Within an hour's drive of Fort Lee, New Jersey, several rustic cabin and glamping options provide comfortable accommodations amid wooded settings. Fort Lee sits at the eastern edge of Bergen County with an elevation of 289 feet, creating a moderate climate that stays slightly cooler than nearby urban areas. The camping season typically runs April through October, with peak summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Stokes State Forest features 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A visitor shared: "We drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower. Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping."
Kayaking and canoeing: Turkey Swamp Park offers lake access with rental boats during summer months. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes a camper.
Archery practice: For those looking for unique outdoor activities, Turkey Swamp Park includes an archery range. A camper mentioned: "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Great Divide Campground offers secluded camping spots surrounded by trees. A camper described: "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge."
Free kayak usage: Great Divide Campground provides complimentary kayaks for guests, enhancing the value of your stay. As one visitor noted: "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
Winter cabin amenities: Stokes State Forest offers wintertime glamping options for year-round enjoyment. A camper explained: "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat."
What you should know
Platform tents sites: Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness camping with unique tent platforms. A visitor shared: "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept. Definitely a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature."
Access challenges: At many glamping sites near Fort Lee, be prepared for physical effort to reach your accommodation. A Round Valley camper noted: "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir... if you're looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Wildlife precautions: When glamping in Fort Lee vicinity, proper food storage is essential. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a Stokes State Forest camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers multiple activities specifically designed for children. A visitor reported: "Great atmosphere for families. Little crowded for couples who want peace and quiet the staff was great to deal with."
Clean facilities: Many parents prioritize campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms when traveling with children. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor mentioned: "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!"
Playground access: Choose campsites near play structures for entertaining younger campers. A camper at Panther Lake noted: "Great for families. Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice but this place is a party place for sure."
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides full hookups for RVs. A camper explained: "Very clean and quiet. 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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point."
Site selection: When glamping near Fort Lee in an RV, choosing the right site makes a difference. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," shared an RV camper at Mahlon Dickerson.
Quiet environment: Many luxury camping sites near Fort Lee provide peaceful settings despite proximity to urban areas. A reviewer noted: "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. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
