Northern New Jersey's camping regions sit within the Highlands physiographic province, where elevations range from 500 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The region's deciduous forests contain oak, maple, and hickory trees that create vibrant fall colors from mid-October through early November. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, making most yurt camping near Brookside, New Jersey a three-season activity.
What to do
Hiking to the Appalachian Trail: 3-6 miles Camp Taylor Campground provides direct access to the Appalachian Trail through multiple connecting paths. "Easy access from Rt 80 and located close to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. With tours leaving them campground twice a day on both Saturday and Sundays for the wolf preserve, I was glad there was camping so close," notes a Camp Taylor Campground visitor.
Wolf preserve tours: $15-20 per person The Lakota Wolf Preserve offers special rates for campers staying at adjacent properties. "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. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," describes a camper.
Reservoir recreation: fishing, kayaking, swimming Round Valley State Park Campground offers diverse water activities on its 2,350-acre reservoir. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," shares a visitor. Another mentions, "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."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: minimal light pollution Jenny Jump State Forest offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," notes one camper.
Well-maintained yurt facilities: 4-season options Several campgrounds maintain heated yurts available through autumn and winter. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove," shares a Jenny Jump visitor.
Diverse wildlife encounters: dawn and dusk viewing Stokes State Forest offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at day/night transitions. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
What you should know
Site selection matters: terrain variations Swartswood State Park Campground features significant variation between sites. "There are about 50 camp sites but many of them, from 1 to 30ish are wide open with ZERO privacy. That said, it's great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other. Starting there, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded."
Bear safety protocols: required at all sites Food storage containers aren't provided at most campgrounds. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Water access logistics: hose length considerations Many campgrounds provide water hookups but may require additional equipment. "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," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: request sites nearby Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly amenities centrally located. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," reports a visitor.
Free water activities: cost-saving options Several campgrounds offer complimentary water recreation equipment. "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," advises a Great Divide Campground reviewer.
Elevated sleeping platforms: 12x12 foot standard size Many campgrounds feature raised tent platforms to keep gear dry during rain. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt. The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: sloped terrain common Spruce Run Recreation Area features varied terrain requiring leveling blocks. "The campgrounds were just okay. 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."
Hookup options: mostly water and electric only Most area campgrounds lack full hookups. "I can not speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them. This review would be 5 stars if only they would knock the present facilities down and rebuild really nice ones, that were kept clean. Also if all the sites had Water & electric hook ups."
Weekend sound levels: quieter mid-week stays Many campgrounds experience increased noise on weekends. "We stayed here 2 nights in May, Friday-Sunday. There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night."
