Cabin rentals near Far Hills, New Jersey offer overnight accommodations in wooded settings with access to hiking trails and water recreation. Cabin options range from rustic shelters to more equipped units with varying seasonal availability. Situated in the New Jersey Highlands region at elevations between 400-800 feet, these accommodations provide shelter during temperature swings that can range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
What to do
Kayaking and boating on reservoirs: Spruce Run Recreation Area features a large reservoir where visitors can launch kayaks directly from shore. "I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes a regular visitor.
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground offers unique wildlife experiences with the Lakota Wolf Preserve on site. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Stargazing opportunities: For cabin campers seeking night sky views, Mountainview Campground provides excellent dark sky conditions. "Very clean and quite. Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean. Great spot for stargazing," reports one camper who stayed at their primitive sites.
Hiking access: Many cabins near Far Hills connect to trail networks. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," reports a camper about the trails at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, noting the easy accessibility from cabins.
What campers like
Private woodsy settings: Cabins that offer secluded experiences get positive reviews. "We stayed in the center lawn and it was lined with seasonal campers. We felt like we were staying in the middle of a neighborhood... If you can score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect," advises a visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Water views: Sites with waterfront locations remain popular for cabin rentals. "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun," notes a camper at Spruce Run, highlighting the importance of researching site specifics.
Four-season versatility: While most cabin rentals operate seasonally, some offer extended availability. "Mid week (July 4th) 2024... Pros: Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days. Campsites well spaced apart. Staff friendly. Boats/Kayaks can be rented," reports a recent summer visitor to Spruce Run.
Campfire cooking: Cabin sites with well-designed fire rings enhance the experience. "Each campsite has a firepit/ring, picnic table, and lantern hook," notes a camper at Swartswood State Park Campground, adding that "campsite sells fire wood. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers."
What you should know
Bathroom condition varies: Shared facilities can be inconsistent. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports one camper at Spruce Run, while others note clean conditions elsewhere.
Seasonal availability limitations: Most cabin operations have restricted seasons. "Our first time camping at Sprice Run. It was pretty much what you would expect in a state park camp ground in NJ. Clean, well kept. Lots of grassy and open area. Still a good amount of shade," notes a Memorial Day weekend visitor.
Noise considerations: Highway sounds can affect otherwise peaceful settings. "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," reports a Spruce Run visitor who stayed at a waterfront site.
Drinking water access: Most cabin sites have central water spigots rather than in-cabin plumbing. "We filled our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," advises an RV camper who enjoys the water views at Spruce Run despite limited hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Jenny Jump State Forest offers cabins near recreational amenities. "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. The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept."
Swimming options: Some cabin locations feature swimming areas for children. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," reports a visitor to Panther Lake about the recreational facilities.
Activities during rain: Weather-contingent planning helps with cabin stays. "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 a Panther Lake visitor, though they caution about limited WiFi and cell service.
Evening entertainment: Family-friendly evening programs enhance cabin stays. "They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs. Staff were very helpful and kind," reports a visitor to Great Divide Campground about their evening entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability near cabins: Understanding utility access helps with planning. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Site levelness: Terrain can affect comfort for larger units. "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 Mahlon Dickerson camper about the convenient amenities.
Access road conditions: Mountain roads affect cabin accessibility. "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," notes a visitor to Mountainview Campground, highlighting terrain challenges for larger vehicles.
Bear awareness: Wildlife precautions matter at woodland cabins. "There were 3 groups during our stay. Which got pretty loud if you were in sites in the 30s... There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," reports a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
