The Adirondack region surrounding Willsboro offers diverse cabin camping options ranging from waterfront settings on Lake Champlain to forested mountain retreats. Winter temperatures average 10-20°F, while summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F. The area's mixed northern hardwood forests provide natural shade at many cabins during the warmer months of May through October.
What to do
Hiking from your cabin: Access trails directly from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday cabins without needing to drive. One visitor noted, "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike."
Water activities: Paddle directly from Camp Skyland cabins with their Lake Champlain access. A camper described the experience: "Small rocky beach is available for great swimming and kayaking/SUPs."
Biking opportunities: Pedal from your cabin at North Beach Campground to explore Burlington. According to a visitor, "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
Seasonal festivals: Many cabin locations host summer weekend activities. The staff at Lake Placid KOA organizes tractor rides for children at both their mountain and riverside locations.
Rock collecting: Lake Champlain's shoreline offers geological exploration opportunities with diverse rock formations near waterfront cabins. As one visitor described, "Fantastic lake for rock collecting! Very pretty and diverse geological landscape!"
What campers like
Waterfront access: Button Bay State Park Campground offers cabins with direct views of Lake Champlain. According to a visitor, "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake."
Bathroom facilities: Most cabin areas feature clean restrooms, with variations by location. A visitor to AuSable Chasm noted, "The bathrooms were always clean and had soap, paper towels, a garbage receptacle, and a mirror in each."
Recreation facilities: Some cabin locations offer unexpected amenities like Apple Island Resort with its par-3 golf course. A guest mentioned, "They have a par 3 golf course and boat docks on site."
Winter options: While most cabin locations close after mid-October, Lake Placid KOA and Shelburne Camping Area offer year-round cabin rentals. One Shelburne visitor reported, "Love that it's open year round!"
Cabin variety: Many locations offer tiered cabin options from rustic to deluxe. A North Beach visitor explained, "We did tent, cabin and t.v. camping here. A lot of family activity in my favorite place."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin rentals operate May through mid-October. Grand Isle State Park cabins run "May 12 to October 16," while AuSable Chasm operates "May 27 to Oct 14."
Early booking required: Grand Isle State Park Campground cabins fill quickly, especially waterfront options. Reviewers consistently mention needing to book weeks or months ahead.
Cabin placement variations: Sites range from secluded forest settings to open fields. A Little River visitor noted, "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site, but still had a great time."
Shower coins: Prepare quarters for showers at state parks. As one Grand Isle visitor mentioned, "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Utility hookups: Not all cabins feature full utilities. Button Bay State Park cabins don't have electric hookups, while Apple Island Resort offers full-service cabin options with sewer, water, and electric.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: AuSable Chasm Campground cabins include access to swimming facilities. A visitor reported, "Pool was clean, play ground kids loved it. And facilities were clean, with hot showers."
Nature programs: Many locations offer structured activities for children. Button Bay has a nature center with staff-led programming throughout summer weeks.
Playground proximity: Consider cabin location relative to play areas. One Button Bay visitor noted, "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities."
Beach quality varies: Some waterfront cabins have rocky rather than sandy beaches. A Grand Isle visitor reported, "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in, a bit of a walk to the water."
Evening activities: Cabins at state parks often host weekend programs. At Little River, staff organize evening nature presentations suitable for children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some cabin areas have uneven terrain. A visitor to AuSable Chasm observed, "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between locations. An Iroquois Campground visitor noted, "Roadway a little rough but overall ok."
Hookup placement: Check utility location before booking. An Apple Island visitor warned, "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper."
Wi-Fi reliability: Signal strength varies by cabin location. A Shelburne visitor reported, "Working was a breeze. The campgrounds wifi worked really well and we were finally able to do some website work."
Tree clearance: Some locations have low-hanging branches. One Lake Placid KOA visitor warned, "There were lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us and we had to take it really slow."
