Camping cabins near Washington Township, New Jersey range from basic platforms to structures with kitchen amenities. Situated in the northeastern highlands, these facilities experience average summer temperatures of 75-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Many cabins require a minimum two-night stay, with seasonal availability varying significantly between public and private facilities.
What to do
Hiking near historic sites: At Croton Point Park, visitors can access walking paths outside the campground within the park. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely," shares a visitor, adding that the lake views with morning mist create picturesque scenery.
Lake activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers rental boats for exploring the water. "You can rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes a camper. The center is located on a peaceful lake that's home to beavers that can be watched from the dining hall patio.
Seasonal events: Fall camping at Croton Point offers unique experiences. "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!" reports a camper. Many parks host seasonal activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires during summer weekends.
What campers like
Cabin amenities: The range of cabin options varies widely. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "Sebago cabins the way to get away and relax enjoy the lake... most cabins have 2 rooms with 4 cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate outside a fire pit and grill with table," explains a visitor. These amenities make longer stays more comfortable.
Privacy levels: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives praise for spacious sites. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," mentions a camper. The reservation features 12x12 platforms for tent placement and sites that are particularly private, especially site 7, which sits on a hill.
Food options: Several camps provide meal services. At AMC Harriman, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef," notes a guest who recommends the meal plan option. For those who prefer cooking their own meals, most cabins offer outdoor fire pits with cooking grates, though kitchen supplies vary significantly between locations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, with limited availability at popular sites. "We got in with no reservation, which was great," explains a visitor to High Point State Park Campground, but this is uncommon during peak summer months when bookings should be secured weeks in advance.
Communication challenges: Cell coverage varies widely. At West Point FMWR Round Pond, visitors note: "Just a note to other campers with T-Mobile, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road." Similarly, at Panther Lake, "Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones."
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. High Point State Park campers warn about potentially misleading website photos: "The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline." Always verify site details when booking, particularly for vehicle access and tent placement.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous family activities. "Great atmosphere for families. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days," shares a visitor. The campground includes an arcade room, playground, basketball court, and ceramic classes for children.
Safety considerations: Bears are present in several camping areas. "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," notes a Stokes Forest reviewer. Some campgrounds provide bear boxes while others require campers to bring appropriate food storage containers.
Weekend timing: Family-oriented campgrounds can get noisy. One Croton Point visitor reports: "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet." Mid-week stays typically offer more peaceful experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: RV campers at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation find the campsites accessible. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," notes one reviewer. However, site conditions vary seasonally, with some campgrounds like Panther Lake offering RV sites on soft grass that "would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot."
Hookup limitations: Water and electric connections can be challenging. At Croton Point Park, travelers can expect "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites" with sites that are "close together" despite trees separating them. Several RV sites in the region require longer-than-standard water hoses, though some facilities provide hose reels to assist.
Seasonal availability: Many RV-friendly campgrounds have limited winter operations. High Point State Park campground operates from April 1 to October 31, while others like Stokes State Forest remain open year-round with reduced services. Winter camping often means fewer hookup options and limited water availability due to freezing conditions.
