Cabin camping options near Hibernia, New Jersey span across 1,000+ acres of northeastern woodland in the Skylands Region. The area features elevations ranging from 700-1,800 feet with a mix of deciduous forest and small lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making cabins with wood stoves essential for cold-weather visits.
What to do
Hiking the AT connection: Take advantage of direct access to the Appalachian Trail from Camp Taylor Campground. "There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," notes one visitor who enjoyed the 9-mile round trip hike.
Wolf watching experiences: Book a cabin near the Lakota Wolf Preserve for a unique wildlife encounter. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares a camper. Tours leave Camp Taylor twice daily on weekends.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent night sky viewing at Jenny Jump State Forest. The elevation and distance from urban areas provides better visibility for astronomy enthusiasts. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced... we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," notes a visitor about the peaceful setting.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary by site: Seek out specific cabins for more seclusion. "This shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private," explains a Jenny Jump camper who appreciated the design. "There is a picnic table and benches inside. We spent most of our time on the porch; cooking, chatting, and crafting while enjoying the sunshine and breeze."
Rustic accommodations with basic comforts: Stokes State Forest offers well-maintained cabins with practical amenities. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," notes a visitor who rented Cabin #8 in late 2021.
Lake access for recreation: Several cabins provide convenient lake proximity for fishing and paddling. "Swartswood State Park is a very large complex that is extremely well maintained with nice facilities. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing," writes a camper who enjoyed the recreational opportunities near the rental cabins.
What you should know
Firewood consumption: Winter cabin stays require significant wood for heating. One visitor to Stokes notes: "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."
Varying amenity levels: Cabin facilities differ dramatically between locations. "The camp sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces... some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," explains a Jenny Jump visitor. Cabins range from basic shelters to units with electric hookups and heating.
Cell coverage limitations: Expect communication challenges at Panther Lake Camping Resort, where reviewers note: "Love the place! People were nice. Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones." Another adds it's "like a black hole of signals there" making it ideal for a true digital detox.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose cabins with built-in entertainment options. Great Divide Campground offers "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," according to a recent visitor.
Pet policies: Carefully check which cabins permit dogs as options are limited. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," shares a Great Divide family, highlighting the amenities that kept children entertained.
Weather preparedness: Mountain locations experience significant temperature drops after sunset. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely," notes a Stokes Forest visitor about the cabin heating. Another camper suggests "turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution" for temporary warmth until the wood stove gets going.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers staying at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation appreciate the layout. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes one reviewer. The campsites are paved and mostly level, making setup straightforward.
Water connection issues: Be prepared for unusual water hookup configurations. "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 camper who found the reservation's solution practical despite initial concerns.
Winter access considerations: Most sites close seasonally, but several near Hibernia remain open year-round with limited services. RVers should check for propane availability and winterized water systems before booking off-season stays, as many facilities shut down completely between November and April.
