Cabin camping options near Lyndhurst, New Jersey are primarily located within a 40-mile radius of the city. Most sites operate seasonally between April and October, though some accept winter reservations with proper facilities. The region's elevation ranges from 40 feet above sea level in Lyndhurst to over 1,800 feet at High Point State Park, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the year.
What to do
Water activities on crystal-clear reservoirs: Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive camping with access to a 2,350-acre reservoir. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," reports one camper at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Forest hiking with varied terrain: Multiple trail networks connect camping areas with scenic viewpoints. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest—all the way in the back with only one neighbor. There are some nice trails around the campground as well," notes a visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal sites, some parks remain open year-round. "I rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," explains a winter camper at Stokes State Forest.
Boat rentals for lake exploration: Several parks offer affordable watercraft rentals. "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking," shares a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites despite proximity to urban areas. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," notes a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Large, level camping pads: The region offers spacious sites that accommodate various camping setups. "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," shares a visitor describing Great Divide Campground.
Evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds permit responsible alcohol consumption and provide social spaces. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake. Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground," reports a repeat visitor to Great Divide Campground.
Family-friendly activities: Most sites provide organized recreation 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. Staff were very helpful and kind," explains a camper describing evening entertainment options.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites near Lyndhurst require advance booking, especially for cabins and premium sites. "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," reports a visitor at Stokes State Forest.
Bear-aware protocols: The region has 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 a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Road conditions vary: Access to more remote camping areas may require preparation. "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," notes a visitor describing Turkey Swamp Park.
Tick prevention essential: Several parks report heavy tick presence in warmer months. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature designated recreation facilities. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," describes a group leader at Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Consider seasonal activities: Program schedules vary throughout camping season. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too," reports a family at Turkey Swamp Park.
Pack for varied terrains: Campgrounds feature different ground conditions that affect setup. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," notes a first-time camping family.
Look for no-fee recreational options: Some parks include complimentary activities with camping fees. "The group campsites 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, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," reports a group leader at High Point State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check water connection distances: Some sites require longer-than-standard hoses. "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," advises an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Confirm alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between parks. "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is an alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," notes a visitor regarding policy discrepancies at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Verify exact campsite conditions: Site features may differ from online descriptions. "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," explains an RVer describing the practical layout.
Consider off-peak visits: Some campgrounds offer better experiences during less busy periods. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," reports a visitor at High Point State Park Campground.
