Cabins near Clinton, New Jersey offer camping opportunities within the state's hilly Skylands region, where elevations range between 500-1,000 feet. Winter temperatures in cabin accommodations can drop below freezing from December through February, making wood stoves particularly valuable during these months. The area experiences seasonal changes that affect cabin camping conditions, with spring bringing muddy access roads and fall offering prime viewing of oak and maple foliage.
What to do
Fishing access: Spruce Run Recreation Area features multiple fishing spots along its reservoir shoreline. "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes Ruette W., who appreciates the waterfront sites despite limited hookups.
Wolf watching tours: At Camp Taylor Campground, the unique Lakota Wolf Preserve provides scheduled wolf observation opportunities. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," reports Dina S., who combined wolf watching with hiking.
Astronomical observation: Voorhees State Park Campground features an observatory for night sky viewing near their cabins. "There are trails for hiking and if you're there on a Saturday during polo season you can catch a match down the road at Tinicum Park," adds Katrina Z., noting additional recreational options in the area.
Rock music exploration: The unusual geological formations at Ringing Rocks Family Campground create natural musical instruments. "Bring a hammer," suggests Gregg G., referencing the park's unique feature where certain rocks produce metallic sounds when struck with other rocks.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Jenny Jump State Forest offers wooded cabin sites with limited visibility between units. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," explains Kelsey K. about the forest's tent sites.
Cabin accessibility: Some shelters at Jenny Jump State Forest provide wheelchair-accessible options. "This shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not," reports Dwight D., who stayed in one of the park's shelters, noting its amenities including four walls, locking door, and windows.
Hot water availability: Mountainview Campground maintains clean bathroom facilities with reliable hot water. "The showers were free and clean with hot water and decent pressure," mentions Sarah, who found their camping spot spacious with even gravel landing for their camper.
Mountain views: The elevation changes around Clinton cabins provide scenic vantage points. "This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," states Jocelyn G., though she notes highway noise can sometimes be heard at night.
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Different campgrounds handle bathroom cleaning with varying consistency. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," warns Jules T. about Spruce Run's facilities during a busy weekend.
Noise concerns: Several cabin areas experience sound issues from highways or other campers. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes Jules T. about Spruce Run's proximity to highway traffic.
Staffing schedules: Some park offices close early, limiting access to supplies. "The main office does sell firewood. They close at 4pm, though, so be sure to get there before then!" cautions Kelsey K. about Jenny Jump State Forest's limited office hours.
Strict alcohol policies: Tohickon Valley County Park prohibits alcohol on its grounds. "It's a great place to take the kids for a night or two of lovely moderate hiking and outdoor experience. Except I don't have kids and the people I tagged along with didn't read the rules, so we brought a bunch of alcohol and had our selves a blast until the rangers showed up," shares Curran S. about enforcement of park rules.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds near Clinton offer swimming areas for children. "The pool and splash pool for toddlers was clean with a lifeguard on duty at all times," reports Nicole S. about Colonial Woods Family Resort, noting their weekend stay included various activities.
Craft activities: Scheduled programming provides entertainment for children during weekend stays. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" shares Shannon C. about the seasonal events at Ringing Rocks Family Campground.
Playground proximity: Selecting sites near play areas benefits families with young children. "Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night," observes Jules T., noting the supervision levels at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Room for multiple tents: Delaware River Family Campground accommodates larger family groups with spacious sites. "The bathrooms are clean, the pool is small but clean and the store has anything you can imagine," explains Mel C., though noting highway noise can be an issue for light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Mountainview Campground offers gravel parking pads that help with trailer setup. "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even. The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," reports Sarah about their experience at this campground.
Hookup limitations: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds in the Clinton area. "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," explains Ruette W. about managing limited hookups at waterfront sites in Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Tree clearance considerations: Colonial Woods Family Resort has narrow internal roads with potential obstructions. "The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed (almost took my ac out with a huge limb)," cautions Brian C. about navigating larger RVs through the campground.
