Cabin camping near Mount Laurel, New Jersey provides access to the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil, acidic water, and distinctive pine-oak forests. The region maintains warmer temperatures than surrounding areas due to the porous sandy soil, which can reach up to 60°F on summer days while nights cool significantly. Many cabins are situated within state forests where trails connect to the extensive Batona Trail system.
What to Do
Kayaking and tubing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for paddling activities. At Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area, site G014 at Goshen Pond is "closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot." For tubing, Wading Pines Camping Resort is positioned along the Wading River where "you can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park features an archery range for visitors to practice their skills. As one visitor notes, "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels." The range is part of several recreational activities available within the park's boundaries.
Wildlife observation: The proximity to Six Flags Safari creates unique wildlife viewing opportunities. At Timberland Lake Campground, "You can hear the lions in the morning. There is a road that goes between the campground and the Safari you can drive, walk, or bicycle down and see the animals!"
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Many cabins offer generous spacing compared to typical campgrounds. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, "sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site." This privacy extends to the forested setting with "sites in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Clean facilities: Washroom quality varies between locations but several maintain high standards. Turkey Swamp Park has "bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained" while at Old Cedar Campground, visitors appreciate that "Showers and bathrooms here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!"
Seasonal activities: Fall camping offers special experiences at certain locations. Timberland Lake Campground is known for "their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday!" Similarly, cabin campers can experience "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have."
What You Should Know
Strict campground rules: Several locations enforce specific regulations that may surprise first-time visitors. At Turkey Swamp Park, "you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people." Similarly, some campgrounds have unexpected fire restrictions: "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, requiring proper planning. In cabins without climate control systems, weather impacts comfort dramatically. Some sites face environmental challenges: "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."
Road conditions: Access routes to some cabins involve unpaved roads. At several locations, "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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities for children: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas specifically designed for younger visitors. At Timberland Lake Campground, "Plenty of activities for children of all ages. Play ground, basket ball, beautiful pool and for an extra fee beach access." Another visitor confirms, "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome!"
Site selection for convenience: When traveling with children, location within the campground matters. For Lake Kandle, one visitor advises to "make sure to get an end campsite or your table will be by the sanitary dump." This planning helps families maintain distance from less desirable campground features.
Wildlife education opportunities: The unique ecosystems provide learning experiences for children. Around the cabins, parents report, "We didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!" while others recommend exploring "historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
Tips from RVers
Utility considerations: Water hookup arrangements vary significantly between campgrounds. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, facilities are "clean with good showers and laundry" while at other locations, "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Site terrain challenges: Many cabin and RV sites have specific ground composition to consider. At Timberland Lake Campground, "sand for all pull-throughs" creates challenges as it's "so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer." Despite this, many appreciate that most sites have "pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size."
Storage and maintenance facilities: Extended stays benefit from on-site services. Some locations offer minimal amenities but "there is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)."
