Cabin camping near Dunellen, New Jersey offers year-round shelter options within a 75-mile radius. The region sits at the edge of the Watchung Mountains with elevations ranging from 50-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while winter often drops below freezing, making cabin camping a practical option during colder months when tent camping becomes challenging.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park offers a lake with multiple fishing and boating options. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes Tylen L.
Winter activities: Several parks maintain cabin access during winter months when most camping areas close. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, winter cabins provide shelter during snow season. "I have been camping for many years but I chose Mahlon Dickerson for my first solo trip. Super easy to book. Easy to find on a GPS and even if you lose service there are signs marking the reservation campground," reports Christina L.
Hiking trail access: Many cabin sites connect directly to trail systems. Jenny Jump State Forest cabins offer immediate trail access. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," says Fransheska A.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation between cabins. "Turkey Swamp campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. Sites are level and well maintained," reports Jean T.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean facilities rank high among visitor priorities. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," according to Ruette W.
Off-season availability: Some cabins remain accessible when other camping options close. "Mid week (July 4th) 2024... I paid $41 for 2 days. Campsites well spaced apart. Staff friendly. Boats/Kayaks can be rented," notes Frank J. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. For Great Divide Campground, "We come here every Father's Day weekend. Love this place. Great staff, plenty of activities and all around good time," explains David S.
Distance to restrooms: Cabin proximity to bathroom facilities varies widely. "Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk?" reports Dwight D. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions near cabins. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns Laura Y. from Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for playground access: Some cabin areas include kid-friendly features. At Mountainview Campground, "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," says Mario M.
Consider noise factors: Highway noise affects some cabin sites. "You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort," notes Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Look for family-friendly activities: Some parks organize regular events. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" reports Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: Check hose length requirements before arrival. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our RV connection," advises an RVer at Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Seasonal site considerations: Many parks have both temporary and permanent cabins. "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months," warns April L. about Panther Lake.
Site leveling needs: Terrain varies significantly between parks. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes a reviewer at Panther Lake Camping Resort.