Cabins near Randolph, New Jersey offer a rustic retreat within the Highlands region, where elevations range from 700 to 1,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop to the low 20s, making cabin accommodations particularly appealing during colder months. Most rental cabins require advance booking, with many locations implementing a three-night minimum stay requirement during summer holiday weekends.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails lead directly from camping areas to lookout points. "It's set up nicely for primitive camping and you are able to hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!). There's a great look out point as well," notes Ethan K.
Wolf watching experiences: The Camp Taylor Campground offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities with the Lakota Wolf Preserve on site. "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," according to Julie F.
Star gazing: Several cabin areas offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, the elevation provides clear viewing conditions. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," writes Jeff W., who appreciates the natural setting.
Paddling and fishing: Many cabin locations include lake access with rentals available. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation's water features.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spacing at Great Divide Campground, where cabin and tent sites offer seclusion. "Sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," reports Seth K. from a nearby location.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many cabins have well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting... The other stalls weren't as bad, but definitely not clean," notes Jules T. about one location, highlighting the importance of checking recent reviews.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond wolves, many cabin areas feature rich wildlife viewing. "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning—gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" describes Kaitlyn S. from her cabin experience.
Woodstoves for heating: Winter cabin campers appreciate the reliable heating options. "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," shares a winter visitor to cabins in the area.
What you should know
Winter water access varies: At many cabin locations, water systems may be shut down during cold months. "Some cabins have running water year-round, while others shut off water during winter months," reports staff at one location.
Reservation timing: Popular cabin sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months," notes April L.
Noise levels: Some cabin areas experience unexpected noise. "You can hear the drone of a major highway," reports Frank J. about one location. Other campers note: "The noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Bear country precautions: All cabin locations in the region require proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a ranger at one location.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Swartswood State Park offers family-friendly amenities near cabin locations. "There is a lake and food stand and paddle boats... I love the group sites," shares MICHELE T.
Consider cabin proximity to bathrooms: When selecting cabin locations with children, bathroom access matters. "Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk?" advises Dwight D.
Pack for temperature swings: Highland region cabins can experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "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," advises one camper.
Look for scheduled activities: Several campgrounds organize family programs. "They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band," mentions Julie about Great Divide Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: RV sites with cabins nearby often have varying levels of preparation. At High Point State Park, "we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump," warns Grant M.
Water hookup distances: Some cabin and RV areas require extended hose connections. "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," shares a camper at Mahlon Dickerson.
Group site considerations: When booking multiple cabins or sites, check proximity options. "We stayed along the Creek which was nice and combined an RV and tent site to accommodate our family. Water and electric hookups are standard, no sewer, but there is a dump station," advises Kathy G.
