Cabin camping near Pine Island, New York offers rustic experiences in the northwestern New Jersey and southern New York border region. The area sits along the Kittatinny Ridge with elevations reaching about 1,800 feet at nearby High Point. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making proper heating essential for cold-weather cabin stays, while summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking to fire towers: At Stokes State Forest, campers can access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including a popular hike to the fire tower. "We drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower. Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping," reports one visitor at Stokes State Forest.
River recreation: Many cabins provide access to nearby rivers for tubing, kayaking or fishing. "The river was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun," notes one camper at Neversink River Resort, which offers cabin accommodations along with river access for water activities during summer months.
Winter activities: Several cabin sites remain open year-round, allowing for winter exploration. A visitor to High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view."
What campers like
Cabin variety: Different parks offer distinct cabin experiences, from basic to more equipped options. At Stokes State Forest, one camper appreciated that "It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," referring to the larger cabins that include kitchen facilities.
Scenic locations: Many cabins are situated to maximize natural views. "The tiny home located on an active produce farm was the perfect fit," shared a visitor about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, highlighting the rural setting that appeals to many cabin campers.
Seasonal beauty: Fall and winter cabin stays provide different experiences than summer visits. A camper at Stokes State Forest's cabins noted, "The area was incredibly peaceful in December with many cabin reservations abandoned due to rain in the forecast. It did rain, but was still a great trip."
What you should know
Heating systems vary: During colder months, cabin heating options differ significantly. "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely," explained a winter visitor at Stokes State Forest.
Cabin preparation: Most cabins require specific preparation before arrival. "The mattresses are vinyl covered, so you can wipe them down with your own sanitizing wipes," noted a visitor to Stokes State Forest cabins, highlighting the importance of bringing appropriate cleaning supplies.
Reservation challenges: Holiday weekends book quickly, especially at the more popular parks. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation advised, "We showed up to our reserved site occupied by another group. The employees offered us a prime river spot due to the inconvenience."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Some properties offer animal interactions for children. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," mentioned a family who stayed at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, where farm animals provide entertainment for younger visitors.
Lake activities: Several parks feature lakes with safe swimming areas. According to one family at High Point State Park, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect... 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."
Cabin accessibility: Some sites require significant walking, which can be challenging with children and gear. A camper at Oakland Valley Campground described the layout: "Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers with cabins should carefully select locations. "The sites were close together and everyone was super loud which didn't bother me. I enjoyed hearing other people's music and laughter," shared an RV visitor to Kittatinny Campground, suggesting noise levels vary across sites.
Level platforms: Many cabin sites include platforms that can accommodate additional gear. "Our site was a little trashy other than that we had a great time. Site 90 was real nice. Fairly secluded and surrounded by a stream. Electrical and water on every site was a bonus," noted a camper at Korns Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks with cabins close in late October. A visitor to Oakland Valley Campground mentioned, "I stayed here for Columbus Day weekend. I believe it was one of the last weekends it was open for the season, so it was pretty quiet."
