Several state parks and private campgrounds near Lawrence, New Jersey offer rustic cabin accommodations for overnight stays. The region sits at elevations between 40-400 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid with temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures ideal for cabin camping activities.
What to Do
Hiking opportunities: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground features extensive trail networks through diverse ecosystems. "The hikes in the campground are beautiful. The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," notes one visitor who appreciated the historical elements.
Fishing access: Old Cedar Campground provides good fishing opportunities according to multiple visitors. "Nice pool, good fishing, staff is great," reports one regular camper. Another mentioned there are "2 fishing areas" within the campground, making it convenient for anglers staying in cabins.
Water recreation: At Sun Outdoors Cape May, water activities abound. A camper described, "A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals. A decent pool that tends to get a bit crowded, but does the trick." The lake feature provides an alternative to ocean beaches.
Nature exploration: Killens Pond State Park Campground cabins put you close to unique natural features. "The woods are full of nature and diverse species. We counted over 17 different species of fungi in a 25 foot stretch! I loved staying in the beautiful cabins and enjoying the nature strolls," shared an enthusiastic visitor.
What Campers Like
Historic sites: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground offers historical exploration alongside cabin stays. "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views," explains one reviewer.
Family activities: Ocean View Resort Campground excels at keeping children entertained. "Ocean View Resort was an excellent resort for our family with two toddlers. Kids loved the Splash Park, Arcade, Tram Car, playgrounds and Lake. So much to do at this resort," reports a satisfied parent who found plenty to keep young ones occupied.
Cabin layouts: Spacious Skies Country Oaks offers well-equipped cabin sites. "We stayed in pull-thru site#12 which was level, covered in clean gravel, had a concrete patio with picnic table and Adirondack chairs, and a nice fire ring," noted a visitor who appreciated the site amenities around their cabin accommodation.
Wildlife viewing: Some cabins offer unique natural encounters. At Old Cedar Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The most unique aspect we found was the cow pasture. It was a lot of fun watching the cows eating and interacting. I intentionally reserved the site we had to be close."
What You Should Know
Seasonal variations: Killens Pond State Park Campground cabins stay open year-round but experiences vary by season. "We stayed in one of the cabins for thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. They are cozy but very comfortable! Being a walk-in there was very little foot traffic when we were outside and the pond is quite close," reports one off-season visitor.
Cabin size considerations: Parvin State Park Campground cabins have particular sleeping arrangements to note. One camper observed, "The only thing I did not like about the cabin was that it's all bunk beds. One of the things I appreciate about PA State Parks is that one of the bedrooms has a full size bed for couples."
Heating options: Cabin temperature control varies significantly. A Parvin State Park visitor noted, "While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove." These rustic accommodations require awareness of seasonal needs.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities book quickly, especially during peak periods. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, "You had to sign up for pool slots, but there was plenty of openings," during COVID restrictions, suggesting that planning ahead for amenities is important.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water features for kids: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer provides extensive water recreation for families. A visitor with kids noted, "We stay in the rental campers. They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
Planned activities: Many cabins are located in campgrounds with organized events. "The campground has def changed in the last 10 yrs. Cabin rentals are everywhere and have replaced a lot of transient camper sites," observed one long-time visitor to Jellystone Park, noting the increased focus on cabin accommodations.
Transportation within large properties: At some larger campgrounds, additional transportation helps. A Sun Outdoors Cape May visitor mentioned, "We had a blast with a golf cart rental. The campground is rather large, so it felt like a necessity to having a secondary way of getting around easily as a family."
Playground proximity: When booking cabin sites with children, location matters. At Old Cedar Campground, a visitor noted their site "is also the closest to the playground. You can't hear the kids on the playground, but it's close enough to be able to send them in a group and call for them."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: For RVers using cabins as guest accommodations, Old Cedar Campground has some unique site features. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advised one RVer.
Site selection strategy: At Cape Henlopen, site choice matters significantly. "If you're going to camp at one of the RV sites, you'd better have an RV. They are neither RTT nor tent friendly. The sites are packed in so closely that if you don't have the privacy of a camper, everyone will see your business," cautioned a visitor who found the density challenging.
Winter heating preparations: For off-season cabin stays, preparation is key. A camper at Parvin State Park Campground observed, "The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed. While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove." Understanding heating options helps ensure comfort during colder months.
Site leveling: Even cabin sites may have terrain variations. At Cape Henlopen State Park, a visitor noted, "None of the sites are level." This is important information for those bringing RVs alongside cabin bookings.
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