Cabin camping near Tenafly, New Jersey provides access to the forested Ramapo Mountains and Hudson River Valley within a 30-45 minute drive. Most cabins sit at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, offering cooler temperatures in summer than the surrounding urban areas. Winter temperatures often drop 5-10 degrees lower than Tenafly proper, requiring additional heating considerations for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Hiking at High Point State Park: Access to the Appalachian Trail and trails with elevation gains of 300-800 feet provide varying difficulty levels. "Spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. 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," notes a visitor at High Point State Park Campground.
Swimming at Croton Point Park: The beach area offers swimming with lifeguards present during summer months. "Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson," shares a camper at Croton Point Park.
Paddling opportunities: Rent canoes at several locations for lake exploration. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity. Highly recommend if you are in the area!" writes a visitor about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
What campers like
Meal services at select locations: Some cabin facilities offer dining options. "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio. This campsite is accessible by public transportation," explains a camper at the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Secluded sites in Stokes State Forest: Many cabins offer privacy with forest buffers between sites. "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," reports a visitor at Stokes State Forest.
Accessible fishing spots: Multiple cabin locations offer fishing opportunities within walking distance. "Great campground, always a bunch of people there. Firewood can be scarce," notes a camper at the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
What you should know
Variable cabin standards: Cabin facilities range from bare-bones to well-equipped. "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," explains a camper at Sebago Cabin Camp.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require booking 2-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," writes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Military-only options: Some cabins are restricted to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military," notes a visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature playground equipment for children. "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. This place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful," shares a first-time camper at Croton Point Park.
Educational activities: Ranger-led programs offer learning opportunities. "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out. There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids," mentions a visitor at Croton Point Park.
Holiday-themed events: Some parks offer seasonal activities during major holidays. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!" explains a visitor to Croton Point Park.
Tips from RVers
Platform sites at Mahlon Dickerson: Elevated wooden platforms keep tents dry during wet weather. "Very clean and quiet. 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," notes a visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Limited off-season services: Many cabin facilities reduce amenities during winter months. "We went in October to test out my new truck tent. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," writes a camper at Stokes State Forest.
RV site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require leveling blocks for RVs. "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level," reports an RVer at High Point State Park.
