Cabin camping near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey provides access to the highlands region with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,800 feet. The area features deciduous forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees, with seasonal temperatures varying widely from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities with peak colors typically occurring in mid-October.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 15-minute drive from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation to access trails. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," notes a reviewer who recommends picking up a hiking map at the park office.
Wolf preserve tours: 1-hour guided experiences at Camp Taylor Campground. "The Wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares a visitor. Tours leave the campground twice daily on weekends.
Winter stargazing: Dark sky opportunities from November through March when foliage doesn't block views. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. No room for yard games, but we spent the time relaxing and burning stuff. The site was very secluded. The weather was overcast so we weren't able to use our telescope at night," explains a camper describing winter cabin options.
Paddling and fishing: Multiple lakes within a 30-minute drive. "Small swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals," mentions a reviewer about Camp Taylor. Another notes, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded cabin options. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," shares one visitor.
Year-round access: Some cabins remain open during winter months. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room," notes a winter visitor who appreciated the heating options.
Cabin varieties: Different parks offer unique cabin styles. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Wildlife viewing: Bears and smaller animals frequently spotted. "I had a camping experience at High Point that unfortunately did not go as planned. My family, friends and I rented a camping site and a cabin for a two-night stay, looking forward to a relaxing weekend in nature," shares a visitor who encountered warnings about local wildlife.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require booking 3-12 months in advance for summer weekends. Winter cabins often available with shorter notice.
Bear safety protocols: Stokes State Forest requires proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a visitor who camped at the Steam Mill area.
Cabin heating options: Wood stoves require preparation. "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
Cabin amenities vary: Always check specific listings. "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. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
Water access limitations: Many cabins have basic water only. "Outside is a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. There are hooks near the door to hang a lantern."
Tips for camping with families
Check cabin platforms: Some spots require specific tent placements. "This was my second time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area, October 2020. I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!!"
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers structured programs. "Like many of the sites in this area, Great Divide had a large pool which was used by many of the campers. Even though we had a rainy day, we still enjoyed our time at Great Divide. The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Noise considerations: Some sites offer more peace than others. "There are four campgrounds that are all pretty different, we stayed at Shotwell across from the pond. For the most part, each campsite has its own porta potty or it shared with a couple other sites. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night."
Family cabin logistics: Plan for specific needs. "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Panther Lake Camping Resort requires preparation. "Majority of sites are season all campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages. Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass."
Water hookups: Some sites require long hoses. "Very clean and quiet. 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."
Seasonal considerations: Plan around potential busy periods. "We stayed in the center lawn and it was lined with seasonal campers. We felt like we were staying in the middle of a neighborhood. Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice but this place is a party place for sure."
