Camping cabins near Franklin Lakes, New Jersey offer rustic lodging options within a heavily forested region marked by rolling hills and glacial lakes. Northern New Jersey's elevation ranges from 350 to 1,800 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Cabin options in this region typically provide electric service from April through November, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trails accessible from cabins: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, trails accommodate various skill levels. "Been here a dozen times! Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place," notes Meredith C. The center connects directly to the Appalachian Trail system.
Lake activities during summer stays: Sebago Cabin Camp provides lake recreation with rental options. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," shares Ethan K. Kayaking, fishing and swimming are permitted at designated areas during daylight hours.
Winter cabin options: Some Franklin Lakes area cabins remain open year-round with modified services. At High Point State Park Campground, winter cabin users should note: "Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump," according to Grant M. Winter visitors must pack additional supplies as trading posts operate on reduced schedules.
What campers like
Private cabin sites: Many campers appreciate secluded cabin locations that provide forest immersion. "Cabins are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site," notes Christian about High Point State Park's group cabin areas.
Trading post supplies: Camp Glen Gray maintains an on-site store for essential items. "Trading Post for treats and other items," mentions Jose N., highlighting the convenience of not needing to leave the grounds for basic supplies. This feature is particularly valuable during shoulder seasons when nearby stores have limited hours.
Meal options at select locations: Some cabin facilities provide food service, eliminating the need to cook. "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," shares Ilya F. about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by season: Peak summer weekends require booking 3-6 months in advance at most locations. "You have to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site," reports Lee D. about Croton Point Park.
Vehicle restrictions at certain cabins: Some properties limit vehicle access to cabin areas. "No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items," explains Jose N. about Camp Glen Gray, which provides gear transportation assistance.
Bear precautions required: Northern New Jersey cabin areas have active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," cautions Trip Over Life from their stay at Stokes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin rentals with activities: Great Divide Campground offers structured programs for children. "They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs," states Julie, highlighting entertainment options beyond standard outdoor recreation.
Cabin upgrades for comfort: For families needing more amenities, upgraded cabins provide additional features. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room," shares W L. about their experience at Stokes State Forest.
Noise levels between cabins: Family groups should consider cabin proximity when booking. "Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites. We stayed in site 9. The higher number sites were closer to the RV site and the water. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm," warns Jonathan C. about cabin positioning at Croton Point Park.
Tips from RVers
Hose connections for water access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides solutions for reaching distant water sources. "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 antruze, addressing a common concern about utility access.
Off-season scheduling: RV camping near cabin areas allows for extended seasonal use. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," mentions Nancymike K., highlighting Mahlon Dickerson Reservation's accessibility for larger vehicles during shoulder seasons when many cabin-only areas have closed.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most cabin camping areas have limited RV access. "The sites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring," notes Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one of the few locations accommodating both cabin and RV campers.
