Cabin camping near New Egypt, New Jersey provides rustic overnight options within the Pine Barrens ecosystem. Turkey Swamp Park offers dirt road access to wooded cabins with firepits, while other locations provide varying levels of amenities from basic shelters to units with climate control systems. Most cabins require reservations several months in advance, especially for weekend stays during peak season from April through October.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park features an archery range where visitors can practice their skills. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," says Patrick M., who visits regularly for outdoor activities.
Historic exploration: Washington Crossing State Park combines history with outdoor recreation. "There are farms and animals to see, hikes along the Delaware river, Bowman's tower with a great view of the surrounding area and much more," writes Olivia M., highlighting the educational value of the park.
Water activities: Camping at Wading Pines Camping Resort provides river access for summer recreation. "The river is right there to go tubing or kayaking. Playground is cool," notes Arnold M. Another visitor suggests, "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."
Pine Barrens trails: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive hiking options through the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones," reports Dan M., who camps there regularly. The terrain features sandy soil and pine forest with trail options for all experience levels.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate the natural surroundings at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," says Katheryn N., who enjoyed the balance of amenities and seclusion.
Lake access: Turkey Swamp Park provides fishing opportunities directly from the camping area. "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office," according to Katheryn N. Visitors can purchase fishing permits at the ranger station.
Peaceful environment: The secluded nature of cabin camping provides a true disconnect from urban environments. "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!" writes Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Year-round options: Some cabin locations remain open through winter months. "We went in April. Allows dogs after a deposit. Must purchase their firewood. Good bathrooms/showers," notes Sean W. about his stay at Brendan Byrne State Forest, which operates year-round.
What you should know
Bathroom limitations: Facility quality varies widely between locations. At Pine Cone Campgrounds, Bradley B. notes, "The stall doors are quite small and lack privacy, which can be a discomfort for many guests. Moreover, only one stall has a functioning lock, which can be inconvenient during peak times."
Tick precautions: The Pine Barrens region has a significant tick population. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns Laura Y. about her Turkey Swamp Park experience. Bring appropriate repellent and conduct regular tick checks.
Quiet hours enforcement: State parks enforce strict quiet time rules. "Seasonal rangers drove by a handful of times," reports Dorian P. about Brendan Byrne State Forest, noting the regular patrol presence.
Water access planning: At some locations, water sources may be limited. "The closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others," shares Megan S. about Brendan Byrne State Forest. Pack additional water containers for convenience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers multiple recreation options. "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," explains Alexa L., who recommends waterfront site #8 for families.
Bug management: Plan for mosquitoes during summer months, though experiences vary. "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!" shares Jaewook P. about their Turkey Swamp experience.
Space considerations: Many campsites provide ample room for family setups. "Spacious campsite, although the closest water spigot wasn't working. Not a big problem as there are plenty of others," reports Megan S. about Brendan Byrne State Forest.
Bathroom proximity: For families with young children, select sites closer to facilities. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," mentions Dan W. about the layout at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many Pine Barrens campgrounds have unpaved access roads. "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," cautions Lee D. about Timberland Lake Campground.
Site leveling: Come prepared for varied terrain at some locations. "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose," advises Shawn at Turkey Swamp Park, highlighting practical considerations for RV setup.
Spacing between units: RV sites at some locations provide good separation. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes Lee D. about the pull-through sites at Turkey Swamp Park.
Water hose length: Water hookups may be positioned far from parking pads. "Bring a LONG water hose," suggests Shawn, emphasizing the need for extended equipment at Turkey Swamp Park.
