Cabin accommodations near Woodland Park, New Jersey range from basic shelters to fully equipped rentals with varying seasonal availability. Most locations sit within the region's hardwood forests at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter cabin rentals often require additional preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Stokes State Forest offers 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Swimming: Several cabin locations provide lake access during summer months. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area."
Winter activities: Some cabin facilities remain open year-round for cold-weather recreation. "I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better," reports a December visitor at Stokes State Forest, highlighting the importance of adequate firewood for winter stays.
What campers like
Private settings: Many campers appreciate secluded cabin locations. At Camp Glen Gray, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Proximity to water: Waterside cabins are particularly popular. A visitor at Croton Point Park noted, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Rustic simplicity: Many appreciate the back-to-basics approach of forest cabins. As one Camp Glen Gray visitor described it: "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
What you should know
Bear safety precautions: Many cabin areas require proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a Stokes State Forest visitor, who also notes the area "has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Kitchen provisions: Cabin kitchens vary significantly between locations. According to one Panther Lake Camping Resort visitor: "Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground. Staff are very friendly and we had a great weekend!"
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, particularly during summer and fall weekends. Croton Point Park has a unique system: "You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented cabin camping focuses on structured recreation. At Sebago cabins, "Ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids and they have 🔥 wood for purchase on site most cabins have 2rooms with 4cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate outside a 🔥 pit and grill with table."
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. At Great Divide Campground, "Bathrooms clean And shower was warm and clean as well. They even have a heater to keep you comfortable in and out of the shower."
Seasonal programming: Some locations offer special events for families. One Great Divide visitor noted, "Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$," while another mentioned, "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Check amperage capacity when booking cabin or RV sites. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "There is electric and water hookups for your RV which is great! And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent."
Site layout: Many campgrounds offer a combination of cabin rentals and RV sites with varying arrangements. "Very clean and quiet. 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," reports another Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Winter access: Cold-weather access varies by location. Cabin options typically remain available longer into the season than tent or RV camping. A Stokes State Forest visitor noted their cabin featured "a wood stove set into a fireplace (some cabins still feature a fireplace only), hot/cold water, electric stove with oven, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom sink."
