Cabin camping options near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey provide access to the coastal plains and Pine Barrens ecosystem that characterizes this region. Located about 60 miles south of New York City, most cabins in the area sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level. Winter cabin stays often experience temperatures dropping into the 20s, while summer cabin rentals typically face humidity levels above 70% from June through September.
What to do
Trail exploration: Several miles of hiking paths wind through Brendan Byrne State Forest, where cabins are available year-round. "I habe stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," notes Patrick M.
Water activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers fishing and small watercraft rentals for cabin campers from April through mid-November. According to Dan W., "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Historical sites: Allaire State Park features a 19th-century iron-making town with demonstrations and activities alongside its cabin offerings. "Working village and antique train are available most of the year. There are also lots of festivals throughout the summer months," explains Beau B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin rentals at Turkey Swamp Park offer natural separation for a more secluded experience. Katheryn N. reports, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Winter camping options: Unlike some seasonal operations, Brendan Byrne State Forest maintains cabin availability during colder months. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area," shares Lisa S.
Swimming facilities: Many campers with cabin reservations appreciate access to pool areas during summer stays at Butterfly Camping Resort. Caitlin F. mentions, "The campground was very well taken care of. There was tons of stuff to do. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."
What you should know
Terrain conditions: Sandy soil characterizes many cabin sites in the region, creating housekeeping challenges. At Timberland Lake Campground, Robyn W. notes, "My biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs... Sand... so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer."
Booking strategies: Cabin availability varies significantly by season, with weekends filling months in advance. One camper recommends, "I absolutely recommend doing a drive thru and decide on your spot in advance."
Road quality: Access roads to some cabin areas receive limited maintenance. Jim C. states, "The campsites themselves could use some TLC but most of all the roads need some work. There are many pot holes that need gravel."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pine Cone Resort offers additional recreation options beyond what's mentioned in cabin descriptions. "Playground, pool, big open fields, horseshoes, basketball hoop," lists Jesse C., who visited with family.
Insect precautions: The Pine Barrens region requires thorough tick checks, particularly for families using cabins from April through October. One visitor warns, "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Halloween weekends: Special holiday programming at several campgrounds offers enhanced experiences for families with cabin reservations. According to Ann Marie M., "We went to timberland lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating."
Tips from RVers
Electrical limitations: Campers bringing small appliances to cabins should verify service availability and outlets. Some cabins advertised with 50-amp service may actually have less, as Matt S. discovered: "I reserved and paid-in-full for a premium site which listed 50-amp service and a concrete pad. Nope. Only 30-amp service and no concrete pad."
Cabin versus RV considerations: Adventure Bound Camping Tall Pines offers both cabin rentals and RV sites with different amenity levels. Howard P. reflects, "We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads."
Storage space: Cabins typically have limited interior storage, requiring strategic packing. Preston G. advises, "We are wintering here and it seems to be a great place so far. Most of the neighbors that have been here years are friendly as well as the staff that I have met so far."
