Cabin camping near Eagleswood, New Jersey provides access to the Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil, pine forests, and cedar-stained waterways. The region sits at a low elevation of approximately 25 feet above sea level, creating flat terrain ideal for family-friendly exploration. Campgrounds in the area remain open from early spring through late fall, with most cabin facilities closing by November 1, though several properties like Bass River and Brendan Byrne offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Kayaking at Bass River: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Bass River State Forest, where the lake provides calm waters for beginners. "We walked and explored, kayaked, and sang by the fire. The camp sites have plenty of room for the kids to run around and set up there own areas," reports Matthew H., highlighting the water recreation options.
Hiking nature trails: Explore sandy trails through pine forests with minimal elevation change at Brendan Byrne State Forest. A visitor notes, "Lots of trails and a wawa down the street if you forgot anything for your trip." Trails range from short 1-mile loops to longer 8-mile routes through varied terrain.
Tubing on Wading River: Float down the Wading River at Wading Pines Camping Resort, where the current moves slow enough for families. "We did have a great time tubing on the river. Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride," mentions Stacy D. about this summer activity.
What campers like
Sandy, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the large camping areas at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground. "The site we had was a pull through and very spacious. The whole place was quiet and clean," writes Dave B. Sites typically accommodate multiple tents or larger RVs with room for additional vehicles.
Wildlife viewing: The Pine Barrens ecosystem supports diverse wildlife easily spotted from campsites. "We loved the nature trail. We saw deer every time we walked on it," reports Becca U. at Baker's Acres, noting the accessible wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The bathhouse at the pool could use an update but it was clean and the toilets flushed and the spigots worked! The red bathhouse was nice with separate shower/toilet rooms," notes a camper at Baker's Acres, reflecting the practical considerations for extended stays.
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Sandy soil and proximity to water create ideal conditions for insects, especially during summer months. "It's buggy... to be expected but the general vibe here was not my thing," mentions Amanda M. at Bass River. Another camper at Sea Pirate Campground reports, "The bugs were just unbearable day & night. You couldn't even sit outside by the fire."
Water pressure varies: Some campgrounds experience inconsistent water service during peak usage. "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times, that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet," notes Matt S. at Sea Pirate Campground.
Sandy conditions: The Pine Barrens soil creates practical challenges for cabin and tent campers alike. "Sites are packed sand so be prepared with a good broom because it tracks everywhere," advises Jim G. at Atlantic Shore Pines, highlighting the constant cleanup required during stays.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: For families seeking alternatives to natural swimming areas, several campgrounds offer maintained pools. "The heated swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," notes a visitor to Sea Pirate Campground, providing a more controlled environment for younger swimmers.
Child-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout weekends. "We enjoyed the scavenger hunt and Saturday night entertainment. There were very few golf carts and all the cars drove cautiously. We felt our daughter was safe to ride her bike," mentions a Baker's Acres camper.
Beach access planning: When visiting Long Beach RV Resort, families can reach ocean beaches within 25-30 minutes. "The trip into LBI was an easy one. We borrowed beach tags from the camp store for a fee and headed to the Brant Beach section of LBI," notes a camper, highlighting the important detail about required beach tags.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for potentially uneven ground at cabin and RV sites. "The only drawback was my site was not very level and took a few tries to get levelled, but everything else made up for it," mentions Jim G. about Atlantic Shore Pines Campground, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks.
Navigation concerns: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads making maneuvering difficult for larger rigs. "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," notes a Baker's Acres visitor, recommending smaller vehicles or experienced drivers for certain areas.
Hookup quality: Full-service sites provide varying levels of electrical service. "Our site (#201) was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. It was easy to pull in and can accommodate larger rigs. The hook-ups were all well-maintained and worked fine," reports a camper at Sea Pirate, noting the reliable connections available at premium sites.
