Glamping in Closter, New Jersey offers convenient access to the forested highlands of northern New Jersey, with most sites situated between 400-1,800 feet elevation in the Skylands region. Seasonal variations affect campground availability, with most facilities closing between November and April when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Winter camping remains available at select locations with specialized cabins and yurts offering cold-weather accommodations.
What to do
Hiking through wilderness preserves: Stokes State Forest provides 63 miles of marked trails including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, highlighting the accessible nature trails available.
Fishing in forest lakes: The region offers multiple fishing opportunities in secluded lakes. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam," reports a camper who stayed at High Point State Park Campground.
Watersports and relaxation: Many sites provide lake access for kayaking and swimming. At Great Divide Campground, "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," according to a recent visitor who appreciated the complimentary water equipment.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campgrounds offer private sites away from crowds. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor who appreciated the privacy despite proximity to recreational areas.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," mentions a visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area, highlighting the pristine conditions.
Diverse site options: From tent platforms to cabin rentals, the area provides various accommodation types. "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. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have," recommends a Stokes State Forest visitor, pointing out specific site advantages.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Several campgrounds in the region restrict access to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only," notes one reviewer who was turned away, emphasizing the importance of checking access requirements before traveling.
Variable site conditions: Terrain can present challenges at some locations. A visitor to High Point State Park reports, "The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline," warning about misleading reservation photos.
Wildlife precautions: The region requires proper food storage and awareness. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," cautions a Camp Glen Gray visitor, emphasizing the wilderness nature of these sites.
Tips for camping with families
Trading post conveniences: Some campgrounds offer on-site stores for forgotten essentials. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports a visitor to Camp Glen Gray.
Activity planning: Family-friendly campsites often schedule regular events. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice," mentions a reviewer who found the organized programming beneficial for children.
Bathroom proximity: For families, consider site location relative to facilities. "Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping. The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy," notes a Panther Lake visitor who appreciated the spacious accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary significantly between sites. At Great Divide Campground, "Each site had a water spout and electric plug in," mentions a camper who found the utility access convenient, though notes parking restrictions.
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds feature steep terrain unsuitable for larger rigs. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, highlighting both the site maneuverability and convenient mass transit access to urban areas.
Seasonal considerations: RV sites typically close earlier in the season than cabins. "We started our camping season off right with a quick weekend stay at Round Pond. We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups," explains a military family who visited in early spring.
