Cabins near South Orange, New Jersey range from basic forest shelters to fully-equipped accommodations with modern amenities. The region sits within the Highlands Physiographic Province, characterized by ridges reaching 1,500 feet elevation and valleys containing numerous lakes and streams. Winter cabin camping is possible at several locations, with Great Divide Campground maintaining year-round operations while other facilities close seasonally from November through March.
What to do
Explore waterways: Turkey Swamp Park offers four different boat styles for rental at reasonable rates. A camper noted, "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."
Practice archery: Turkey Swamp Park maintains dedicated archery facilities with hay bale targets. "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," shared one visitor who returns annually.
Hike mountain trails: Stokes State Forest features 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower. Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping," mentioned a camper who visited in fall.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest cabins and tent sites offer seclusion from other campers. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," explained one visitor, though noting highway noise at night.
Affordable cabin alternatives: Some parks provide shelter structures that bridge the gap between tent camping and traditional cabins. "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, a wood burning stove, and a porch," reported a Jenny Jump visitor.
Winter access: When many campgrounds close seasonally, some cabins remain available. Great Divide Campground operates year-round with heated accommodations. "Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper than I would like to set up on, but that's me," noted a repeat visitor.
What you should know
Water access variations: Water hookups differ significantly between campsites. At Mahlon Dickerson, one camper explained, "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."
Bear precautions: Proper food storage is mandatory in many cabin areas. At Stokes State Forest, "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonality affects wildlife: Spruce Run Recreation Area cabins provide waterfront access with varying wildlife encounters. "A duck visited us every morning," reported one visitor, while others mention encountering skunks or ticks depending on the season.
Tips for camping with families
Winter cabin heating strategies: For cold weather cabin stays, plan your heating approach. One Stokes Forest visitor noted, "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning. The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've been better."
Group activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers structured activities for different ages. "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," explained a group organizer.
Simple day trips: When staying in cabins near South Orange, plan hiking distances appropriate for children. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shared a regular Mahlon Dickerson visitor about their family tradition.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: When booking cabin or RV sites, consider terrain and shade. A Panther Lake camper advised, "If you can score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect but anywhere else can be a bummer."
Dump station quality: At Mahlon Dickerson, RVers appreciate the well-maintained facilities. "Very clean and quiet. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
Access challenges: Some cabin areas restrict vehicle access to camping areas. Great Divide requires parking in designated lots after unloading. "The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying."
