Best Campgrounds near Andover, NJ
Campgrounds near Andover, New Jersey range from family-friendly resorts to state forest campsites, all within a 30-minute drive of town. Panther Lake Camping Resort in Andover offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options around a central lake. Within close proximity, campers can also find Great Divide Campground in Newton, Stokes State Forest in Branchville, and several options in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Most developed campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water, while accommodation types vary from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads.
Many of the mixed-use campgrounds operate seasonally, with most open from April through October, though several state-managed camping areas maintain year-round accessibility. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when family-oriented campgrounds reach capacity. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters. Both Stokes State Forest and Worthington State Forest provide more rustic camping experiences with fewer amenities but greater natural setting. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, especially in state forests and the Delaware Water Gap. According to one visitor at Panther Lake: "Cell service is spotty with all carriers. No internet at sites. Lake is beautiful and pool is nice."
Campers gravitate toward waterfront sites at Panther Lake and Swartswood State Park for fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. Public lands managed by state and federal agencies typically provide a more natural experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy between sites. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at Great Divide Campground, with one noting it's "not only in a beautiful setting, but the sites have a nice amount of space and everything is so clean." The camping areas near Andover tend to have a mix of transient and seasonal occupancy, creating different experiences depending on the campground. Those seeking quieter experiences might prefer the state forest camping areas, while families with children often appreciate the activities and amenities at the larger developed campgrounds like Panther Lake and Great Divide.
