Camping cabins near Califon, New Jersey offer shelter options within Morris and Hunterdon Counties, where the terrain ranges from 300-1000 feet in elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, making it a popular season for cabin rentals.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Jenny Jump State Forest features trails with elevation changes leading to Ghost Lake and observation points. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks... Convenient for hiking and exploring," notes a visitor.
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground provides access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "The camp ground is connected to the wolf preserve so you can hear them howl if you listen," writes one camper. Another noted, "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Water recreation: Rental cabins at Panther Lake Camping Resort include access to fishing and paddling opportunities. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," a camper reports.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Mountainview Campground offers secluded cabin accommodations. "This place was actually fantastic, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains," mentions a reviewer.
Seasonal activities: Winter cabin stays differ significantly from summer options. "We just bought a small tear drop trailer and have begun taking it on weekend excursions. We took it to Mountain View this weekend, with a little trepidation on how we were going to get the trailer backed into the space. Not to worry, they gave us a nice drive through space," one visitor shared.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies between locations and seasons. "The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained. Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing," notes a Mountainview visitor, while another camper stated, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning. Not including the bathroom situation, the only con to this campground is its proximity to the highway."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends at most cabin facilities require booking 2-3 months in advance, while weekday reservations may be available with shorter notice.
Site characteristics: Great Divide Campground provides varying terrain. "The sites could be very close depending upon where u go. We had r6 and we had neighbor on one side. If the other spot was occupied then it might be a little too close for us. But there are some other sites that def are separate," explains a camper.
Weather preparedness: Cabin facilities typically don't include climate control. Pack accordingly for temperature variations, especially during spring and fall when overnight lows can drop 30°F below daytime highs.
Road conditions: Access to some facilities requires navigating narrow roads. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," notes a visitor describing access to cabin areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Delaware River Family Campground offers structured programming. "This campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," notes a visitor.
Cabin selection for children: Request sites away from water features for young children. Sites near bathrooms reduce nighttime walks. "We did tent camping for the weekend and we had a blast. The camping site we originally had booked was rather small, the front desk was cordial and able to accommodate us by moving us to a bigger site," shares a family.
Equipment needs: Most cabins provide only basic furniture. Bring sleeping bags or linens, cookware, and food storage containers. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows," explains a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Level, accessible sites vary considerably. "Spots had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," advises an RVer.
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities close water hookups from November through March. "Clean beautiful camp grounds with amazing sun sets. This is one of the best campsite I've been this year, clean bathrooms with very hot water and flushable toilet. The grounds are full of grass which makes my tent easy to pitch."
Parking logistics: Some cabin areas require unloading and parking in designated areas. "The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying."
