Cabin facilities in the Alpine region offer varied camping experiences with modern amenities while maintaining rustic elements. Several cabin sites operate year-round, though availability depends on location and seasonal considerations. Certain campgrounds restrict alcohol, while policies on fires and cooking setups differ between facilities. Access requirements vary from drive-in to boat-in options.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple trails surround cabin areas in the Alpine region, with Harriman State Park offering over 63 miles of marked paths. At Stokes State Forest, "trails nearby are varied, read the maps (especially NY NJ Trail Conference Maps) to get an idea of difficulty/elevation," notes one visitor who encountered challenging weather during their hike.
Water activities: Lakes provide additional recreation near many cabin sites. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, canoe rentals are available for lake exploration. A visitor reports, "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Winter activities: Some cabin locations remain open during colder months for winter recreation. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, cabins provide shelter during winter excursions. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks," notes a camper who appreciated the wooded, large sites.
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Cabins in less developed areas provide privacy that many campers value. At Camp Glen Gray, guests appreciate the remote feeling despite proximity to urban areas. One camper notes, "Great Camp! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from."
Lake views: Multiple cabin locations feature water access with scenic surroundings. At Round Pond Recreation Area, "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained."
Wildlife observation: Natural surroundings around cabins provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Croton Point Park, campers report seeing various animals. A visitor wrote, "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present... On the bright side, there are lots of bunnies!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance planning is essential for cabin stays, particularly during peak seasons. At Collective Governors Island, reservations fill quickly due to limited capacity and unique setting.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom access varies significantly between cabin locations. In Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, some cabins include bathroom facilities, while others use centralized facilities. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," mentions a camper who found the site very clean.
Weather considerations: Cabin camping requires preparation for seasonal conditions. In Stokes State Forest, one camper shared, "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning... The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature play areas suitable for children. At Croton Point Park, "There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," according to a visitor who found the location good for group camping.
Cabin selection for families: When traveling with children, choosing cabins with appropriate amenities makes a difference. At High Point State Park, a visitor reported, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel."
Activity planning: Family-oriented cabins often provide scheduled activities for children. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a camper noted, "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV accessibility varies considerably between cabin areas. In Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," according to a regular visitor.
Hookup variations: Electric and water connections differ between locations. At Croton Point Park, "The park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson."
Reservation systems: Each park manages RV sites differently. At Mahlon Dickerson, online reservation systems make booking straightforward, while other locations require phone calls. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks."
