Campgrounds near Emerson, New Jersey offer a mix of wooded settings and metropolitan-adjacent options across northern New Jersey. Most sites are situated at elevations between 400-1,200 feet in the northwestern region's rolling hills and forested landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F and lower precipitation.
What to do
Water activities at Ocquittunk Campground: Fishing and paddling options available at the small lake within walking distance of campsites. "We stayed at site #T007... a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" reports Kara L. about Ocquittunk.
Hiking at Stokes State Forest: Access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles within forest boundaries, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A camper notes, "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office" according to E.M.V. who visited Stokes State Forest.
Urban exploration from Liberty Harbor: Day trips to Manhattan using nearby public transportation options. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door," shares Emily L. about the accessibility from this location.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Campers appreciate the generous site sizing and natural buffers. "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful," notes Catherine S. about her stay at Ocquittunk.
Scenic mountain views: Access to fire towers and overlooks providing regional vistas. W.L. explains, "The trails nearby are varied, read the maps (especially NY NJ Trail Conference Maps) to get an idea of difficulty/elevation." Stokes State Forest's varied terrain offers multiple viewpoints across the region's rolling topography.
Winter cabin options: The cabins at Liberty Harbor RV Park provide year-round camping opportunities. "We rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic," shares a winter visitor.
What you should know
Limited equestrian facilities: While northern New Jersey offers trail riding opportunities, dedicated equestrian camping facilities near Emerson are extremely limited. No horse corrals or specialized equestrian camping areas exist at the main campgrounds serving Emerson. Trail riders typically use day-use permits rather than overnight camping with horses.
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage required at wilderness campgrounds. At Stokes State Forest, a reviewer mentions, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation. "I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning. The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better," notes W.L. about winter cabin camping at Stokes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for easier family stays: Stokes offers cabins with basic amenities that work well for families. "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," reports Amy B.
Lake activities for kids: Small lakes provide safe recreation spaces. "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site," notes Vito M. about activities at Ocquittunk that work well for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Science centers and historic sites accessible from campgrounds. A Liberty Harbor visitor noted, "Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection at metropolitan parks: At Liberty Harbor Marina, space is limited and site selection matters. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises Keith and Tia S.
Accessibility considerations: Most sites in the region have limited hookups. Josh S. reports about Stokes, "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night. It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents."
Transportation planning: Metropolitan area camping requires navigation 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," suggests Joe R. about navigating to Liberty Harbor with larger vehicles.
