Several cabin rental options surround Carneys Point, New Jersey, situated in the southernmost part of the state where elevations rarely exceed 50 feet above sea level. This low-lying region experiences mild winters and humid summers, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Cabin rental properties in this area range from basic accommodations with minimal amenities to deluxe units with modern conveniences, with varying seasonal availability depending on the specific campground.
What to do
Creek fishing: Year-round opportunities at Oldmans Creek Campground where visitors can fish in the namesake waterway. "It seemed like a family but there's just a dirty Lake which is better than nothing," notes one camper who still found the fishing worthwhile despite conditions.
Hiking nearby trails: Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck State Park Campground offers scenic paths leading to water views. "Beautiful park, well kept. Plenty to do with lots of access to water and hiking," writes one visitor. The lighthouse trail is "about a five minute drive to get to the trail though, but is worth it!" according to another camper.
Canoeing on the Brandywine River: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA provides canoe rentals for water exploration. "The sites, particularly those on the Brandywine River, have amazing views. Being on the Brandywine, you can fish and rent canoes. The river is usually very calm and good for a float," one visitor explains.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained bathroom facilities: Many campers specifically mention bathroom quality as important. "The bathrooms were clean with showers and wash stations," notes a camper at Elk Neck State Park. At French Creek State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes."
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers consistently rate sites with adequate space and natural buffers highly. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," comments one French Creek visitor.
Family-friendly activities: Four Seasons Family Campground receives praise for its comprehensive amenities. "Very nice campground with plenty of things to do for the kids. Beautiful pool, very nice playground and arcade. The fishing was good everytime we've went," notes one visitor, while another adds, "The staff is friendly. Facilities are clean. Very quiet and peaceful at night with lots of activities for the kids during the day."
What you should know
Seasonal operation varies widely: Many cabin rental options near Carneys Point operate on different schedules. Old Cedar Campground runs from "April 21 to October 9" while others like Parvin State Park Campground operates "April 1 to October 31." Some reviewers note timing considerations: "We were there about 10-15 yrs ago and swore we'd never go back. I'm glad we did. They've added a pool and are working on a mini golf area."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality or access. At Parvin State Park, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Site selection matters: Research your specific site before booking. "Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together," warns one Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor. At Parvin State Park, "Some sites are right next to hiking trails. If you want privacy, don't choose them."
Tips for camping with families
Choose locations with dedicated children's activities: Four Seasons Family Campground offers "many amenities form a lake to swim or fish, to playgrounds, there's a convenient store and even an arcade, and the best part is all the farms around. You can go apple picking and such at all the beautiful orchards that surround the campgrounds."
Look for cabins near playgrounds: At Parvin State Park, "Site is great for people with families as there was a playground within 50 feet." This proximity allows parents to supervise from their site while children play.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly areas can be louder. "Generally, we camp in the off season, and usually have the whole place to ourselves, so I had some concern prior to arrival that every site in every loop was booked for the whole weekend and expected it to be noisy," notes one French Creek camper, who was "pleasantly surprised. It was quiet and our neighbors were respectful of the quiet hours and our space."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Big rig owners should research carefully. "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road," reports one Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor.
Verify hookup locations: Utility placement can vary significantly. At Old Cedar Campground, "The water hookups are shared every other site(at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Consider surface conditions: Different cabin areas feature various parking surfaces. At Parvin State Park, "No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground. No hook ups but there are potable water faucets and a dump station. My rig is 31 ft class C and it was fine for me but a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads."
