Bass River State Forest offers cabin rentals from April through October with spacious sites up to 20 feet from the lake. The 676-acre property contains multiple wooded campsites within the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a unique ecosystem featuring nutrient-poor, sandy soil that supports primarily fast-growing pines. Most cabin facilities receive weekly maintenance and accommodate 4-6 people depending on location.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: Bass River State Forest features a lake where visitors can rent boats during summer months. A camper noted, "We walked and explored, kayaked, and sang by the fire. The camp sites have plenty of room for the kids to run around and set up there own areas."
Hiking through pine forests: Brendan Byrne State Forest contains multiple trail systems that wind through the Pine Barrens. One visitor commented, "Plenty of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Tubing on the Wading River: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers river access for water activities. A reviewer shared this experience: "We had a great time tubing on the river. Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Many cabin properties maintain fishing areas for guests. A visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort mentioned, "Kids loved the fishing pond and exploring fantasy island. Found out too late that the train only ran on the weekends, kids were pretty bummed."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many cabins near Vincentown feature good separation between camping areas. A visitor to Atsion Family Camp reported, "While we were surrounded by other campers, we enjoyed how private it was!!!"
Proximity to historical sites: The region contains preserved structures from early settlements. One reviewer wrote, "In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
Night sky viewing: The rural setting creates optimal stargazing conditions. A camper at Hawkins Bridge mentioned, "Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots."
Waterfront cabin options: Several properties offer cabin accommodations directly on lakes or rivers. At Atsion Cabins, a visitor observed, "Large, screened in back porch with chairs overlooks the water. Full kitchen with oven and fridge. Private bathroom and real bedrooms."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Not all cabin rentals operate year-round. An Atsion Cabins visitor warned, "Nov 1 marks an end to cabin rentals until the Spring."
Limited cell service: The Pine Barrens have spotty connectivity. A Brendan Byrne camper appreciated this aspect: "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
Tick prevention essential: The wooded areas harbor ticks, especially in warmer months. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park reported, "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."
Fire restrictions: Some properties limit when fires can be maintained. A Brendan Byrne visitor noted, "Only weird rule I saw was that fires can only go from 6pm till 7am which was odd but wasn't a deal breaker."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve waterfront sites early: Prime cabin locations book quickly during summer. A camper recommended, "LOVE!!!! I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake."
Pack for sandy terrain: Many sites have predominantly sandy soil rather than grass. A visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort observed, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."
Check seasonal event schedules: Some campgrounds offer organized activities, especially on weekends. A visitor to Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA noted, "Every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness."
Consider weekday stays: For quieter experiences with cabins near Vincentown, New Jersey, avoid peak weekend crowds. A Bass River State Forest visitor observed, "My frustration came with the noise level... After 10pm, the music volume was high and campers were LOUD. Probably will not be back, unless during the week and a more secluded site."
Tips from RVers
Water access planning: Some sites require long hoses to reach spigots. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor advised, "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose."
Bathroom facilities vary greatly: While cabins typically have nearby facilities, quality differs by property. A Brendan Byrne State Forest visitor noted, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use!"
Shade availability: Tree coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. A Butterfly camper appreciated that "We had a large, shady site," while another mentioned "Lots of shade, decent size sites."
