Dispersed camping options near Denville, New Jersey include a mix of rustic and developed sites across both state forests and private campgrounds. Located in the hilly Highlands region at elevations between 800-1,500 feet, the area features numerous lakes and ponds with notably fluctuating seasonal temperatures. Rain gear is essential even in summer months as the region averages 50 inches of precipitation annually.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Stokes State Forest offers 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We hiked to the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," notes one camper who recommends combining shorter trails for variety.
Wolf preserve visits: Campers at Camp Taylor Campground can experience the on-site 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," reports one visitor who found the wildlife encounter memorable.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights in the Skylands region offer excellent night sky viewing. "We didn't have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views. The weather was overcast so we weren't able to use our telescope at night," mentions a visitor at Stokes State Forest, highlighting the potential for astronomy when conditions permit.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming and boating options. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," shares a camper at High Point State Park, though noting "we had to drive between the different lakes."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Jenny Jump State Forest receives praise for site layout. "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," one reviewer shared.
Family-friendly facilities: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides numerous family activities. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," writes a satisfied visitor highlighting the recreational options.
Tent platforms: Several campgrounds feature raised tent platforms that keep campers off wet ground. "Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs," notes a High Point State Park visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Many state park campgrounds offer excellent value. "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," writes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, appreciating the thoughtful site design at reasonable rates.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. "Otherwise, we really love this place! Its like a black hole of signals there," notes a visitor at Panther Lake Campground regarding the lack of reliable phone service despite advertised WiFi.
Site selection matters: Great Divide Campground visitors emphasize choosing the right site. "The W loop is by far our favorite! Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on," advises a returning camper, highlighting the importance of requesting specific areas.
Bear precautions required: The region has active black bear populations. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a Stokes State Forest camper, emphasizing the need for proper food storage.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We came on Friday night so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great!" shares a Panther Lake visitor, suggesting early booking or weekday arrival for better site selection.
Bathhouse limitations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers," notes one visitor explaining that accessing shower facilities sometimes requires driving to a central location.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Round Valley State Park offers family-friendly swimming areas. "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," notes a visitor with practical water advice.
Consider cabin options: Alternative to tent camping, cabins provide comfort for families. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches," describes a winter visitor at Stokes State Forest.
Site privacy for kids: Selecting secluded sites helps with noise management. "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents," reports a Stokes State Forest visitor who appreciated the room for multiple tents.
Budget for activities: Some campgrounds charge for recreation beyond camping fees. "We went out of season so there were no lifeguards, or anything 'open' at the pavilion," explains a Swartswood State Park visitor, noting that off-season visits may have limited amenities but also fewer crowds.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup lengths: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation RV sites require preparation for water connections. "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," reports a camper who found the water setup manageable despite initial concerns.
Dump station quality: Sanitary facilities vary between campgrounds. "Nice and easy little campground. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," mentions another Mahlon Dickerson visitor, highlighting the well-maintained waste disposal facilities.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "The 'trailer' sites aren't level," notes a High Point State Park visitor who found setup more difficult than expected for their trailer, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks.
