Primitive and developed cabin camping options exist within one hour of Westfield, New Jersey, mostly in the northern and eastern parts of the state. New Jersey's state and county parks offer year-round accommodations with seasonal variations in availability and pricing. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, affecting comfort in different cabin and yurt structures.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Turkey Swamp Park offers multiple boat rental options on its lake. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," notes Dan W. The lake supports both beginners and experienced paddlers with rentals available during summer months.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains dedicated archery ranges for visitors. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," says Patrick M. The range is open year-round with specific hours posted at the ranger station.
Hiking to Ghost Lake: Jenny Jump State Forest features several trail networks connecting to unique water features. "Nice big group site and fun walk to Ghost Lake," mentions Doug W. The moderate trails range from 1-2.5 miles with some elevation changes, making them suitable for most fitness levels. Seth K. notes that "the sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers consistently mention the seclusion at many locations. At Round Valley State Park Campground, Ryan M. describes it as "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature." The sites require either hiking or boating to access, creating natural separation between campers.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings provide opportunities to observe animals. At Mountainview Campground, Christina H. reports: "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
Year-round cabin options: The region offers cabin and yurt camping near Westfield that spans all four seasons. Patrick M. says of Allaire State Park: "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds require proper food storage. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Greg S. notes: "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys." Sites typically provide metal food lockers or require hanging food supplies.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, Cynthia H. warns: "Only down side is that even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion. And good luck getting cell service! its like a black hole of signals there."
Road noise at some sites: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Jenny Jump State Forest, Jocelyn G. explains: "This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Sites furthest from park entrances typically offer better sound isolation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites with dedicated children's areas. "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," reports Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park. Most family-focused sites position playgrounds within view of multiple campsites.
Pack extra water supplies: Some locations have limited drinking water access. At Great Divide Campground, preparation is key as Scott N. notes: "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use." Water spigots may be shared among multiple sites.
Check for tick prevention: Several parks report tick activity. Laura Y. warns about Turkey Swamp Park: "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." Long pants, closed shoes, and regular tick checks are essential, especially April through October.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup requirements: Many sites need extended hose setups. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one camper notes: "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."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Frank J. advises: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun." Leveling blocks are recommended for most sites.
Limited sewer connections: Many parks offer dump stations rather than site hookups. Ruette W. explains about Spruce Run: "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it." Portable waste tanks can extend stays at partial-hookup sites.
