Cabin camping near Hamburg, New Jersey provides year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in the northwestern corner of the state. The area sits within the Kittatinny Mountains at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and exploration. Winter cabin rentals typically require advance planning with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking trails and viewpoints: At High Point State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trails directly from the camping areas. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
Wildlife observation: The forests surrounding cabin sites provide opportunities for animal sightings. A visitor to Stokes State Forest reported: "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" Remember this is bear country, so proper food storage is essential.
Water recreation: Several lakes offer fishing and boating options within short drives of cabin sites. "The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam. We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely." Most state park lakes prohibit swimming outside designated beach areas, with Lake Marcia at High Point State Park maintaining lifeguards during summer months.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Cabins at Ocquittunk offer lakeside views and varied terrain. "We stayed at site #T007, it was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Winter accessibility: Unlike tent camping, cabins remain available during colder months in some locations. A winter visitor noted: "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning. The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better." Plan for approximately 2-3 bundles of firewood per night during winter cabin stays.
Cabin interior features: Log cabin options at Great Divide Campground provide more extensive amenities. "It is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. 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." Many cabins include basic furniture but minimal kitchen equipment.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many cabin facilities operate on limited schedules. At Swartswood State Park Campground, a visitor explained: "My first trip to this campground was September 2020. We wanted to get out of the house, but stay clear of other campers during the pandemic. This campsite, CS52, was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. One camper reported: "The park was incredibly noisy at night and there is little to no privacy between campsites. Everything could be seen by your neighbors. We were kept up all night because we could hear other campers snoring and talking (they didn't even seem to be talking loudly, they were speaking at a normal level)."
Bathroom facilities: Shower access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic still." Some locations like Mahlon Dickerson have modern facilities while more primitive sites may only offer vault toilets during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers cabin sites with easy access to trails. "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 selection: Family-friendly sites often include level areas for outdoor activities. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant weather variations through seasons. "The area was incredibly peaceful in December with many cabin reservations abandoned due to rain in the forecast. It did rain, but was still a great trip." Pack extra warm clothing for spring and fall cabin stays when nighttime temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: At Panther Lake Camping Resort, RV sites require careful planning. "Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass. Lake was not easy to get to due to the messy walkways and mud."
Utility hookups: Electric availability varies between locations. "Majority of sites are season all campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages."
Winter considerations: For cold-weather RV camping near cabins, water access becomes limited. "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." Most campgrounds shut off water to outlying areas once temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
