Cabins near West Kill, New York are situated in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, with West Kill itself sitting at approximately 2,100 feet elevation. Seasonal considerations are significant with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March. Summer visitors can expect warm days averaging 75-80°F and cooler evenings around 55-60°F, making proper bedding essential for cabin stays.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Several campgrounds provide access to popular trails in the Catskills. Visitors at Blue Mountain Reservation appreciate the proximity to diverse hiking options. "This was my first time staying at this campground. I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc. It's proximity to those trail heads was great," noted one camper.
Water activities: The region offers multiple options for water recreation during summer months. Campers at Brookside Campground mentioned that "Nice and clean restrooms very friendly staff I would come back here again and recommended." The small brook running through the property provides a cooling spot during hot summer days, though campers note it can become stagnant in late summer.
Fishing opportunities: Several area waterways offer fishing for trout and other species. At Little Lake Campground, "My son and I enjoyed our stay for the weekend. Nice and open campsites not too over crowded. Owners were very pleasant and helpful." The campground provides direct access to fishing without needing to travel offsite.
What campers like
Seasonal events: Throughout the camping season, scheduled activities enhance the experience. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, campers note "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites. There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back." These organized activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground observed that it has "Only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other." This contrasts with some more developed campgrounds where sites are closer together.
Bathroom facilities: Clean shower and restroom facilities remain a top priority for campers. "Great campground, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!" reported a visitor to Max V. Shaul State Park Campground. Most cabin rentals in the area require guests to use communal bathroom facilities unless specifically advertised with private bathrooms.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For cabin bookings especially, advance planning is essential. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, "Nice, quiet place. Our site was up front and we didn't venture into the park. We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting." Most cabin reservations require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Water quality considerations: Water quality varies by location, with several campgrounds noting issues. "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, laundry facilities are efficient, full hookups are the cherry on top," noted a Rip Van Winkle visitor, suggesting that natural water sources may be preferable to tap water at some facilities.
Off-season availability: Most cabin accommodations in the area operate seasonally. Country Roads Campground operates from "May 15 to Columbus Day" according to their listing information, which is typical for the region. A few properties offer limited winter availability, but most close completely from November through April.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds specifically cater to family needs. Jellystone Park Gardiner earned this review: "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 there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow."
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can be lively places. "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," shared a Jellystone visitor, while noting "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up. The kids were around until about 10:30 or so each night."
Camp store supplies: Most family cabins require bringing linens and kitchen supplies. One camper at Rip Van Winkle reported, "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites at most Catskill campgrounds require some adjustment. "Electric, water, and septic hookups were all modern and in great shape," noted a visitor at Little Lake Campground, but terrain often requires leveling blocks for comfort.
Winter access: Very few cabin properties in the West Kill area maintain winter access for RVs. Blue Mountain Campground operates "All year" according to their listing, making it one of the few options for winter cabin rentals or RV camping, though reviews suggest focusing on the warmer months for the best experience.
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, laundry access becomes important. At Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, a reviewer mentioned "We did use the laundry room, which needed some updates, especially some lighting. It has a pretty large staircase and at night with a handful of laundry, it was a little scary navigating without lights." Most cabin facilities have limited or no laundry options, requiring planning for longer stays.
