Cabin camping options near Ridgewood, New Jersey feature a range of accommodations in state and county parks. The region sits within the Ramapo Mountains where elevations range from 200 to 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between December and February, requiring additional preparation for cold-weather cabin stays.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors can spend time on the water. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes Ethan K. The lake area provides opportunities for watching wildlife as well: "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Hiking options: Multiple trail systems connect through the region, with varying difficulty levels. At High Point State Park Campground, trails lead to panoramic viewpoints. "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," shares Justin P. The trails accommodate different skill levels, with "great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever," according to Shay G.
Winter activities: Several cabin camping locations remain open year-round. At Stokes State Forest, cabins feature wood stoves for cold-weather comfort. "I bought wood from a house across the street from the entrance to the cabins...it took awhile but I got a nice blaze going. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," explains W L., who visited in November and December.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides more spacious accommodations. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have," recommends Christina L. Others appreciate that "this county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water."
Budget-friendly options: Cabin accommodations range significantly in cost across the region. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors note the value. "Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend! You won't be disappointed!" shares Christina L. The cabins at various parks provide alternatives to tent camping without premium pricing.
Lake access: Water features enhance several cabin camping locations. At Croton Point Park, "This must be one of the most breathtaking camp grounds (family friendly) right on the Hudson. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience!" reports Anil S. The park offers "gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, especially during peak season. At Great Divide Campground, cabins and alternative accommodations fill quickly. "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in, but I did not pursue this option," mentions Ethan K. Reservation processes vary between parks, with some requiring phone calls rather than online booking.
Heating considerations: Not all cabins provide heating systems. Those that do typically use wood stoves. "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," reports a winter visitor at Stokes State Forest. Visitors should calculate firewood needs based on season and temperatures.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations, with many sites offering limited or no service. At Sebago Cabin Camp, one visitor valued the isolation: "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING." Great Divide Campground has similar limitations, with one camper noting: "Like many of the sites in this area, Great Divide had a large pool which was used by many of the campers."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured recreation options. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," explains Cynthia H. Entertainment options vary by season, with some parks offering "outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends."
Site selection: For families, choosing appropriate sites matters for comfort and convenience. "This campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel," shares Justin P. about High Point State Park. Site features like platforms make a difference: "Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table."
Bathroom facilities: Access to clean restrooms remains important for family stays. Croton Point Park offers "Clean but a bit dated" facilities with "No shelves or hooks for toiletries." High Point State Park provides basic services: "Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For RV campers seeking cabin alternatives, utility access varies across parks. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, facilities include "paved and mostly level" sites that are "wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station." Site configurations vary, with Great Divide Campground offering "water spout and electric plug in" at each site.
Parking restrictions: Vehicle policies differ between campgrounds. Great Divide Campground requires visitors to "drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying." Croton Point Park offers more direct access, though the reservation system has limitations: "You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site."
Terrain considerations: The mountainous region presents challenges for larger vehicles. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, campers looking for full hookups found "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."
