Cabin camping near Matawan, New Jersey offers access to several parks within 30-45 minutes of town. The region features sandy soil typical of the New Jersey Pinelands, with elevations rarely exceeding 250 feet above sea level. Most cabin sites remain open from April through November, though some close earlier depending on seasonal temperatures that can drop below freezing by late October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Turkey Swamp Park provides multiple fishing spots with easy shoreline access. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," reports a camper who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Water activities: Rental boats are available at several parks during summer months. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes one visitor about Turkey Swamp Park. Seasonal availability typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with rental fees ranging from $15-25 per hour.
Archery practice: Some parks maintain designated archery areas for visitors. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests one camper about activities at Turkey Swamp Park. Most archery ranges require visitors to bring their own equipment and follow posted safety rules.
Winter recreation: For those planning off-season visits, some parks offer winter activities. "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," mentions a camper about winter options when cabins are closed but day use remains available.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin areas feature good separation between units. At Butterfly Camping Resort, "The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site. There was tons of stuff to do. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent positive mentions. "Very clean. Soap and paper towels are provided," notes one camper about the bath facilities at Turkey Swamp Park, adding that "the only thing missing were hooks or shelves for toiletries but there was a large bench that could be used."
Family programming: Organized activities keep younger campers entertained at some locations. "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!" reports a visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort.
Seasonal events: Fall camping brings special activities at some parks. At Timberland Lake Campground, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"
What you should know
Site conditions: Sandy soil can create challenges during wet weather. One camper at Adventure Bound Camping noted: "The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere." Consider bringing extra mats or ground covers for cabin entryways.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly, often 3-6 months in advance. Some parks maintain waiting lists for cancellations, but most operate on first-come reservation systems with required deposits.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks can be prevalent in wooded areas during warmer months. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," reports one camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Road conditions: Some parks have unpaved access roads that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. "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 to Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Insect repellent is essential during summer months. Surprisingly, some visitors report minimal issues: "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. It was perfect!" shares one family about their experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Playground access: Most cabin areas include playground facilities for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes a visitor about Turkey Swamp Park. Some locations separate play areas by age groups, with equipment for toddlers through pre-teens.
Beach alternatives: While not directly on the ocean, some parks offer swimming areas. At Timberland Lake Campground, visitors appreciate that there's "plenty of activities for children of all ages. Play ground, basket ball, beautiful pool and for an extra fee beach access."
Nearby attractions: Several cabin camping options provide easy access to popular family destinations. "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min)," explains a visitor about Timberland Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections may require longer cables and hoses. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises a camper at Turkey Swamp Park. Consider bringing 25-50 feet of drinking-safe hose and extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Site layouts: Many parks feature pull-through sites that accommodate both cabins and RVs. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric," notes one visitor about Turkey Swamp Park, adding that "sites are level and well maintained. They also allowed us to put the car tent on the same site as a friend's camper."
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tight corners that challenge larger vehicles. At Indian Rock RV Resort, visitors appreciate that "our site was a big pull through site." However, at other locations, campers note difficulty "navigating some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed."
