Cabin camping options near Paramus, New Jersey range from rustic, single-room structures with basic amenities to more developed facilities within an hour's drive. The region sits at the edge of the Ramapo Mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 to 1,300 feet and a humid continental climate that supports deciduous forest camping environments. Winter cabin camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Paddle on mountain lakes: Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park offers access to a large lake with a beach area suitable for swimming and water activities. A camper notes that "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," while another mentions that other lakes for swimming and paddle boating are available "up the road."
Explore historical sites: Campers staying at Croton Point Park can access nearby attractions like Sleepy Hollow. One visitor mentioned, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Participate in organized outdoor activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center runs regular activities for guests. A reviewer shared that "They do have movie nights they also have big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids," while another mentioned, "There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people."
Join ranger-led programs: Several campgrounds offer educational programming. A camper at Sebago Cabin Camp reported, "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."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: While many campgrounds are developed, some offer more private sites. At Suffern-Bear Mountain from Gate Hill Road Primitive, a camper noted, "At the top of the scramble is a primitive camping site with amazing views. The most difficult part about camping in this location is that you will have to carry your supplies up the mountain to the site."
Accessibility from NYC: Many cabin camping options are convenient to urban areas. A reviewer at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area appreciated that it's "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City."
Rustic cabin amenities: Cabins in the region typically provide basic necessities. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a visitor explained that "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge."
Natural water features: Many campers value sites near water. One camper at Harriman State Park advised, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge."
What you should know
Cabin conditions: Expect basic accommodations. A reviewer of Sebago Cabin Camp reported that "most cabins have 2 rooms with 4 cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate outside a 🔥 pit and grill with table."
Connectivity limitations: Most cabin sites have limited or no cell service. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a camper shared: "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Site reservations: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Wawayanda State Park Campground, campsites offer "Clean, access to kayaking/beach/trails. Largely friendly staff and campers," though sites can be crowded.
Regulations vary by park: Different campgrounds have different rules. At Croton Point Park, a camper observed: "The park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of."
Wildlife considerations: Several campgrounds require food storage precautions. A visitor to Croton Point Park advised: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Tips for camping with families
Choose family-oriented sites: Some cabin campgrounds specifically cater to families. One camper at the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center described it as "a first class facility. Very clean. They offer a meal plan (Option for breakfast, lunch, dinner) that you can get at their dinning hall and I HIGHLY recommend that option."
Look for campgrounds with activities: Facilities with programming help keep children engaged. A reviewer mentioned Croton Point Park has "a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Consider proximity to attractions: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers family-friendly amenities with "plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water."
Start with beginner-friendly trails: For families new to hiking, Harriman State Park offers accessible options. A camper noted: "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever."
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup sites: Most cabin camping areas have few or no RV hookups. Croton Point Park has "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites" but sites are "close together."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have noise issues. A camper at Croton Point Park warned: "There is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Site placement matters: Research site locations before booking. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, a visitor noted that "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps."
