Cabin camping near Branchville, New Jersey spans across highlands with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The region features deciduous forest with oak, maple, and birch trees dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, while summer months typically remain between 70-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 5-mile trek to Tillman Ravine in Stokes State Forest offers a natural ravine experience. "Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping. After packing up we drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower," notes one visitor who stayed at Lake Ocquittunk.
Kayaking the Delaware: Boat rentals available at park offices or bring your own. A camper at Namanock Island reported, "Lots of peace and natural all around. Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Winter camping: Limited sites remain open at select parks. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic," explains a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Monument viewing: Drive-up access to highest point in New Jersey. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking," describes a visitor to High Point State Park.
What campers like
Lake access for fishing: Dawn hours provide best catches. "The camp site was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents. Very comfortable site, quiet but still with plenty of amenities," mentions a visitor to Stokes State Forest who enjoyed the nearby lake views.
Tent platforms: Wooden elevated surfaces keep tents dry during rain. "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," notes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Natural separation between sites: Tree cover provides privacy at certain campgrounds. "The sites are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park," explains a camper at Dingmans Campground.
River camping: Sites along Delaware offer water views and sounds. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Two water sources nearby as well. We didn't have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views of the lake," shares a Stokes visitor.
What you should know
Firewood restrictions: Available for purchase at camp offices and roadside stands. "The camp store has a store that sold basic needs as well as snacks. Wood is available at the general store but it's expensive at $8 for a small bundle," advises a visitor at Dingmans Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Bear country requires proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a Stokes State Forest camper.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Check before booking. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
Limited cell service: Prepare offline maps. "No WIfi or cell service anywhere in campground but about 5 min down the road you can find it," notes a High Point State Park Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at several locations but not all campgrounds. "They have a lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub. Only down side is that even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion," explains a camper at Panther Lake Campground.
Weekend booking: Reserve 3-4 months ahead for summer stays. "We stayed in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," shares a Stokes visitor.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs available at larger state parks. "There is an arcade room (fun for kids but kind of an odd thing to have at a campsite in my opinion) and a covered sitting area also next to the welcome center," notes a Panther Lake Campground visitor.
Campsite selection for families: Look for sites away from water for safety with small children. "Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep," mentions a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Dump stations: Limited availability at state parks, plan accordingly. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," advises an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Level sites: Request spots on campground maps marked for RVs. "Drive in but ours had a drive in to a mini trail so it was a pain to load/unload. Camping right along the lake was nice, small trail to walk around river and trails to hike into the mt," notes a visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground.
Winter RV options: Heated cabins provide alternative during cold months. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," shares a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Road conditions: Some parks have narrow access roads. "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level," reports a High Point camper.
