Cabin camping near Hopatcong, New Jersey offers options within the Skylands region, where elevations reach over 1,500 feet at nearby High Point State Park. Winter temperatures in this area often drop below freezing from December through February, making cabin amenities particularly valuable during colder months. Campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 12+ miles accessible from Stokes State Forest, where campers can access multiple trail connections. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," notes one visitor who recommends getting a hiking map at the park office.
Wildlife viewing at wolf preserve: Camp Taylor Campground offers discounted tours of the adjacent Lakota Wolf Preserve for campers. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," reports a camper. The preserve conducts tours twice daily on weekends, making this a unique attraction for cabin guests.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights provide good astronomical viewing, particularly at more remote sites. "We weren't able to use our telescope at night" due to overcast conditions, mentioned one visitor at High Point State Park, suggesting this activity is popular when weather permits.
What campers like
Private, wooded cabin sites: Jenny Jump State Forest cabins offer seclusion with convenient amenities. "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch," explained a visitor who found the accommodations surprisingly comfortable.
Lakeside locations: Several cabin options provide water access for fishing and paddling. At Great Divide Campground, guests appreciate the "beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves" including free kayaks and a pool that keeps families entertained.
Winter cabin amenities: Wood stoves and fireplaces make cold-weather stays comfortable at some locations. One Stokes State Forest visitor noted, "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer cabins book 6-9 months in advance at popular parks, especially for weekend dates. State forest cabins typically require earlier reservations than private campgrounds.
Bear safety requirements: All cabin areas enforce strict food storage rules due to active bear populations. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Bathroom variations: Facilities range widely, from rustic to modern. At High Point State Park, visitors note "Clean-ish bathrooms with flush toilets, no sinks, no showers, with that awful outhouse smell. Bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea as the park didn't replace it enough and it ran out."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and provider. A Panther Lake camper reported "no wifi or phone signal anywhere other than near the entrance, pool area, pavilion, lake, and welcome center," indicating connectivity challenges at many cabin sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized events keep children entertained. One visitor to Camp Taylor described it as "lovely" and "GREAT for kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in."
Multi-cabin options: For larger family groups, booking adjacent cabins provides necessary space. "If you have a big crew then there are plenty of joint spots," advises a Great Divide Campground visitor.
Nature programs: Many state parks offer ranger-led activities on weekends. "The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids," shared a visitor to Kittatinny Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabins vs. RVs: Different campground sections typically serve different needs. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages... Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," according to one RVer's observation.
Weather considerations: Spring access can be challenging after rain. "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," noted an RVer at Panther Lake.
Noise levels vary: Some cabin areas maintain strict quiet hours while others are more social. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire," mentioned a Camp Taylor Campground visitor.
