Cabin camping near Morris Plains, New Jersey offers access to the forested highlands of northwestern New Jersey at elevations ranging from 500-1,800 feet. This region experiences distinct seasonal changes with vibrant fall foliage from late September through October and summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F with moderate humidity. Winter cabin rentals often require booking 6-9 months in advance during peak foliage season.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails lead to memorable vistas. "This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," notes Jocelyn G. The forest features multiple lookout points accessible within a 1-2 mile hike from most cabin sites.
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground provides unique access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," shares Julie F. The preserve offers twice-daily educational tours on weekends.
Water activities: Several lakes in the region provide swimming, fishing and boating options. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," explains Ethan K. about Swartswood State Park. Most cabin facilities are within walking distance to water features, with kayak rentals available at many locations for $20-40 daily.
What campers like
Private settings: Campers consistently mention the seclusion of many cabin sites. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "the campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," says Paulene-Amanda M. Many cabins feature separated cooking and sleeping areas with buffer zones between sites.
Year-round facilities: Cabins with heating systems extend camping opportunities. "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," notes Jeff W. Several parks maintain winter cabin availability with plowed access roads.
Trail connectivity: The ability to access hiking directly from cabin sites ranks highly. At Stokes State Forest, "there are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive," explains E.M.V. Cabins typically connect to at least one hiking loop without requiring vehicle transportation.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season cabin rentals require significant advance planning. "We stayed here on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great!" reports Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground. Most cabins require booking 4-6 months ahead for summer weekends.
Varying amenities: Cabin facilities differ dramatically between locations. "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot," notes Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest. Some cabins require a short walk to bathroom facilities, while others include private bathrooms with running water.
Bear safety: This region requires proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns Trip Over Life about Stokes State Forest. Cabins provide secure storage but outdoor cooking areas need particular attention during evening hours.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous structured options. "Great atmosphere for families. The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days," states Ethan K. Many cabin locations feature playground equipment within walking distance.
Cabin selection strategy: For family trips, research specific cabin layouts. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Families should prioritize cabins with nearby bathroom facilities and level ground for outdoor play areas.
Noise considerations: Family-oriented areas can become noisy. "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out," reports Douglas P. Request cabins in quieter zones if traveling with young children who need earlier bedtimes.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many cabin areas have restrictions that affect larger vehicles. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest. RV owners should call ahead to verify road width and turning radius limitations.
Hookup variations: Electrical service differs significantly between cabin areas. "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," explains an antruze review about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. RVers should verify amperage availability before booking.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season visits provide better cabin availability. "We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night," mentions Adeline M. about High Point State Park. Spring and fall weekdays often have immediate cabin availability with reduced rates at most locations.
