North of New York City, the camping options near Butler, New Jersey range from basic tent sites to luxurious domed structures in the foothills of the Kittatinny Mountains. The area sits at elevations between 400-1,800 feet, creating dramatic vistas across the Highlands region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer camping season brings warm days with cooler nights ideal for campfires.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Mahlon Dickerson Reservation connect to extensive trail networks throughout the region. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks... Convenient for hiking and exploring," notes reviewer Jeff W.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Several campgrounds offer fishing, kayaking and swimming. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "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," according to Ethan K. The nearby Delaware River also provides tubing and rafting opportunities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Butler host black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. One camper at Swartswood State Park described "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!"
What campers like
Secluded glamping options: For those seeking luxury camping near Butler, New Jersey, the geodesic domes at Moon Valley Campground provide a unique experience. One reviewer noted, "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."
Large, wooded campsites: Many campgrounds in the region offer spacious sites with natural privacy. At Great Divide Campground, "Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground. Staff are very friendly and we had a great weekend! Lots of hills so bikes are hard to use. We hiked the golf cart trails which are beautiful and go throughout the woods," according to Jojo P.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents... Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site," says E.M.V. about their experience at Stokes State Forest.
What you should know
Varying noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours while others become party spots. At Stokes State Forest, one camper reported, "The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook... The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
Bear precautions required: This is black bear country, so proper food storage is mandatory. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," notes a Stokes State Forest reviewer.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close between October and April. Those that remain open during winter months offer different accommodations. The cabins at Stokes State Forest feature "a wood stove set into a fireplace... hot/cold water, electric stove with oven, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom sink, mirror, plenty of hooks to hang jackets and coats."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique interactions with farm animals. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," says Faith D. Another reviewer mentioned, "Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature pools or lake swimming areas. "Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach," reports Scott N. about Great Divide Campground, while others mention that state parks like Swartswood have designated swimming beaches with seasonal lifeguards.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation for children. At Pleasant Acres, "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area," notes reviewer Bill B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sites with full connections are concentrated at certain campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson, "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," according to antruze.
Site levelness varies: Many campers note the importance of bringing leveling blocks. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Size limitations: Most campgrounds in the region can't accommodate very large RVs. Mahlon Dickerson does provide "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," according to Nancymike K., but many other locations have tighter access roads and smaller sites.
