Cabin camping near Newark, New Jersey offers several options within a 90-minute drive radius. Most cabins in the region are situated in state forests or county parks at elevations between 400-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures at these higher elevation sites can drop 10-15 degrees below Newark readings, requiring additional heating consideration during colder months.
What to do
Lake activities at Turkey Swamp Park: This park features a 17-acre lake where visitors can fish, kayak, and canoe during warmer months. Boat rentals include canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and row boats directly from the park office. "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. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Hiking at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation: The park contains several miles of trails suitable for day hikes, including an easy path to the lake. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares one Mahlon Dickerson camper. The reservation also features the Headley overlook with mountain views of the New Jersey Skylands region.
Archery at Turkey Swamp Park: The park maintains an archery range for visitors who bring their own equipment. The range is open during regular park hours, making it a unique activity option not available at most other campgrounds in the region. There's also a fitness trail for those seeking more active recreation options.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Great Divide Campground: Campers appreciate the well-separated sites that provide privacy compared to more crowded campgrounds. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," explains a reviewer. The Great Divide Campground also features hills throughout the property, creating natural separation between camping areas.
Lake access at Stokes State Forest: Campers enjoy the proximity to water features. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents," notes one visitor to Stokes State Forest. The forest offers several different camping areas, each with distinct features and amenities.
Well-maintained facilities at Turkey Swamp Park: The campground keeps clean restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," reports a visitor. Sites feature pull-through driveways with level ground, making setup easier for both tent and RV campers.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Most cabins require guests to bring bedding materials. At Camp Glen Gray, cabins include electricity and shower access but no plumbing. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails," reports a Camp Glen Gray visitor. Some locations prohibit alcohol while others permit it, so check specific campground rules before packing.
Winter cabin options: Several parks offer year-round cabin rentals with heating options. At Stokes State Forest, the wood stoves provide effective heating during cold weather. "I bought wood from a house across the street from the entrance to the cabins and it was damp, but in November, I wasn't complaining, it took awhile but I got a nice blaze going. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," notes a winter visitor.
Reservation timing considerations: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer and fall peak periods. Many parks open reservations 6-12 months in advance, with holiday weekends filling quickly. Weekend dates from May through October typically book 2-3 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at Turkey Swamp Park: The campground includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds both within the camping area and near the office, providing entertainment options for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," mentions a camper describing the facilities.
Educational opportunities at Allaire State Park: The park features a historic village with educational programming during summer months. "Working village and antique train are available most of the year. There are also lots of festivals throughout the summer months," explains an Allaire State Park visitor. These activities provide structured learning experiences for children during camping trips.
Swimming options for children: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities, but rules vary. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, there's both a lake and a swimming pool. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," reports a Panther Lake visitor, highlighting the multiple activity options for families.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up locations at Turkey Swamp Park: Water connections at some sites require extra hose length. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," explains a visitor. Sites in Loops B-E feature pull-through driveways that accommodate larger rigs.
Leveling requirements at Great Divide Campground: The terrain includes hills and varied elevations. "Sites are paved and mostly level," notes a camper, though they add that "Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on." RVers should bring leveling blocks for certain sites.
Dump station availability: Most parks offer dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," making end-of-stay cleanup more convenient for RVers.
