Cabin accommodations near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area sit at an average elevation of 800-1,200 feet. The region experiences seasonal temperature swings from 10°F in winter to 85°F in summer, with higher precipitation than surrounding areas. Winter cabin campers should prepare for snow accumulation of 45-60 inches annually across the highlands surrounding the Delaware River.
What to do
Wolf viewing experiences: Camp Taylor Campground provides cabin campers access to the on-site Lakota Wolf Preserve. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares Julie F. from Camp Taylor Campground.
Lakefront activities: Many cabin camping locations offer direct water access for fishing and paddling. "Beautiful park with nice campsites and even better views of the lake," explains Chris G. about Swartswood State Park. Nancy L. adds, "My favorite site does [allow pets], plus I can launch my kayak right from there!" Lake activities provide alternatives to Delaware River recreation.
Winter hiking options: Several cabin accommodations remain open year-round. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. The trails nearby are varied, read the maps (especially NY NJ Trail Conference Maps) to get an idea of difficulty/elevation," notes W L. from Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Cabins at Mountain Vista Campground receive praise for their natural settings. "Set on a hillside, the campground has three levels... The sites are fully shaded. Facilities were neat & clean, and there was a covered verandah with string lights, chairs & picnic tables outside the bathroom area," says Tori S. from Mountain Vista Campground.
Heated facilities: Winter cabin campers appreciate temperature-controlled amenities. "Bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers. They even have a heater to keep you comfortable in and out of the shower," notes Julie about Great Divide Campground. These amenities make extended stays more comfortable during colder months.
Family programming: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities for younger visitors. "Lots of weekend activities," notes Scott N. about Great Divide Campground. Jojo P. adds that Otter Lake Camp Resort has "Great activities for all ages. Had an amazing first visit and will be going back!" Otter Lake Camp Resort consistently receives high ratings for its recreation options.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: While several locations operate year-round, others maintain limited schedules. According to Stephanie T., "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families." Research operating dates before planning your cabin trip.
Noise levels: Some cabin locations accommodate larger groups and organized activities. "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night," notes Ethan K. about Great Divide Campground, though experiences vary between locations.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly across the region. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," reports Nick E. about Timothy Lake South. Plan communications accordingly, especially for remote work needs.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Families visiting cabin accommodations should research scheduled programming. "They have live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs," shares Julie about Great Divide Campground, highlighting diverse entertainment options.
Playground access: Many facilities offer dedicated play areas for children. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do," explains Dan B. from Camp Taylor Campground.
Winter heating considerations: Cold-weather cabin campers should verify heating systems. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed... You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution," explains W L. from Stokes State Forest. Wood consumption averages 1-2 bundles per night during winter stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Campers requiring hookups should verify amenities before booking. "We had full hookups (20/30/50 amp, water & sewer). There's no cable but we were able to pickup about 6 channels with our digital antenna," shares Debbie W. about Pickerel Point Campground, which offers both cabins and RV options.
Utility pressure awareness: Water systems vary significantly between properties. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," warns Don C. about Timothy Lake South. RVers should bring pressure regulators to protect plumbing systems from damage.
Road accessibility: Access routes to some cabin locations include challenging terrain. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessable," notes Kiya N., though many reviewers suggest checking road conditions before arrival.
