Cabin rentals near Atlantic City, New Jersey range from rustic accommodations to fully-furnished units within an hour's drive of the shore. The region features pine forest settings in the inland areas with sandy soil typical of the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Winter cabin availability is limited as most privately-operated cabin rentals close seasonally from November through April, while Bass River State Forest maintains year-round cabin operations.
What to do
Water activities: Water recreation options include boating on rivers and lakes. Wading Pines Camping Resort features access to the Wading River with inner tube and kayak trips. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes one reviewer. Similar river access is available at other Pine Barrens campgrounds located 30-45 minutes from Atlantic City.
Forest hiking: Trail systems connect to wildlife viewing areas. Bass River State Forest provides numerous trail options for day hiking with varying difficulty levels. A visitor observed that the forest offers "nice trails and a lake. We walked and explored, kayaked, and sang by the fire." Most trails are less than 5 miles round-trip and suitable for beginners.
Family recreation: Scheduled activities vary by season. At campgrounds like Ocean View Resort Campground, families appreciate the structured programming. "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities," wrote one camper. The busiest activity schedule runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin areas provide adequate outdoor living space. A visitor to Whippoorwill Campground commented, "The sites are spacious, the pool is awesome and the staff is very friendly and efficient. Check in took less than 5 minutes." Sites typically include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking for one vehicle.
Clean facilities: Bathroom buildings receive regular maintenance. "Bathhouses were extremely clean. Camp Store had a lot of supplies if needed," reported a visitor to Whippoorwill Campground. Most cabin areas provide bathroom facilities within a 3-5 minute walk of units, though distance varies by campground layout.
Swimming options: Both natural and constructed swimming areas available. Sea Pirate Campground invested in swimming amenities as noted by a guest: "One major upgrade since our last visit is an entirely new swimming pool. It's beautifully done and an obviously significant investment to this area of the campground." Swimming pools typically operate from late May through early September.
What you should know
Limited winter options: Most cabin rentals close seasonally. The majority of private campgrounds including Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins operate from April through October. "Very nice campground! Sites are very nice and level. Beautiful landscaping. Gravel under the trailer and small river rock around the picnic table and fire pit," reports a visitor, but these amenities are unavailable in winter months.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months. A guest at Baker's Acres Campground warned, "The campground was clean, friendly and fun," but other visitors note mosquito concerns in reviews. Peak mosquito activity occurs from June through August, particularly near water features.
Accessibility concerns: Some cabin areas have limited accessibility. Many cabins require navigating unpaved paths or steps. Bathroom facilities may be located at a distance from cabins. A visitor to Atlantic Shore Pines Campground noted, "The site we had was a pull through and very spacious," but this primarily applies to RV sites rather than cabin areas.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season rates: Substantial discounts available outside peak periods. Families can save 30-40% on cabin rentals in April, May, September and October. A visitor to Bass River State Forest shared, "We have been camping at Bass River since I was a baby. The newest addition of extra pet friendly sites have made it even better because we can bring the pup."
Day trips: Beach access requires transportation. Most cabins near Atlantic City are located 15-30 minutes from beaches. "Close to beaches and lots to do in the area," mentioned one visitor to Whippoorwill Campground. Beach parking fees apply during summer months, typically $10-20 per vehicle.
On-site entertainment: Scheduled activities provide structured options. Many cabin rental facilities offer organized recreation. "The campground was nice and clean and the staff was so helpful!" reported a guest at Winding River Campground. Activity schedules are typically posted weekly during summer season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Specific location within campgrounds matters significantly. Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake visitors recommend careful site selection. "We moved the next morning and our next site was wonderful- much larger and quieter," noted one camper who initially had noisy neighbors. Sites numbered in the 100-200 range often provide more privacy and shade at most campgrounds.
Site composition: Sand-based sites require different preparation. The Pine Barrens region features sandy soil that affects camping setups. "Sites are packed sand so be prepared with a good broom because it tracks everywhere," advised a visitor to Atlantic Shore Pines Campground. Outdoor mats and proper footwear help manage sand tracking into cabin units.
