Cabinet accommodations near Fanwood, New Jersey range from basic shelters to fully equipped structures, with most requiring advance reservations during peak season. Cabin rental locations sit within a 15-30 mile radius of Fanwood, with options in both New Jersey state parks and private camping resorts. Winter availability exists at several locations, though amenities and accessibility may be limited by seasonal closures.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming during summer months. "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," notes Katheryn N. The park offers multiple boat rental options as one camper explains: "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Hiking trails: Wooded paths surround many cabin sites near Fanwood. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," reports John S. at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. The trails accommodate various skill levels, with one camper noting, "Several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked."
Urban exploration: For those seeking unique experiences, Camp Gateway Staten Island provides an unusual camping opportunity. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," shares Phillip L. The site also provides spectacular night views: "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings like a night light."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded cabins with minimal disturbance. "This shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private," reports one visitor. Another adds, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Wildlife encounters: Natural habitats surrounding cabin sites provide opportunities for wildlife observation. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise," reports Christina H. at Mountainview Campground. The campground environment supports various species, with one visitor noting, "Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day!"
Scenic surroundings: Cabin locations offer diverse landscapes from forested mountains to open meadows. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shares Jules T. about Spruce Run. Another camper describes, "The drive up to this place was so breathtaking the entire way. Adorable little mountain houses, with bridges that go over a stream to get to their front door."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Quality and accessibility of restrooms vary significantly between locations. At Panther Lake Campground, one visitor reports, "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell." In contrast, another location gets higher marks: "The bathrooms were clean with very hot water and flushable toilet."
Site selection considerations: Choose cabin locations based on specific needs and preferences. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp. For those concerned about noise, be aware that some locations experience traffic sounds: "At night once the campground settles down, you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Seasonal challenges: Be prepared for specific seasonal issues when booking cabin rentals. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," reports a summer visitor to Turkey Swamp Park. Winter campers face different challenges: "The wood stove set into a fireplace effectively heats the space during colder months."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations feature dedicated children's play areas. "They also have age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes one camper. Another visitor to Great Divide Campground describes, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect protection, particularly during warmer months. "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!" reports JAEWOOK P., though experiences vary seasonally. Another camper advises bringing extra tick prevention measures during summer stays.
Activity planning: Structure daily activities to maximize family enjoyment. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking," shares one visitor. For families with diverse interests, consider cabin locations with scheduled programming: "The ceramic class was fun for the girls," notes one parent, while another mentions "weekend activities" organized for younger guests.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites near cabins typically provide basic utilities. "Our site had a picnic bench and a fire ring. Plenty of parking space," reports Graham D. However, locations may have specific setup requirements: "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Site terrain: Understand ground conditions and access roads before arriving. "All roads and camper pads are dirt," notes one RVer, adding that rain can create challenges. Another advises, "The drive up to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle."
Seasonal considerations: Plan RV trips according to weather patterns and facility availability. "RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV," suggests an experienced visitor. During colder months, confirm which utilities remain operational, as some parks winterize water systems.
