a drought and they're on a well, so water conservation is essential," reports a Brookwood visitor, highlighting seasonal considerations.
