Cabin camping in northwestern New Jersey offers seasonal options ranging from basic shelters to fully equipped facilities. The area contains over 60 miles of hiking trails across several state forests and parks, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. Winter cabin camping remains available when most tent campgrounds close, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to Do
Lakeside activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort features a large lake for fishing and boating. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," notes one visitor who also mentioned the limited WiFi access.
Hiking to scenic spots: The trails at Jenny Jump State Forest connect directly to cabin sites. A camper reports, "It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely," while another adds that "you are able to hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!). There's a great look out point as well."
Winter outdoor exploration: Several parks maintain winter cabin access when tent camping isn't practical. "I rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021," writes one Stokes State Forest visitor, who noted the importance of the wood stove for heating during cold months.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins provide good separation from neighbors. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," according to one reviewer who appreciated the layout. Another noted, "Our site is easily the nicest—all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Basic but functional facilities: Cabins vary from rustic to comfortable. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a visitor explains, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge." The visitor also noted the complete lack of cell service as a positive feature.
Group accommodations: Multiple parks offer options for larger gatherings. A camper at Jenny Jump described their experience: "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting!"
What You Should Know
Seasonal restrictions: Operating schedules vary significantly between parks. Jenny Jump State Forest operates from April 1 to October 31, while some cabins at Stokes State Forest remain available year-round.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Some provide basic shelter while others offer kitchen facilities. At Camp Glen Gray, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Bear safety requirements: Several parks require proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns one Stokes visitor, who also noted the presence of ticks and rattlesnakes in the area.
Bathroom facilities: Standards vary from pit toilets to modern facilities. A Mahlon Dickerson reviewer mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," indicating wildlife considerations beyond just basic amenities.
Tips for Camping with Families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several cabin sites provide chances to see native animals. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," reports one camper.
Activities for different ages: Parks offer varying levels of structured recreation. "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days," notes one visitor who appreciated the welcome center's store with essentials.
Accessibility considerations: Some cabin sites accommodate mobility needs. At Jenny Jump, a visitor points out that "this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not," providing important information for families with accessibility requirements.
Tips from RVers
RV site spacing: The Great Divide Campground provides more room between vehicles. A reviewer stated, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
Hookup availability: While many RV sites have electric and water, sewer connections are less common. "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," explains a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities remain available during shoulder seasons. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake," notes a Great Divide visitor who appreciated the spacious campsites.
