The Denville area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level in New Jersey's highlands region, characterized by rolling hills and numerous lakes. Campgrounds near Denville feature predominantly wooded settings with variable terrain. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, particularly during spring and fall seasons when temperature variations of 30+ degrees within 24 hours aren't uncommon.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson offers extensive trail systems for day hikes. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares Paulene-Amanda M.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a strategic base for New York City adventures. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," notes Shawn B.
Fishing access: Multiple waters within 30 minutes of Denville offer recreational fishing. "The gem is the beautiful grounds, river, and parklike setting. Lots of wildlife around," comments Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure about Tri-State RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation features well-separated camping areas. "The sites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W.
Convenient city access: Urban camping options prioritize transportation connections. "Close to ferry for downtown and Statue of Liberty. People are very nice and accommodating. More of a stopping place to see the sites," writes Missy S. about Liberty Harbor.
Family-friendly facilities: Campgrounds offer various recreational amenities. "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area," shares Bill B. about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
What you should know
Site limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level," notes Jeff W.
Cell service variations: Communication options differ significantly by location. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," warns Nick E. at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South.
Seasonal operations: Many facilities close during winter months. "Check-in was quick and easy in spite of Covid precautions. This is a first-come, first-serve park in the Thousand Trails system so we had to drive around looking for a spot," explains Jim G.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Farms with livestock add entertainment value. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay," shares Faith D. about Pleasant Acres Farm.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "My kids explored the playground and found it sufficient," mentions Ashley O. regarding Timothy Lake South.
Nature programs: Mountain Top RV Park offers outdoor recreational activities. "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," reports @HomegrownRV.
Tips from RVers
Water connections: Prepare for varying hookup configurations. "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," advises antruze about Mahlon Dickerson.
Navigation challenges: Some parks require careful approach planning. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," cautions Joe R. regarding Liberty Harbor.
Site selection strategy: For premium spots, arrive with a plan. "We came on a holiday weekend and thought it would be rowdy and loud. So far, nice and quiet," notes Angie G. about Timothy Lake South.
