Cabins near Winfield, New Jersey range from rustic shelters to more modern accommodations within forested settings. Located in the highlands region of northern New Jersey, these cabin rentals sit among rolling hills with elevations ranging from 400-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making wood stoves essential for cold-weather stays at most forest cabins.
What to do
Lake activities at Turkey Swamp Park: The 2,283-acre property features a lake where visitors can fish, kayak, and canoe during warmer months. "There's a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes Lee D. from Turkey Swamp Park.
Hiking trails at Jenny Jump State Forest: Access multiple hiking trails directly from the cabin area, including routes to scenic viewpoints. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks... Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway," shares Jeff W. from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Winter recreation options: Several parks maintain their cabins for winter use. "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," explains Patrick M. about Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many forest cabins offer seclusion from neighboring campers. "The sites are very large and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Similarly, at Jenny Jump State Forest, Lindsay D. comments, "Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites."
Kitchen facilities in larger cabins: Some cabins offer cooking amenities beyond basic accommodations. At Stokes State Forest, cabins include "hot/cold water, electric stove with oven, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom sink, mirror, plenty of hooks to hang jackets and coats, storage cabinets in the kitchen area, overhead lighting, wall outlets, and screened windows," according to W L.
Forest setting with trails: Many cabins sit within wooded areas with direct trail access. "This campground is set up nicely for primitive camping and you are able to hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!). There's a great look out point as well," explains Ethan K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
What you should know
Winter heating requirements: Wood stoves require substantial fuel for overnight heating. "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning... The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better," advises W L. about winter cabin stays at Stokes State Forest.
Cabin vs. shelter terminology: What some parks call shelters are actually small cabins. At Jenny Jump, Dwight D. explains, "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Wildlife considerations: Several areas have significant wildlife presence. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," notes Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson. At Turkey Swamp, another camper warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Some parks offer dedicated children's areas. "Campground has a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids," reports Ethan K. about Great Divide Campground. At Turkey Swamp Park, Katheryn N. notes, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well."
Cabin selection for families: Choose cabins with appropriate space and amenities. "The cabins are reasonably priced and we always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Accessibility considerations: Some cabins offer wheelchair access. "Oh, this shelter is wheelchair accessible. Some of the others are not," mentions Dwight D. about Jenny Jump State Forest. This information is important for families with mobility needs.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup lengths: Some sites require extended hoses to reach connections. At Mahlon Dickerson, a reviewer 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."
Winter RV considerations: Few sites maintain RV hookups year-round. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," explains Jeff W. from Great Divide Campground.
Site accessibility: Many forest campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir," notes Jocelyn G. about Spruce Run Recreation Area's accommodations.
