The Morristown area sits within New Jersey's Skylands region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain for cabin stays. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer averages 80-85°F with moderate humidity. Many cabins near Morristown offer four-season availability, though amenities and reservation requirements vary significantly by location.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides access to impressive viewpoints near its cabin accommodations. "Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites!" notes Christina L., who recommends this area for solo trips.
Wolf observation tours: Just a short walk from the Camp Taylor Campground cabins, guests can experience the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F., highlighting this unique feature for cabin stays.
Fishing from cabin sites: Several lodging options provide immediate water access. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir" according to Jocelyn G., making it perfect for fishing directly from your rental cabin.
Winter cabin experiences: Unlike many seasonal options, select cabins remain open year-round. W L. from Stokes State Forest recommends winter preparations: "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 campers like
Privacy between cabins: Jenny Jump State Forest offers well-separated shelter accommodations. "This shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private," writes Dwight D., who appreciated the secluded setting of Shelter 2.
Cabin kitchen facilities: Many appreciate the cooking amenities available in cabins. "It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," says Amy B. about her stays at Stokes State Forest, noting the convenience for family meal preparation.
Cabin heating options: The wood stoves provide essential warmth during cooler seasons. W L. advises: "The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better," highlighting the importance of proper fuel planning.
Cabin site selection: Location matters when choosing cabin accommodations. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Jeff W. notes that "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."
What you should know
Cabin reservation timing: Peak season bookings require advance planning. At High Point State Park Campground, availability is limited during summer, with Justin P. noting "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping."
Supply requirements: Cabins typically require guests to bring specific items. Dwight D. shares his preparation for Jenny Jump: "We brought battery-powered lights since there is no electricity. There were coat hooks and a built-in shelf for our snacks, games, and other supplies."
Wildlife awareness: Cabin areas may have active wildlife. Kaitlyn S. reports: "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" This emphasizes the importance of proper food storage.
Internet limitations: Most cabin locations have minimal connectivity. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, Umar A. mentions "Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," which is important for guests needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection for kids: Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly cabin options with activities. "They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs," reports Julie, highlighting entertainment options.
Educational opportunities: Cabin stays can include learning experiences. Jean T. notes that Camp Taylor "offers discounted tours for campers" at the Lakota Wolf Preserve, making wildlife education accessible for families staying in cabins.
Water activities for children: Several cabin locations feature swimming areas. Jocelyn G. highlights that Spruce Run Recreation Area has "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," providing structured water recreation for families.
Budget considerations: Cabin rentals vary widely in price. Christina L. found Mahlon Dickerson Reservation affordable, noting cabins are "Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend!" though prices may have changed since her review.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV and cabin combinations: Some travelers use cabins to extend their camping season. At Stokes State Forest, winter cabin users benefit from wood stoves while RV sites close seasonally, allowing for cold-weather stays when RVs would be impractical.
Proximity to urban amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers cabin alternatives near amenities. Richard V. appreciates the "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Cabin accessibility features: Some lodging options accommodate guests with mobility needs. Dwight D. specifically notes at Jenny Jump State Forest, "Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not," providing important information for guests requiring accessible accommodations.
Seasonal transition planning: Ruette W. suggests a hybrid approach at Spruce Run: "I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it," allowing RVers to experience both views and full hookups during their stay.
