Cabin camping near Lakeview, New York offers options within state parks and recreation areas across Long Island and parts of New Jersey. Most locations sit at elevations below 200 feet, with the highest point in the region reaching only 400 feet at High Point in Harriman State Park. Winter temperatures typically range from 25-40°F while summer averages 70-85°F, creating distinct camping seasons and reservation patterns.
What to do
Shoreline activities: At Wildwood State Park Campground, located on Long Island Sound, visitors can enjoy a beach experience with distinctive northeastern coastal features. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water," notes a visitor. The park requires a stargazing permit for beach access after sunset.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides target practice facilities among its many recreational options. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on," shares a camper who found the activities engaging enough to rarely check their phone during their stay.
Urban exploring: For those seeking an unusual camping experience, Staten Island Gateway offers unique opportunities. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in new York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping," explains one reviewer.
What campers like
Lake access: Many campers appreciate the waterfront options at Croton Point Park. One visitor noted, "This must be one of the most breathtaking camp grounds (family friendly) right on the Hudson. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience!" The park includes a private beach open Wednesday through weekend with lifeguards on duty.
Winter camping options: Allaire State Park stands out for year-round availability. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area," shares one winter camper. Another notes, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there."
Quiet backcountry: At Watch Hill Fire Island Campground, campers can find solitude through special permits. "You can get a permit to backcountry camp instead of reserving a designated campground spot. Just walk down to the beach after check-in and walk east until you see a pole with a tent symbol on it. After that you can choose where you want to set up camp. There were many spots along the dunes and allows to really space out from other campers," explains a visitor.
What you should know
Weather conditions: New Jersey and New York cabin camping locations experience varied seasonal challenges. Turkey Swamp Park campers report tick activity: "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." Another location with challenges is Watch Hill, where "mosquitoes and horseflies were out of control!"
Transportation logistics: Many cabin sites require specific travel arrangements. Some cabins at Sebago Cabin Camp are accessible only by walking. Fire Island locations require ferry transit: "Fire Island National Seashore! Take the ferry over across the bay to this quiet little gem on Long Island."
Cabin condition variations: Basic cabins can be very rustic. At Sebago, a visitor explains they are "VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge." Some parks allow you to "ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for playground access: When cabin camping with children, consider locations with play facilities. Turkey Swamp Park offers family-friendly amenities: "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," notes a visitor with experience bringing children to the park.
Check beach swimming rules: Wildwood State Park provides beach access, but one visitor cautions, "It is close to the beach, but a very small and rocky beach." At Croton Point Park, "You can come here in tents as well as RVs and the staff is very nice... There is a shop at the entrance to get supplies if you need it and you can rent firepits and buy firewood. The ice cream trucks comes by as well."
Consider activity programming: Some parks offer organized activities for children. Watch Hill has "park rangers on site and have excellent programs for kids." At Sebago Cabin Camp, "There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people... Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup details: Wildwood State Park provides RV-friendly facilities, though reviews note they're densely packed: "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site."
Site spacing considerations: Heckscher State Park's RV areas have specific layout challenges. "There is no distinguishing separation between each site nor a designated driveway for your car- you merely pull up on the grass. It's basically like camping in your local city park. People park wildly all over the place."
Ground conditions: Be aware that roads at some cabin camping areas may not be paved. At Turkey Swamp Park, "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."
