Cabins near Ulster Park, New York provide access to both the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, with most properties situated between 200-600 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter frequently dropping below freezing. Peak cabin booking season runs May through October, coinciding with the operating schedules of most local campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking at Bash Bish Falls: Access trails directly from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, which connects to Massachusetts. "Outdoor lovers dream. Deserted during the week but packed on weekends. Sites are large and spread nicely. There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite," notes Michael G.
Swimming options: Several cabin properties include access to swimming areas with different depths. "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," reports Amanda S. about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Historical sites: Multiple presidential homes and museums are within driving distance. "Close by is the Roosevelt Presidential Library and house, Vanderbilt House, and even further out is Woodstock and plenty of other cool parks," mentions Larissa C. about staying at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cabins with lake access offer fishing without additional travel. "The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in, the RC track is great for those who are into it," explains Kathy G. from her stay at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some cabin areas provide more seclusion than others. "The campground was nicely maintained and space was restricted between sites due to Covid. Firewood wasn't available at the camp, had to drive about a mile to grab some," shares Rebecca Y. about her experience at Mills Norrie State Park Campground.
Water features: Multiple properties offer water access beyond just swimming. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," notes Mary-Kate L. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Site layout: The terrain and spacing varies significantly between cabin properties. "Everyone we met was very nice. Lots of families having a good time," shares a visitor staying in Mills Norrie's cabin area.
Maintenance standards: Cleanliness levels vary between properties, with state parks generally receiving positive reviews. "Showers always clean bathrooms also. Group camping sites. Single private sites. R.V. Welcome. Boat access. Marina. Kyack," reports Frank M. about Mills Norrie State Park facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. "We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We're from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities," explains Cheryl K.
Reservation requirements: Many properties enforce minimum stay requirements during peak season. "We spent two separate weekends at this campground; one during October and the other during early May. Camping here during October was, by far, better," advises Larissa C. about Mills Norrie State Park.
Noise considerations: Train tracks affect some properties, while weekend crowds impact others. "It was situated right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route, and the noise from the horns and then being awake for a few minutes as the train clattered by," reports Rebecca Y.
Transportation options: Many cabin areas require personal vehicles. "Rangers running the place were pleasant and informative," mentions Rebecca Y., with several reviewers noting the need to drive to access amenities beyond their immediate cabin area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request cabins near play areas for convenience. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," reports Jennifer I. about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Swimming safety: Not all water features have lifeguards. "Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls. If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask," shares Erin B. about Taconic State Park requirements.
Bathroom facilities: Cabins typically don't include private bathrooms. "The bathrooms were closed so I can't speak to that aspect of the place," notes April L. about Interlake RV Park & Campground, indicating facility availability varies.
Seasonal programming: Activities vary significantly by season. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," shares Stephanie H. about Jellystone.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cabins near RV areas may experience more generator noise. "The site we have was pretty closed to the others and so at night it got a bit loud," warns Mayra D. about proximity issues at Blue Mountain Campground.
Utility hookups: Verify exactly which utilities are available for your specific cabin. "Sites are large and spread nicely. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's. Not a resort campground," explains Michael G.
Access roads: Some properties have challenging terrain. "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains theres a horrible smell across the campground," reports Yolanda T. about road conditions at Blue Mountain Campground.
Seasonal crowd differences: Weekday stays generally offer more peace and quiet. "This is a very nice campground for families. Has a lot of activities and facilities for campers. It is a bit more open and campsite can be a bit close to each other. But the place was very clean a friendly," advises Jenna S.
