Good Hiking and Camping spots outside NYC with cabins?

Hey everyone,

My friend and I would like to go hiking/camping somewhere outside NYC. We'd prefer a spot not more than 2-3 hours outside the city itself.

We're also COMPLETE newbies to this type of thing, so while we we definitely want to experience the outdoors (fishing, hiking, possibly kayaking) we'd also like a cabin to retreat to at the end of the night where we can relax, wash up and not get eaten by bears.

That being said, it'd be nice if the area was a genuine quiet, outdoorsy place and not an overly populated tourist trap. The ability to have some privacy and wander to get away from people every now and then is preferred as well.

Any recommendations?