Cabin camping near Walpack, New Jersey provides access to the Delaware River valley terrain and the Kittatinny Ridge at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The area's temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than urban centers during summer months, offering relief for campers seeking reprieve from city heat. Winter cabin rentals typically require reservations 2-3 months in advance due to limited availability.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail section: At High Point State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the AT with moderate elevation changes. "I 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 one visitor to High Point State Park Campground.
Wolf preserve tours: Camp Taylor Campground offers direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time. You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," explains a reviewer at Camp Taylor Campground.
Paddling on the lakes: Several parks offer boat rentals or launch sites for personal watercraft. "We hung out at the campsite mostly, using the fire pit, playing frisbee, and relaxing in our hammocks. When we did roam a bit, there was a nice lake, with seating every so often and a boat dock ramp thing in the campground," shares a visitor to Swartswood State Park.
What campers like
Secluded cabin sites: At Stokes State Forest, cabin locations offer privacy while maintaining access to amenities. "We went to Stokes for a one nighter to test out my new truck tent. We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. 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," reports one camper at Stokes State Forest.
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife including black bears and wolves. "The reason I give this campground two stars instead of one is because the bathroom and shower area was very clean, and I had my first bear encounter which was exciting. Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" shares a visitor at Swartswood State Park Campground.
Winter cabin options: Several parks maintain cabins available year-round. "I spent a night in the Promised Land State Park at Pickerel Point and it was so pretty and quiet. There was a bathroom with flush toilets nearby and the campsites were well spaced apart. Mine overlooked the water and had a gorgeous sunset. There was a beach nearby that was an excellent place to gaze at the stars," writes a reviewer at Pickerel Point.
What you should know
Site platform considerations: Some cabin and tent sites include elevated platforms. "Not a fan of the platform for the tent. Nice hikes. The view from the lighthouse is worth it," notes a camper at High Point State Park.
Bear safety requirements: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "This was my second time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area, October 2020. I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!" warns a camper.
Winter water access: Cold-weather cabin campers should note limited water availability. "This was my second visit in the cold months. Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," shares a visitor at Pickerel Point Campground about winter conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking cabins with children, check playground distances. "The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. 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. The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes," explains a visitor at High Point State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Structured programs available seasonally at certain campgrounds. "Delaware Water Gap was a massive campground that was incredibly well kept and had spaces for both RVs and primitive camping. The site was very kid and pet friendly, outfitted with both a pet and children's playground. The primitive sites were separated from the RV area which is nice because it felt like we had more privacy that way," shares a visitor at Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA.
Family cabin layouts: Consider bunk bed options for multiple children. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do, and they keep all of the facilities updated and in great shape," notes a regular visitor at Camp Taylor Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup cabins: Many forest cabins lack full RV hookup equivalents. "Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT For kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in. We stayed along the Creek which was nice and combined an RV and tent site to accommodate our family," explains an RV camper at Mountain Vista Campground.
Off-season cabin access: Winter cabin camping offers unique advantages for RVers seeking four-season options. "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. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump, website says laundry, but apparently not," notes a traveler at High Point State Park.
Check cell reception: Remote cabin areas have variable connectivity. "Simple Campground - nice lay out albeit as with many campgrounds, the spaces are quite close together. With a sparse population in the winter, it made for a great spot for a work stay," shares a visitor at Timothy Lake South RV campground.
