Cabin camping near Dorothy, New Jersey offers year-round options with varying levels of amenities across several campgrounds. Located in the heart of the Pine Barrens region with sandy soil and pine forests, this area maintains mild temperatures from spring through fall with summer highs typically reaching 85-90°F. Winter cabin stays are available at select locations where temperatures can drop to the 30s, making cabins with heating systems particularly valuable.
What to do
Kayaking and river access: At Winding River Campground in Mays Landing, water activities are the main attraction. "Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly," notes Scott K. The campground offers kayaking and tubing with transport services for 2, 3, and 5-hour trips that return directly to the campsite.
Hiking nearby trails: For those staying in cabins at Parvin State Park Campground, multiple trails surround the lake area. "I love that it offers a little bit of everything; fishing, trails, hiking, nature walks, playgrounds, swimming, and more," writes Amber F. The terrain is accessible to most skill levels as one reviewer noted, "the hiking is also very accessible because it's basically pancake flat terrain."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabin locations provide lake access for fishing. Whippoorwill Campground features clean sites with lake access. "Camp sites are very nice. Pool looked amazing but it rained the entire weekend. Very friendly staff. Bath houses were extremely clean," explains Mark A. Several campgrounds maintain stocked lakes for recreational fishing.
What campers like
Seasonal activities: Sun Outdoors Cape May provides year-round programming. "There is an 11 mile rail trail across the street as well," mentions Joel A. Winter cabin stays are quieter while summer brings organized events. One reviewer appreciated the effort during pandemic restrictions: "Despite the shutdowns with Corona, they made every attempt to hold activities every day."
Swimming options: Ocean View Resort Campground features multiple water recreation areas. "This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach!" writes Ray L. Families particularly appreciate the diverse swimming options for different ages and preferences.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews across campgrounds mention cleanliness as a standout feature. "Bathhouses were clean and well maintained," notes Dave R. when describing Holly Shores. At Whippoorwill Campground, a camper mentioned, "Bath houses were extremely clean," highlighting the importance of this feature for cabin campers who often rely on shared restroom facilities.
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Mays Landing Resort has tighter sites in some areas. "The spots were tight and when our neighbor parked his truck in his spot, my chair could almost touch it," explains Yamileth K. Many cabin locations are positioned close together, particularly in older sections of campgrounds.
Wi-Fi limitations: Several campgrounds advertise Wi-Fi but service quality varies. At Holly Shores, one camper noted, "Love the place, but their wi-fi is awful." Cell service typically works well with major carriers across most camping areas near Dorothy, though coverage may be spotty in densely wooded sites.
Water quality considerations: Some state park cabin locations have mineral content in the water. One reviewer at Parvin State Park mentioned, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing." Bringing bottled water for drinking and cooking is recommended at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for inclusive recreation: Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "Very nice campground! It seems as everything has recently been updated! Pool was very nice with splash pad for the kiddos. Pavilion and camp store was brand new. Mini golf was Free yes free and also new," shares Ray L. about their Memorial Day weekend stay.
Choose cabins with convenient layouts: When booking for families, look for cabins with separate sleeping areas. At Parvin State Park, note that "the cabins are more rustic than most" and consist of "all bunk beds," which may require planning for family sleeping arrangements.
Consider off-peak visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, booking cabin stays during weekdays or shoulder seasons provides more space. "We went during the week, there were 4 sites taken adjacent to me, the rest of the campsite barely had anyone," notes a reviewer at Atsion Family Camp.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Spacious Skies Country Oaks, experienced RVers recommend checking site dimensions carefully. "We stayed in pull-thru site#12 which was level, covered in clean gravel, had a concrete patio with picnic table and Adirondack chairs, and a nice fire ring. The site was big enough for our motor home," notes Matt S. Concrete patios are available at select sites, providing stable surfaces for outdoor furniture.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is available at select locations. "Winter camping here has its own charm, offering crisp air and a serene environment perfect for unwinding," writes Cristina R. about Spacious Skies Country Oaks, noting that even in colder months the campground remains "a quiet and relaxing escape."
Hookup variations: Not all cabin and RV sites offer the same level of hookups. "Our site(#15) was a pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. The hook-ups were all well-maintained and worked fine," shares another visitor to Country Oaks, highlighting the importance of confirming specific hookups when making reservations.
