High Point State Park offers luxury camping accommodations near northern New Jersey's highest elevation point at 1,803 feet. Located approximately 12 miles from Glenwood, the area features distinctive glacial terrain with rocky outcroppings and dense forest cover. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days typically reach the high 70s with cooler evenings, requiring appropriate gear for overnight stays.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: The famous trail passes directly through High Point State Park Campground, making it accessible for day hikes from camping areas. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break. The shelter has the usual facilities, privy, water source (must be filtered), bear box, etc," notes Richard M.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Stokes State Forest provides several fishing options within short driving distance of campsites. "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. The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes," shares Justin P.
Swimming at designated areas: Most swimming areas have seasonal lifeguards and specific hours. "Clean streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," writes Stephanie T., who visited Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
Secluded, wooded sites: The region offers sites that feel private despite proximity to facilities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring," according to Jeff W.
Farm-based glamping close to Glenwood, New Jersey: Several campgrounds incorporate working farms with animals to interact with. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," describes Faith D. about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, noting "Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Multiple water recreation options: From fishing to swimming, the area offers diverse water activities. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessable," writes Kiya N. about their Stokes State Forest experience.
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Many campgrounds restrict winter access. At Shotwell, "You can here road noise which was covered up mostly by the crickets in September but might be really annoying in winter. Otherwise great for solitude," notes Joyce H.
Bear safety requirements: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. "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 reviewer at Stokes State Forest.
Site selection matters: Tent platforms provide significant benefits in wet conditions. "Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky," explains a visitor to Stokes, while another adds "We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water."
Tips for camping with families
Group sites for larger gatherings: Book specialized areas for family reunions. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," describes Christian about High Point State Park.
Animal experiences for children: Some farms provide close encounters with farm animals. "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy. Good for a quiet, relaxing weekend; not very close to attractions otherwise. My daughter loved the horses and goats," shares Erin S. about Pleasant Acres Farm.
Verify shower availability: Showers are limited to specific locations in some parks. "Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites," explains Damia F.
Tips from RVers
Hose length considerations: Water connections require planning at some sites. "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," shares a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Level site selection: RV sites vary in flatness throughout the region. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction. Our site 30 is overgrown with weeds as were most of the sites although it had been mowed," warns Bill B. about Pleasant Acres Farm.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," notes a reviewer about Mahlon Dickerson, while another mentioned "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill."
