Cabin camping near Brigantine, New Jersey offers access to coastal and woodland environments within the Pine Barrens region. At 8 feet above sea level, Brigantine's surrounding area experiences mild coastal temperatures with frequent summer humidity from June through September. Sand soil conditions in the Pine Barrens region create natural drainage but can make tent stakes difficult to secure at cabin camping sites.
What to do
Water activities at Wharton State Forest: The Mullica River provides kayaking and canoeing opportunities with several launch points near cabin sites. "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. Many great memories of canoeing and fishing on the lake and is a great family-friendly campground," notes a visitor at Bass River State Forest.
Tubing excursions: Several campgrounds organize river trips with transportation included. At Winding River Campground, "They have kayaking and tubing available with their own transport 2,3 and 5 hour trips and you come right back down to the campsite! Bring your own and just pay a small transport fee."
Nature trails: Pine Barrens trails range from beginner to moderate difficulty levels with sandy terrain. "We walked and explored, kayaked, and sang by the fire. The camp sites have plenty of room for the kids to run around and set up there own areas. Great area for tent camping," shares a Bass River State Forest visitor.
Winter activities: Some cabins remain open year-round, providing off-season opportunities. A Bass River visitor notes, "The campground was clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience. There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Wooded cabin sites offer varying degrees of seclusion. A camper at Baker's Acres Campground comments, "Our site was decently sized, level, and nicely bordered with trees that gives you a sense of privacy."
Lake access: Many cabins provide direct water access for fishing and swimming. "A beautiful camping area that is affordable, each site is very large, very clean and well maintained, bathrooms and showers 24/7. The camp ground area is very large and signed extremely well making finding your campsite easy," notes a Bass River visitor.
Camp stores: On-site supplies eliminate trips to town for essentials. At Sea Pirate Campground, "They have a great store and eatery near the pool. Purchases can be easily made using their wristbands (provided at check-in). No need to carry cash or credit cards around the campground."
Cleanliness standards: Cabin and bathroom facilities receive regular maintenance. "The bathhouse at the pool could use an update but it was clean and the toilets flushed and the spigots worked! The red bathhouse was nice with separate shower/toilet rooms," shares a Baker's Acres camper.
What you should know
Insect considerations: The Pine Barrens region experiences significant mosquito activity, especially after rainfall. One camper at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground warns, "Your rig will be covered in sand and it's quite buggy. However, it has a state park feel with the trees."
Sandy terrain: Pine Barrens soil consists primarily of sand, which affects site conditions. "The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy. Campsites are level and somewhat sandy (You're in the Pine Barrens, it should be expected)," reports a Baker's Acres visitor.
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate from April through October. "We just returned from a 4 night trip to Baker's Acres. The staff was friendly, our site was large, clean, and the most level site we have ever camped on! We loved the nature trail. We saw deer every time we walked on it."
Bathroom proximity: Distance to facilities varies significantly by cabin location. "Our campsite was a good 7 minute walk from the nearest bathroom which was a bit far so a small bathhouse near the nature trail would have been appreciated," notes a Baker's Acres camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Most campgrounds post weekly schedules of organized events. At Ocean View Resort Campground, "This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head."
Kid-friendly locations: Some campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. Kids loved the Splash Park, Arcade, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake. So much to do at this resort."
Spacing considerations: Family sites need sufficient space for multiple tents or play areas. "The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy. Many great memories of canoeing and fishing on the lake and is a great family-friendly campground," shares a Bass River State Forest visitor.
Security measures: Gated entrances provide additional family safety. "The gated campground was clean and well-maintained. The heated swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," notes a Sea Pirate Campground camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose cabin locations with adequate vehicle parking space. At Wading Pines Camping Resort, "We had a hard time getting on to site 145. We had seasonals in front and behind us who weren't very friendly and one woman looked annoyed we were there."
Road conditions: Internal roads vary widely in quality between campgrounds. "Some people might complain about the condition of the roads. We didn't mind them - it kept people from driving too fast," notes a Baker's Acres visitor.
Campground layout: Review site maps before arrival to ensure cabin locations meet needs. "Check in was easy but the roads are narrow and we had a hard time getting on to site 145. The campground is PACKED! Very busy with kids and golf carts-even kids driving golf carts."
Utility considerations: Water pressure varies significantly between locations and during peak usage. "Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere. We were made to feel very welcome and well taken care of. The showers are basic but far from the worst I've experienced, clean and stocked," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake.
