Cabin camping near Putnam Valley, New York offers options within the Hudson Highlands region, where elevations range between 400-1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making late spring through early fall the prime cabin rental period. Many cabins are situated near the 16,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park or within the 46,000-acre Harriman State Park system.
What to do
Water activities at Croton Point Park: Located along the Hudson River, the park has designated swimming areas with buoys and lifeguard supervision. "Gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty," notes one camper at Croton Point Park.
Hiking through Harriman State Park: Cabin campers can access numerous trail networks connecting to the Appalachian Trail. The trails vary in difficulty from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes. According to a visitor at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "Been here a dozen times! Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place."
Fall foliage viewing at Mills Norrie: October visitors can experience vibrant fall colors with river views. "The foliage was turned to all hues of orange, yellow, green, and red. We stayed in lot 109, which was perfect because going through the really faint trail through the trees you can come to a ledge overlooking the Hudson River," reports a camper at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private cabins at Round Pond: Military personnel appreciate the quiet, well-maintained facilities. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pound. We were very impressed with the playground on site!" shares a visitor at West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area.
Rustic accommodation with convenient amenities: Sebago cabins balance wilderness experience with practical features. "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. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reports a guest at Sebago Cabin Camp.
Meal options at Harriman Center: Cabin guests can opt for prepared meals instead of camp cooking. "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. This campsite is accessible by public transportation," notes a visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions and closures: Many cabin facilities have limited operating seasons. At Kettletown State Park, "when swimming is allowed, there isn't a lifeguard," and bacterial counts occasionally restrict water activities according to a review at Kettletown State Park Campground.
Varied cabin amenities: Facilities range significantly between locations. "Cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up," notes a Sebago Cabin Camp visitor.
Military-only facilities: Two key cabin locations restrict access to military personnel. "This is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised," explains a reviewer at Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
First-time cabin experiences: Ease children into outdoor experiences with cabins. "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," shares a visitor to Croton Point Park.
Wildlife awareness: Secure food properly to avoid unwanted encounters. "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night," warns a Croton Point camper.
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature playgrounds. "We had a very peaceful visit and will definitely go back," notes a Croton Point visitor who appreciated having "playground within sight of our camper."
Tips from RVers
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between cabin locations. "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road," advises a Round Pond Recreation Area visitor.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Croton Point, "there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," according to one review.
Reservation timing: Book cabins well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced," mentions a Croton Point Park visitor who planned ahead.
