Camping sites near Boonton, New Jersey offer diverse terrain across the Highlands region with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,400 feet. Most locations experience seasonal temperature swings with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. The region's geology features distinctive rock formations and abundant wildlife, with black bear activity commonly reported at multiple campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing at Round Valley State Park: The 2,350-acre reservoir provides excellent trout fishing opportunities. A visitor noted the "beautiful views" and "crystal clear" water that makes for prime fishing conditions. The reservoir reaches depths of 180 feet in the center.
Kayaking at Swartswood State Park: The lake offers peaceful paddling with convenient access points. As one camper mentioned, "Probally our go-to campground in NJ. The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious."
Hiking at Stokes State Forest: Access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A camper highlighted that "there are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive."
Mountain scrambling at Stonetown Circular Trail: This 11-mile loop offers primitive camping spots with rewarding summit views. A hiker warns about the "fairly difficult rock scramble" and advises to "pack light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
What campers like
Solitude at Round Valley: The paddle-in or hike-in sites provide exceptional privacy. A reviewer appreciated that "you still feel a little isolated. With no roads to the campgrounds it takes some effort to get there and it's a beautiful place."
Platform campsites at Beaver Pond Campground: Many sites feature raised wooden platforms that elevate tents off potentially wet ground. One camper noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Affordability at Beaver Pond: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value. A camper reported, "Camping for just $15. This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours."
Diverse sleeping options at Camp Glen Gray: Beyond standard tent sites, campers enjoy "Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites" with varying levels of amenities. A regular visitor mentioned, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails."
What you should know
Bear activity is common: Multiple campgrounds report bears visiting campsites. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, one visitor noted, "We had a great time. Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans."
Seasonal limitations affect availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Stokes State Forest is one of few year-round options with winter facilities.
Varying privacy levels at Swartswood State Park: Site location greatly impacts experience. A camper observed, "Sites in the 30s got pretty loud. Starting there, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded."
Alcohol restrictions vary by campground: Some sites prohibit alcohol while others allow it. At Mahlon Dickerson, a camper noted, "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits offer quieter experiences: Weekday and shoulder season camping provides more solitude. A ranger at Beaver Pond mentioned that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Select shaded sites for summer comfort: The region's terrain offers varying levels of tree cover. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, a visitor recommended to "get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around."
Kid-friendly amenities at Great Divide Campground: Families appreciate structured activities. A visitor shared that the campground has a "big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Water safety preparation: Lakes in the region have varying swimming regulations. At Round Valley, despite the "beautiful and quaint" setting, swimming is restricted in many areas of the reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Urban access at Liberty Harbor RV Park: Located at the edge of Jersey City, this park offers unprecedented NYC access. A visitor highlighted the "excellent access to the City" noting it's "right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
Water hookup planning at Great Divide Campground: Sites have varying access to utilities. One RVer advised, "If you have a big crew then there are plenty of joint spots. It was just two of us and two dogs so we would like a little more privacy."
Level site selection: Terrain throughout the region can be uneven. At Great Divide Campground, campers mentioned, "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
Dump station tips: Facility availability varies widely. A Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor noted they have a "convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump" but no sewer hookups at individual sites.
