Cabin accommodations near Shelter Island offer an appealing middle ground between tent camping and hotel stays. The eastern Long Island region features wooded camping areas with various cabin options ranging from rustic shelters to deluxe units with kitchenettes. Most cabin rentals are concentrated within 30 miles of Shelter Island, primarily in Connecticut and along Long Island's North Fork.
What to do
Beach exploration: 20 minutes from Rocky Neck State Park Campground where campers can find sandy shorelines and hiking trails. The park combines camping with beach access. A camper noted, "Great Beach, but beware, it can be crowded!!!! So get their early if you do go to the beach."
Water activities: Pond access at Riverdale Farm Campsites allows for swimming and fishing in a controlled environment. The proximity to both freshwater and ocean swimming provides variety. As one visitor observed, "It was a beautiful day on the beach pond."
Educational outings: Visit the Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park Campground, 28 miles from Shelter Island. The center features wildlife exhibits and programs suitable for all ages. A visitor wrote, "Our family favorite, meig's point nature center. We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer!"
What campers like
Private bathroom access: Some cabins at Mystic KOA include bathroom facilities, eliminating the need to use communal bathhouses. The campground features "Kamping Kabins" with basic amenities like bunk beds and refrigerators. A guest mentioned, "We always rented a Kamping Kabin when we came here, which is a very basic cabin with bunk beds and a small refrigerator."
Proximity to attractions: Cabin rental locations offer convenient access to beaches, hiking trails and tourist destinations. A camper at Niantic KOA appreciated the location, stating, "Great amenities, staff and location. Charming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras."
Pool facilities: Many campgrounds with cabin rentals maintain swimming pools, providing an alternative to beach swimming. According to a Mystic KOA visitor, "The pool is small and usually crowded, but still very well kept. And then there's mini golf, hay rides, and lots of fun planned activities."
What you should know
Seasonal availability limitations: Most cabin rentals operate from April/May through October or November. Wildwood State Park Campground limits reservations to April through mid-October. Availability becomes extremely limited during summer months.
Variable amenity levels: Cabin facilities differ significantly between properties. At Burlingame State Park Campground, rustic cabins feature minimal amenities. A camper noted, "Very affordable (around $14 per night). No electricity at the sites. Will try a cabin next time."
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for cabin accommodations, especially for weekend stays. Most properties allow reservations 6-9 months in advance.
Bathroom access considerations: Cabin rentals without bathrooms rely on central facilities which may have cleanliness issues during peak periods. A visitor to Burlingame State Park observed, "Bath houses are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule campground events that keep children engaged. Aces High RV Park offers family-focused amenities. A camper reported, "It has a clean playground and well maintained pool as well as some walking paths, large grassy areas, pavilion and volleyball court."
Site selection: Request cabins away from busy areas if traveling with young children who need consistent sleep schedules. Avoid holiday weekends when noise levels increase. A Burlingame State Park camper advised, "I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods or you may be in the field with everyone else."
Pack entertainment options: While many campgrounds offer organized activities, having backup options prevents boredom during downtime. A visitor to Rocky Neck State Park mentioned, "Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Choose locations with concrete pads when available to ensure level parking and minimize mud issues after rain. A visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground noted, "Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'."
Site spacing awareness: Some campgrounds place cabins in close proximity to RV areas, potentially creating noise issues. A camper at Mystic KOA observed, "Call me old school, but when I camp, I want trees, space between sites, and privacy from neighboring sites. You won't get that here. Think of row houses in any city and that's what you get here."
Utility considerations: Verify electrical capacity at cabins before booking if planning to use personal appliances. Many locations limit electrical usage to lighting and small devices only.
