Cabins near Blackwood, New Jersey provide convenient access to South Jersey's Pine Barrens region, characterized by sandy soil and Atlantic coastal plain forests. Most cabin rental facilities sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level, with warm summers averaging 85°F and mild winters. Proximity to Philadelphia makes cabin rentals in this region popular year-round, with many facilities offering extended season availability through late fall.
What to Do
Seasonal fishing opportunities: At Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, waterfront sites allow for direct lake access. "We tent camped at Atsion in 2015: had flush toilets and was close to the checkin station/store as well as the beach on the lake. Some sites were right on the water and the sites were very big," reports one visitor. At Bodine campground within the same forest, "Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site!"
Hiking on beginner-friendly trails: Most trails around Blackwood cabin rentals feature minimal elevation change. "Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well. There are little trails around the campsite too," notes one camper about Parvin State Park Campground. The park offers "lake with water sports, hiking trails that are dog friendly, plenty of campsites."
Urban exploration options: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides cabin accommodations with easy access to Philadelphia. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families," writes one reviewer. "We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was quick and responsive."
What Campers Like
Diverse accommodations: Cabin stays range from rustic structures to full amenity units. At Parvin State Park, "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed. While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove." For those seeking higher-end options, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers "glamping tents. The staff was very friendly and the tents were more glamorous than we had tried before."
Nature viewing: Cabin rental areas offer unique wildlife observation opportunities. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, one camper noted, "if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty."
Winter accessibility: Unlike seasonal operations, some cabin facilities remain open during colder months. "It was cold so we asked to be put close to bathrooms so we could leave camper winterized. They accommodated us nicely," reports a winter visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. At Old Cedar Campground, cabin availability extends from April through October, making it suitable for early or late season visits.
What You Should Know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. "The water stank and was straight brown," notes a visitor to one area facility, while another camper mentioned, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing."
Terrain considerations: Sandy soil affects campsite conditions throughout the region. "The entire campground is sand and gets very dusty and messy. This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at," one camper reported. At Four Seasons Family Campground, "the site we were in wasn't very well marked."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across cabin rental areas. One visitor to Parvin State Park reported, "Verizon cell service was between 1 and 2 bars," making advance planning necessary for those needing reliable internet access.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Cabin rental facilities with swimming areas rank highly among family campers. "Our 3 yr old loved the playground and pool," mentioned one visitor. At Jellystone Park South Jersey, "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream."
Activity planning: Family-focused cabin rentals typically offer scheduled programming. "This campground has a playground, so good for kids, but not so much an all adults stay," advises a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor. Four Seasons Family Campground has "many amenities from a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds, there's a convenient store and even an arcade."
Cabin site selection: When booking with children, consider proximity to amenities. "We stayed in Site #8 in a travel trailer. Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites," notes a Parvin State Park visitor. Another cautions, "Some sites are right next to hiking trails. If you want privacy, don't choose them."
Tips from RVers
Site size preparation: Cabin facilities with RV accommodations have specific limitations. Old Cedar Campground receives positive reviews for accommodation: "We spent a few weeks here, waiting for school to end so we could take our 6 year old granddaughter back to our home in Florida." Their cabin sites "seemed to work fine. The all-grass site just fit our 37' motor home."
Bathroom accessibility: While cabins often have private facilities, shared restrooms remain important for many campers. "The showers were clean with some nice hot water but very small and difficult to change in," notes a Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor, while another praises, "The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds."
Utility hookup preparation: For campers using RV sites near cabin areas, special considerations apply. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises an Old Cedar Campground visitor.
