Cabin accommodations near Chatsworth, New Jersey offer a rustic retreat in the heart of the Pine Barrens. Located approximately 100 feet above sea level, the area's sandy soil creates a distinctive ecosystem supporting pine forests and cedar-stained waterways. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making cabin camping a practical alternative to tent camping during colder months when overnight lows typically range from 20-30°F.
What to do
Kayaking the Wading River: Access points near Hawkins Bridge — Wharton State Forest provide ideal paddling opportunities with natural tea-colored waters. "Did a two day Canoe tour down the wading river and used the outfitter Micks Canoe. We started Friday night camping at Hawkins Bridge campground," notes a reviewer who appreciated the river's "nice flow" despite being a "dark black river from the tannins."
Historical exploration: Several state forests offer access to Pine Barrens historical sites with interpretive trails. "Down at the Atsion office a mile away they can sell you firewood as well. Batsto is a 15 minute drive. Hikes start either there or you can access from Atsion as well," explains a visitor to Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest.
Winter hiking: The trails remain accessible year-round with fewer insects and crowds during colder months. "Nice in the fall. Quite site with pretty foliage," observes one visitor to Bass River State Forest, highlighting the seasonal appeal beyond summer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins offer woodland seclusion for a more private experience. "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have. Showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean. Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," reports a camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Distance from urban noise: The remote location provides genuine quiet. "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't here any cars or any other noise from civilization at all. It's at least 10 miles away from anything more than a single house in the woods. 5 miles away from the main road. It just makes for better camping," explains a long-time visitor to Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Family-focused activities: Seasonal programming enhances the cabin experience, particularly during holidays. "We LOVE camping here in the fall! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," writes an enthusiast of Timberland Lake Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Different cabin locations offer different water access. "Spacious campsite, although the closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others," notes a summer visitor to Bass River State Forest.
Insects require preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in warmer months. "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!" advises a camper who visited Bass River State Forest in June.
Bathroom facilities: State forest cabins typically have centralized facilities of varying quality. "The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening," reports a visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Several cabin rentals provide proximity to swimming. "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," explains a family camper at Atsion Family Camp.
Site selection matters: Choose your location based on amenities needed. "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," shares a family that stayed at multiple Wharton Forest campgrounds.
Plan for proximity to activities: Walking distances can be challenging with small children. "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 family that stayed at Baker's Acres Campground.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Several woodland cabin areas have restricted access for larger vehicles. "Backing my rig into the site, and exiting, was a bit challenging due to the angle and size of the service road but we managed well enough," reports an RV owner who stayed at Baker's Acres Campground.
Sandy sites require preparation: Pine Barrens soil conditions affect setup and cleanup. "One thing didn't love: Sand... so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer," mentions a reviewer of Timberland Lake Campground who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Site selection considerations: Check for level sites when booking. "Our site (#516) was a level pull-thru with picnic table and grill/fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and toad. Full hook-ups with 50-amp service. Mature shade trees made the site more comfortable given the July heat," shares a visitor to Sea Pirate Campground.
