Cabin camping near Clementon, New Jersey offers options within the sprawling Pine Barrens, known for its sandy soil and unique pine-oak forest ecosystem that covers over 1.1 million acres. Temperatures range from summer highs around 85°F to winter lows near freezing, with cabins providing shelter during seasonal weather variations. Water access is a key consideration with numerous lakes and the Wading River providing recreational opportunities.
What to do
River adventures: At Wading Pines Camping Resort, visitors can enjoy water activities right from their cabins. "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes one camper. The campground borders the Wading River, making it convenient for water recreation without traveling.
Historic exploration: Cabins at Parvin State Park Campground serve as a base for discovering local history. "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads," shares a visitor. Parvin's cabins offer a more rustic experience with woodstoves for heating during cooler months.
Hiking network: The extensive trail system throughout the region connects many cabin locations. "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails," reports a visitor to Brendan Byrne State Forest. Most trails are relatively flat with sandy terrain, making them accessible for various skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest cabins and camping areas receive praise for their layout. "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site," explains one camper. The forest setting provides natural boundaries between sites.
Water access: Many visitors appreciate cabin locations with direct water frontage. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," shares a camper about Atsion Family Camp. Waterfront cabins typically book first during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: The Pine Barrens ecosystem supports diverse wildlife observable from cabin porches and nearby trails. "Our tent is has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," notes a visitor at Atsion Recreation Area. Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities have limited winter operations. "Note: this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," advises a camper about certain campgrounds. Old Cedar Campground specifically operates from April 21 to October 9.
Water quality: Some locations have mineral-rich water systems. "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," reports a recent Parvin State Park visitor. Many experienced campers bring drinking water.
Reservation timing: Cabin accommodations require advance planning, especially for weekends. "We wanted a more rustic experience and tent camped at Bodine campground in 2018. Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site!" mentions one visitor who planned ahead to secure a prime location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park South Jersey offers structured programs for children. "The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream," shares a visitor who stayed in one of their cabin accommodations. Activities are typically scheduled throughout the day during summer months.
Nature education: Many cabins provide access to environmental learning opportunities. "Found out too late that the train only ran on the weekends, kids were pretty bummed," notes a visitor at Wading Pines, highlighting the importance of checking activity schedules. Most parks offer junior ranger or nature programs during summer.
Safety considerations: Cell service varies throughout the region. "Verizon cell service was between 1 and 2 bars," reports a visitor staying at Parvin State Park. Families should establish meeting points and bring walkie-talkies for communication when hiking or exploring away from cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, positioning matters for RV cabin campers. "The park is better looking toward the back but the sites are kind of crowded together and bare," advises an RV visitor. Corner sites typically offer more space and fewer neighbors.
Utility challenges: Some cabin and RV sites have shared utilities. "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," warns a camper at Old Cedar Campground. Extra-long utility cords and water hoses are recommended.
Maintenance awareness: Facility upkeep varies seasonally. "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken," notes a recent visitor. RVers with self-contained units often rely less on public facilities while still enjoying the cabin camping experience.
