Camping cabins near Parlin, New Jersey range from rustic forest shelters to lakeside accommodations with varying amenities. Located in central New Jersey, the area sits at low elevations between 30-100 feet above sea level with moderate temperatures that allow for extended camping seasons from April through November. Many campgrounds in this region feature sand-based sites which can impact tent setup and gear maintenance during wet weather.
What to do
Lake activities for fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers a small lake with fishing opportunities. According to one camper, "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental." The reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area also offers water recreation options with campsites along the shoreline.
Archery and outdoor sports: Several campgrounds feature designated areas for various sports. One visitor to Turkey Swamp Park noted, "You can bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels." Butterfly Camping Resort offers multiple sporting options with "a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."
Winter activities: Some parks remain open year-round or have extended seasons. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods." The varied terrain provides different experiences depending on when you visit.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at local campgrounds. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground commented, "This campground has a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds!" The shaded sites provide relief during hot summer months.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers make a big difference for campers. One review for Turkey Swamp Park stated, "Bath/Shower House: Very clean. Soap and paper towels are provided." Though quality varies between parks, most campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules.
Family-friendly activities: Organized events keep children entertained throughout their stay. A Butterfly Camping Resort visitor noted, "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night)." Many campgrounds schedule weekend activities during peak season.
What you should know
Sand-based sites: Several campgrounds in the area have sandy terrain that can create challenges. A reviewer at Timberland Lake Campground pointed out, "One thing didn't love: Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer." Consider bringing extra ground cloths and floor mats to manage sand tracking into tents or RVs.
Seasonal variations: The camping experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. One camper at Allaire State Park shared, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there." Visit during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds but be prepared for temperature variations.
Insects and wildlife: Ticks and other insects can be prevalent in this region. As one camper at Turkey Swamp Park 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." Always bring insect repellent and check regularly for ticks.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground surfaces: Different campgrounds have varied playground setups. One visitor to Timberland Lake noted, "Playground was big, but all sand which every kid had all in their shoes." Bring closed shoes for playground time and extra socks for sandy conditions.
Consider pool access during heat waves: When temperatures climb, pool facilities become essential. A Turkey Swamp Park camper shared their experience with young children: "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! The campground was super clean too."
Look for weekday availability: Weekend crowds can change the camping experience significantly. A visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground was only about 20% occupied when we were there at the end of April, so our stay was a quiet one." Consider scheduling trips during weekdays or shoulder seasons for a more peaceful experience.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup access: Some sites require extensive hose lengths to reach water connections. A review for Spruce Run advised, "Bring a LONG water hose" while another noted that sites vary significantly in hookup positioning. Always bring extra hose length and adapters for varying connection points.
Tree clearance: Low-hanging branches can damage taller RVs at many campgrounds. An RVer at Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines) reported, "difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed." For larger rigs, request open sites away from mature trees when making reservations.
