Northern New Jersey's forested landscape offers unique glamping accommodations within an hour's drive of Manhattan. The region around Bloomingdale sits at elevations between 400-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain with access to the Appalachian Trail and several watershed lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer camping season brings highs in the 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 15 miles of access points near Bloomingdale glamping sites provide moderate to challenging terrain. At High Point State Park Campground, trails lead directly to scenic viewpoints. One visitor noted, "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."
Rafting and water activities: Delaware River access makes for popular summer recreation. Visitors to Kittatinny Campground frequently combine glamping with water sports. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!"
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Free equipment available at some locations. The glamping sites near Bloomingdale have multiple water bodies within a 30-minute drive. A camper at Great Divide Campground shared, "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wooded buffers create separation at several glamping locations. The natural setting enhances the upscale camping experience. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on. The water hoses provided are plenty long."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear sightings occur regularly in the region. A visitor to Swartswood State Park mentioned, "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!"
Quiet atmosphere: Distance from urban areas creates peaceful settings. Visitors seeking luxury camping near Bloomingdale appreciate the secluded feeling. At Moon Valley Campground, "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is mandatory. The region has an active black bear population. A camper at Stokes State Forest advised, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Limited cell service: Connectivity gaps occur throughout the region. Some glamping sites have WiFi zones, while others offer a true digital disconnect. A visitor to Panther Lake Campground noted, "Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones."
Reservation requirements: Book early for prime glamping spots, especially during summer weekends. Many sites fill months in advance. A Stokes State Forest visitor explained, "The area was incredibly peaceful in December with many cabin reservations abandoned due to rain in the forecast."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Weekend programs keep children engaged at many sites. The structured entertainment complements the luxury camping experience. At Great Divide Campground, visitors note they have "a lot of Family activities. We have stayed here a few times before and always had a great time."
Playground accessibility: Walking distance from most glamping accommodations. Some sites have multiple play areas. Pleasant Acres Farm reports having "a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area."
Animal interactions: Petting opportunities at select locations enhance the experience for younger campers. The blend of glamping comforts with farm experiences creates unique memories. At Pleasant Acres Farm, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Water connection lengths vary by site. Several glamping locations accommodate RVs with full utilities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Dump station access: Available at most sites but with varying procedures. Check individual campground policies. According to a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
Level site selection: Request specific spots when booking luxury RV glamping. Some areas have terrain challenges. At Great Divide, "Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me."
