Cabin accommodations near North Bergen provide seasonal options within a 50-mile radius throughout northern New Jersey and southeastern New York. Most locations operate from spring through fall, though a few offer year-round availability. Winter cabin rentals typically require advance reservations and may have limited amenities during cold months.
What to do
Lakeside recreation: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers can hike to the nearby lake for water activities. According to one visitor: "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it... We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
Urban exploration: Camp Gateway on Staten Island offers unusual urban camping with views of New York landmarks. One reviewer notes: "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light... There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring."
Archery: Turkey Swamp Park offers archery facilities alongside water activities. A camper reported: "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Wildlife viewing: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. One visitor shared: "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
What campers like
Meal plans: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers optional dining services for those who prefer not to cook. A reviewer recommends: "They offer a meal plan (Option for breakfast, lunch, dinner) that you can get at their dinning hall and I HIGHLY recommend that option. Worth the added cost."
Secluded sites: Stokes State Forest provides more private camping experiences with certain cabins. A visitor noted: "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic... The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend."
Public transportation access: Some locations offer convenient access without a car. According to a camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center: "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)."
Winter activities: Several campgrounds maintain winter operations. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned: "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
What you should know
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between locations. At Panther Lake, one camper reported: "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell."
Bear precautions: Stokes State Forest requires proper food storage measures. As one camper advised: "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal crowds: Croton Point Park experiences heavy visitation during peak times. A visitor noted: "Nice site and a 30-40 minute drive from Western Queens... The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Alcohol regulations: Policies vary by location. At Mahlon Dickerson, a camper observed: "FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Sebago Cabin Camp offers organized activities. One visitor mentioned: "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day... They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains."
Entertainment options: Some locations provide organized activities for children. According to a camper at Sebago: "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Wildlife concerns: Certain areas require additional precautions. At Turkey Swamp Park, a visitor warned: "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."
Playground proximity: Croton Point Park offers play areas near cabins. A camper appreciated: "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Tips from RVers
Platform camping: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides elevated surfaces for tent setup. A visitor explained: "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Water connections: At Mahlon Dickerson, RVers noted convenient water accessibility despite initial concerns: "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Surface conditions: Some parks have unpaved access roads. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper observed: "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."
Dump station quality: Mahlon Dickerson offers convenient waste disposal. According to a reviewer: "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
