Cabin and yurt camping options near Springfield, New Jersey span across northern New Jersey's forested highlands and reservoir areas. Located within Morris and Sussex counties where elevations range from 400 to 1,800 feet, these accommodations provide seasonal shelter from late spring through mid-autumn. Most canvas-structured accommodations close by November when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking on pristine reservoirs: Round Valley State Park Campground offers crystal-clear water ideal for paddling. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," notes camper James R.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range with hay barrels for target practice. According to Patrick M., "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."
Hiking to observation points: The trail system at Stokes State Forest includes access to a fire tower with panoramic views. Josh S. shares, "After packing up we drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower."
Winter camping options: While most luxury canvas structures close seasonally, Turkey Swamp Park operates select sites until November 15. "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," explains Lee D.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers spacious campsites with natural separation. According to Jeff W., "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Water-adjacent campsites: Spruce Run Recreation Area features numerous waterfront sites. "I have camped here on many occasions for over ten years, beginning when I only had a tent. Then with a camper van, and now an RV. I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," explains Ruette W.
Quiet primitive camping: Jenny Jump State Forest provides a more rustic experience. "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites," writes Lindsay D.
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking yurt camping in Springfield, New Jersey vicinity, Great Divide Campground offers these circular canvas structures among their accommodation options. The campground provides a balance between luxury and nature with sites nestled in wooded terrain.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Many northern New Jersey campgrounds require 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 reviewer Trip Over Life at Stokes State Forest.
Winter yurt options: Springfield area yurt camping primarily operates seasonally. Great Divide Campground's yurts typically close by mid-October, while Collective Governors Island closes even earlier.
Reservation windows: Popular yurt sites book quickly, especially at Camp Glen Gray where limited availability exists. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly," notes Christopher M.
Tick prevention: Several parks report significant tick populations. "I was so excited when we got here. 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," warns Laura Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity variety: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers multiple family-friendly options. "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," recommends Cynthia H.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds get livelier on weekends. "Gets packed but lots to do. Still trying to catch a fish here. A quick treat at Rita's around the corner," notes Gregg G. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Scout bathroom proximity: When booking with children, prioritize sites near facilities. "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean," shares Kelsey K. about her site at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Check platform availability: Many sites offer raised platforms ideal for family tents. "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents," E.M.V. reports about Stokes State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Water connections: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, hose reels solve distance issues. "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," explains reviewer antruze.
Parking limitations: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle access. "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," notes Ethan K. about Great Divide Campground.
Tree clearance considerations: When seeking a site for a larger RV, verify overhead clearance. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. from Spruce Run Recreation Area.
