Cabin rentals in New Jersey's state and county parks provide easy access to outdoor activities throughout the year. Most cabin camping locations near Somerset operate from spring through late fall, with limited winter availability. Area campgrounds with cabins typically require a minimum 2-night stay on weekends during peak season, with rental rates ranging from $65-$150 per night depending on amenities and size.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park features an on-site archery range where visitors can practice their skills. A regular visitor noted, "There is an archery range and a council ring (campfire). There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers."
Seasonal ice skating: Winter visitors at Turkey Swamp Park can enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake when conditions permit. As one reviewer mentioned, "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods."
Urban exploration: For an unusual cabin camping experience, the abandoned historic structures at Camp Gateway Staten Island offer urban exploration opportunities. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring... There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," shares a camper who visited the site.
Boat rentals: Seasonal boat rentals at Spruce Run Recreation Area provide water access for cabin guests. "Boats/Kayaks can be rented," notes a reviewer who stayed in July. The reservoir offers various boating options from late spring through early fall.
What campers like
Cabin placement: At many locations, cabins are strategically positioned to maximize privacy while maintaining access to amenities. A Spruce Run visitor commented, "Something for everyone. You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir."
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings around cabins at Mountainview Campground create opportunities for wildlife observation. As one reviewer described their experience, "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Winter cabin options: Unlike most seasonal sites, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers year-round cabin availability. "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipped with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat."
Evening programming: Timberland Lake Campground offers special evening activities for cabin campers, particularly during fall weekends. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a DJ every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids."
What you should know
Cabin preparation: Most cabin facilities require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, cooking equipment and personal items. Shower facilities at most locations are centrally located rather than in the cabins themselves.
Ticks: The wooded areas surrounding cabins can harbor ticks during warm months. One Turkey Swamp Park visitor warned, "The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But 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."
Seasonal road conditions: Access roads at some parks are unpaved and may present challenges during or after rain. A reviewer at Panther Lake Campground observed, "It would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass."
Late arrivals: Several campgrounds have strict check-in policies. At Mountainview Campground, "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night."
Tips for camping with families
Insect management: Prepare for varying insect conditions when staying in cabins with children. While some report problems, others note minimal issues: "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."
Specialized weekends: Family-friendly themed weekends at Butterfly Camping Resort offer additional activities for children. "We went to timberland lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating," shared one parent.
Playground access: Most cabin locations feature playgrounds for children. A parent who stayed at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground."
Water activities: Family-friendly water access varies by location. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, families appreciate the "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: For RVers considering cabins as an alternative option, note that many sites throughout the region have leveling challenges. A reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation observed, "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with cabins also maintain accessible dump stations for RV guests. "The dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," noted an RVer who stayed at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Hose preparation: Water connections at some cabin and RV sites may require extra equipment. "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."
