Cabin rentals near Sussex, New Jersey provide year-round shelter options in an area featuring elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Northern New Jersey's deciduous forests create distinct seasonal camping environments, with fall temperatures often dipping below 40°F at night. Winter cabin stays typically require advance preparation for heating needs, as many facilities rely solely on wood stoves for warmth.
What to do
Winter hiking: Access the Appalachian Trail. Multiple campgrounds around Sussex connect to this iconic trail. At High Point State Park Campground, campers can take shorter hikes during colder months. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break," notes one visitor. The AT shelter within the park provides hikers with basic amenities including a water source that must be filtered.
Fishing: Try multiple lakes. The Sussex area offers several fishing spots across different parks. At Swartswood State Park Campground, "There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike." The lake provides good fishing opportunities with a boat launch area accessible within the campground section.
Swimming: Seasonal pool access. From late May through early September, several campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Great Divide Campground provides "free kayaks and pool" access according to one reviewer, while another notes "sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool."
What campers like
Level platforms for tents: Many Sussex area camping facilities offer raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet conditions. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt." Platforms are particularly valued during spring camping when ground saturation can be an issue.
Fire rings with cooking grates: Ocquittunk at Stokes State Forest provides practical cooking options. A camper reports, "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites." This setup allows for easier meal preparation without additional equipment.
Spacious campsite layouts: Several campgrounds feature well-designed site configuration. "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," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest. Sites typically include space for vehicles plus tent areas with sufficient distance between neighboring campers.
What you should know
Winter accessibility varies: Stokes State Forest offers year-round cabin access but requires preparation. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning." During colder months, cabins rely heavily on wood stoves for heating, requiring significant firewood amounts.
Limited shower facilities: Several Sussex-area campgrounds have restricted shower access or locations. At High Point State Park, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers." Visitors should check specific shower availability and hours before planning trips.
Bear-aware camping required: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided." Campers need to bring appropriate food storage containers or suspension systems, particularly when tent camping.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose campsites based on family needs and noise considerations. At Kittatinny Campground, a visitor reports: "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people." Larger group sites work well for family reunions but might not suit those seeking quiet.
Pack for varying bathroom standards: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. While some locations offer modern bathrooms with hot water, others provide more primitive options. "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," notes one camper at Stokes State Forest.
Consider animal interactions: Many campgrounds feature farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities that children enjoy. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reported a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. These interactions provide educational experiences for children during camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Water connection logistics: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, water connections require planning. "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." Many RV sites provide adaptations for longer-than-standard water connection distances.
Limited level sites for larger rigs: Sussex region campgrounds often feature terrain challenges. "Even though we had a rainy day, we still enjoyed our time at Great Divide. The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night." RVers should request specific information about site dimensions and levelness when booking.
Winter RV camping limitations: Most Sussex area campgrounds close RV sections during winter months while maintaining cabin access. For winter visitors, planning should include alternative heating sources besides propane, as temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March.
