Camping near Califon, New Jersey, sits in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level. The region's forests contain oak, maple, and hickory trees that provide natural shade for most campsites. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while spring and fall can see overnight lows in the 40s.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Camp Carr Campground offers sites directly along the South Branch of the Raritan River. "Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing," notes one visitor. The river is stocked with trout, requiring a fishing permit for anglers.
Observatory access: At Voorhees State Park Campground, campers can take advantage of the on-site observatory. "We stayed 2 nights in Cabin Z for our anniversary getaway and we loved having the whole place to ourselves," writes one reviewer, highlighting the unique stargazing options available.
Wildlife viewing: Camp Taylor Campground features direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. "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," explains a camper who regularly visits the area.
What Campers Like
Private wooded sites: Mountainview Campground earns praise for its secluded spots. "Our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors). Beautifully secluded and quiet. Pretty rare for campgrounds in NJ," notes a reviewer who appreciated the natural setting.
Well-maintained trails: Jenny Jump State Forest offers hiking directly from the campground. "They allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," writes one visitor who enjoyed the trail system.
Water activities: Many campers appreciate access to the Delaware River from nearby campgrounds. "The crystalline reservoir provides a scenic backdrop," and "the water is crystal clear," note multiple reviewers about the water bodies in the region.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds in the region have spotty reception. At one campground, a reviewer mentioned it's "like a black hole of signals there," requiring campers to plan communications accordingly.
Reservation timing: Stephens State Park Campground and other state parks in the area book up quickly during summer months. "Reserved sites were marked, so maybe you just pick an empty unreserved site and a ranger will come collect the fees," notes one visitor about the check-in process.
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. While some have "clean Bathrooms," others report that "The portable toilets are disgusting" or that "bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean." Best to check recent reviews before booking.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Great Divide Campground receives high marks from families. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," writes one camper who found it ideal for children.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and recreational areas. "There is a playground and volleyball court" at one location, while another reviewer notes "sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool."
Pet-friendly options: For pet friendly camping near Califon, New Jersey, check for designated pet sites. One visitor notes that "some sites are designated as pet sites," while another mentions, "We 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."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RVers should research site dimensions carefully. "We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time," warns one camper about navigation challenges.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups vary between campgrounds. "The power station was well intact with 15/20, 30, and 50amp," notes one RVer, while others mention limitations like "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank."
Site levelness: Terrain can present challenges in this hilly region. "Our spot was #27 and pretty spacious. The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even," reports one RVer who found suitable conditions.
Legend
