Cabin and luxury camping options provide year-round accessibility near West New York, New Jersey, with seasonal variations affecting site selection. Many campgrounds in this region feature unique glamping setups including furnished cabins, yurts, and specialized accommodations within a 45-minute drive from the city. During peak summer months, advanced reservations are essential, especially for sites with electric hookups and bathroom facilities.
What to do
Lake activities: 3 miles of shoreline at Round Valley State Park Campground offers kayaking, canoeing and swimming in crystal-clear reservoir water. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," notes a camper. While swimming is prohibited at some sites, the reservoir provides excellent views for waterfront relaxation.
Historic exploration: restored village at Allaire State Park features a working historical settlement with seasonal festivals and demonstrations. "There is a lot to do in the area. Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the cultural offerings.
Mountain adventures: highest elevation in New Jersey at High Point State Park Campground with the 1,803-foot monument offering panoramic views. "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," shares a visitor who enjoyed the diverse activities available within driving distance of their site.
What campers like
Secluded woodland settings: Many campsites offer genuine forest immersion with minimal noise. A visitor to Stokes State Forest remarked, "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."
Four-season camping options: Heated facilities and winter-ready accommodations exist throughout the region. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. 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," notes a Stokes visitor who appreciated the wood stove heating system.
Varied glamping structures: Beyond standard cabins, the region offers unique accommodations. At Great Divide Campground, a camper mentioned, "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in, but I did not pursue this option," highlighting the diverse glamping options available near West New York.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many sites fill 3-6 months in advance, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods. Book glamping structures earliest as these limited accommodations go quickly.
Accessibility considerations: Some glamping sites require physical effort to reach. At Round Valley, a camper warns, "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle."
Wildlife awareness: Bears and ticks are common in New Jersey woodlands. At Turkey Swamp Park, a visitor cautioned, "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."
Site variations: Terrain can differ dramatically between campgrounds and individual sites. "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor describing the thoughtful layout design.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Multiple lakes offer supervised swimming areas with gentle entry points. A Turkey Swamp Park camper shared, "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!"
Educational opportunities: Many parks run ranger-led programs specifically for children. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake," explains a Great Divide visitor who found activities despite limitations.
Playground access: Several glamping sites near West New York feature dedicated play areas. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes a Turkey Swamp reviewer, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Most glamping sites accommodate smaller RVs only (under 30 feet). A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "It's a small campground nestled in the woods. There are level padded sites with electric and water."
Hookup availability: Electric service is typically 30-amp maximum with limited full-hookup sites. "Sites came with fire pit, large picnic bench, and lamp stand. Plenty of parking space. Good tree coverage," describes an Allaire camper detailing the site amenities.
Dump station access: Most parks have single-lane dump stations with limited hours. "There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)," explains a Turkey Swamp Park reviewer describing the available facilities.
