The shelters at Jenny Jump State Forest provide a rustic but comfortable camping option with wood burning stoves, covered porches, and both bunk and single beds. These structures offer secure accommodations with locking doors and windows, positioned to maintain privacy between sites. Sites are strategically located in relation to bathrooms and water access points, with several being wheelchair accessible.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Stokes State Forest, trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs. "We hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," notes one visitor. The forest contains 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, with 12 miles forming part of the Appalachian Trail.
Fishing and boating: Swartswood State Park Campground offers multiple water activities. "Small swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals. Clean Bathrooms. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," explains a camper. The park has a beach area for swimming and provides boat access to the lake.
Mini-golf and games: Family-friendly activities abound near Blairstown campgrounds. "The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit," mentions a camper. Several locations also feature playgrounds, sports courts, and organized weekend activities for children of all ages.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Jenny Jump State Forest camping areas provide separation between sites. "Shelter 2 is a minute walk from the restroom with sink/shower and water. Shelters 7 & 8 are even closer while 4 & 5 are the furthest, may an extra 5 minutes walk?" explains a visitor. The shelter layout creates privacy while maintaining reasonable access to amenities.
Natural wildlife encounters: Camp Taylor Campground offers unique wildlife experiences. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary," reports a camper. Multiple visitors mention hearing wolves howl in the distance during evening hours.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at sites near Blairstown. "The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained," notes one visitor. Glamping close to Blairstown, New Jersey typically includes access to well-maintained bathroom facilities with showers, making these locations suitable for campers seeking both comfort and nature.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Great Divide Campground, location affects your experience. "Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," advises a camper. Many campgrounds in the area feature varied terrain, making some sites more challenging to access than others.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the Blairstown region operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. Check specific opening dates before planning your trip, as some locations have shorter seasons than others. Weather conditions can affect facility availability, especially in early spring and late fall.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months and weekends, advanced booking is essential. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful," mentions a camper who planned ahead. Glamping accommodations near Blairstown, New Jersey typically require reservations well in advance, especially for holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers multiple options for children. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," explains a visitor. The welcome center provides essentials and recreation options for kids.
Look for playgrounds and swimming: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "Nice big group site and fun walk to Ghost Lake," notes a camper about nearby facilities. Swimming areas with beaches provide safe water access for families with children of varying swimming abilities.
Bring bikes for kids: Campground roads often make excellent biking paths for children. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," mentions a visitor. However, some campgrounds have hilly terrain that may challenge younger riders.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA offers varied site types. "Our particular camp site was huge! There was plenty of room for us to spread out," reports an RVer. However, another notes, "The campsites were small and right on top of each other," highlighting the importance of researching specific site dimensions.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Blairstown area have uneven terrain. "Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time," explains a camper, suggesting that RVers should come prepared with leveling blocks and equipment. Some sites require significant adjustment to achieve a comfortable position.
Hookup availability varies: Full hookups aren't universal in the region. "Electric and water hookups, no sewer but there's a dump station on the way out," describes one RVer. When booking luxury camping or glamping close to Blairstown, verify exactly which utilities are available at your specific site rather than relying on campground-wide information.
