Cabin camping near New Egypt, New Jersey offers diverse overnight options in the Pine Barrens ecosystem, characterized by sandy soil, pine forests, and cedar-stained waterways. Sites throughout the region sit at elevations of 80-100 feet above sea level with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds maintain operational seasons from April through November, though some cabin facilities remain open year-round.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park features a dedicated archery range where visitors can practice their skills. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," notes a camper about this Freehold Township facility.
Winter activities: Brendan Byrne State Forest cabins provide year-round access to winter recreation opportunities not available at seasonal campgrounds. According to one visitor: "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Kayaking: Multiple waterways throughout the region provide paddling opportunities with boat rentals available at several campgrounds. A Turkey Swamp visitor shared: "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."
Hiking trail exploration: The Pine Barrens offer extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. One Brendan Byrne camper reports: "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park provides well-spaced camping areas with natural buffers. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains a recent visitor.
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds feature waterfront cabin options with direct lake or pond views. A visitor to Atsion Family Camp noted: "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)."
Privacy between sites: Butterfly Camping Resort incorporates natural vegetation between camping areas. "The sites are cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. They're well maintained and raked between campers," shares one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and shower facilities. A Butterfly camper noted: "The campground was very well taken care of. The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Cabin availability varies significantly by season. A Turkey Swamp visitor observed: "The campground was only about 20% occupied when we were there at the end of April, so our stay was a quiet one."
Insect preparations: The Pine Barrens ecosystem requires thorough tick prevention measures. "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 Turkey Swamp camper.
Road conditions: Many access roads throughout campgrounds remain unpaved. "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 Turkey Swamp visitor.
Fire restrictions: Brendan Byrne State Forest enforces specific fire timing regulations. "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker," mentions one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Atsion Family Camp provides dedicated play areas for children. "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," shares a Turkey Swamp visitor.
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect repellent for children, particularly during summer months. A Turkey Swamp camper shares reassurance: "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!"
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities to keep children engaged. "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on. Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night)," explains a Butterfly Camping Resort visitor.
Proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to regional family destinations. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground mentions: "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min). Campground has friendly staff and plenty of activities for children of all ages."
Tips from RVers
Bring extension cords: Limited electrical outlet placement at some sites requires longer connections. "Bring a LONG water hose," advises a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature natural terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Some sites unlevel," notes a Turkey Swamp camper, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks.
Campground navigation: Indian Rock RV Resort provides large pull-through sites suitable for bigger rigs. "Our site was a big pull through site," confirms a visitor, though careful navigation remains necessary at most facilities.
Water hookup access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups at cabin sites, requiring planning. "Plenty of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have," explains a Brendan Byrne State Forest visitor.
