Several cabin options exist within 40 miles of Belmar, New Jersey in coastal and Pine Barrens settings. Cabins range from primitive forest structures to lake-view accommodations with modern facilities. Winter availability is limited to specific parks, with most facilities operating from April through November.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Allaire State Park features varied terrain for cyclists from beginners to advanced riders. "Great camp ground and State Park. Very clean with professional staff. Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," notes a visitor at Allaire State Park.
Winter camping: Some cabins near Belmar remain open during winter months, offering a different experience than summer stays. "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," reports a winter visitor to Allaire State Park.
Fishing from cabin docks: Several lakeside cabins provide direct water access for fishing. At Timberland Lake Campground, "Stayed here from June 24th-27th on site 38. It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back."
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: For those seeking a more remote cabin experience, some locations offer greater separation from urban areas. A camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest explains, "I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site."
Recreational activities: Many cabin areas include additional recreational facilities beyond hiking. "Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," reports a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.
Family-oriented amenities: Cabin campgrounds often provide extra facilities specifically for families. A Turkey Swamp Park camper noted, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
What you should know
Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between cabin locations. A reviewer at Butterfly Camping Resort observed, "The sites were cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. they're well maintained and raked between campers. the store and game room were newer and clean."
Weather challenges: Coastal weather patterns can impact cabin stays, especially in shoulder seasons. According to one camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest, "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"
Reservation requirements: Advance planning is essential, especially for weekend stays during summer. "They must be reserved in advance and a multiple night rental is necessary. They book quickly during the busy season," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for cabins at parks with dedicated children's facilities. At Pine Cone Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Very pleased with our stay at this campground!! They were very accommodating. Looking forward to coming back again."
Safety considerations: Some cabin areas have specific safety features or concerns to be aware of. As one Timberland Lake camper noted, "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min). Campground has friendly staff and plenty of activities for children of all ages."
Noise levels: Noise varies between locations, with some offering more quiet than others. A reviewer observed, "Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Tips from RVers
Site access: RV-friendly cabin areas typically offer specific amenities. "A lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing," reports a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Hookup options: Utility availability varies dramatically between cabin locations. One camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted, "Well maintained campground and facilities. Lot of trails nearby, though some of the trails are shared with motorized vehicles/bicyclists."
Space considerations: Site dimensions and layout affect how comfortably vehicles fit with cabins. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
