The camping spots near Far Hills, New Jersey offer accessible wilderness experiences throughout the Skylands region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Most camping areas sit within the highlands ecosystem, characterized by deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and watershed reserves. Many locations restrict access from November through March due to winter conditions and limited water availability.
What to do
Night sky observation: At Voorhees State Park Campground, campers can visit the on-site observatory. The park features "well Maintained hiking trails, camp sites, with play grounds and an observatory," according to Jocelyn G.
Waterfront activities: Camp Carr Campground offers riverside sites with direct water access. Jim B. notes, "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing," making it ideal for fishing or paddling. The campground sits directly on the South Branch of the Raritan River.
Hiking trail access: The wooded sites at Jenny Jump State Forest connect to extensive trail systems. Katrina Z. describes it as "peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely," with trails leading directly from campsites to scenic overlooks. The forest features Ghost Lake, reached by a moderate 1.5-mile trail.
What campers like
Rustic wilderness camping: Round Valley Recreation Area offers primitive sites accessible only by hiking or boating. James R. writes, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Spacious, private sites: Mountainview Campground provides well-separated camping areas. Christina H. describes, "The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas." Sites average 50 feet between neighbors.
Water-adjacent camping: Spruce Run Recreation Area features lakeside sites. Jules T. shares, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning." Frank J. adds, "Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days. Campsites well spaced apart."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, Christina L. advises, "It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have."
Limited facility hours: At Camp Carr, Jim B. warns, "Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out. That was an unwelcome surprise." Check operating schedules when making reservations.
Highway noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Jenny Jump, Seth K. notes, "You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)." Similarly, Jocelyn G. mentions, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Great Divide Campground offers numerous amenities for children. Scott N. reports it's a "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast," while Ethan K. adds, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Swimming options: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides water recreation opportunities. Ethan K. writes, "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."
Year-round educational opportunities: Stephens State Park features nature programs during peak season. The campground sits near trout-stocked waters, and jacquelyn G. notes, "The river is just a small walk down the hill. They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Ruette W. advises, "I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it." For longer stays, this two-site approach maximizes comfort and views.
RV size limitations: Douglas P. warns about Spruce Run's layout: "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs."
Water hookup preparation: When camping at Mahlon Dickerson, prepare for water connection challenges. One camper notes, "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."
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