The Hackettstown area features the rolling hills of northwestern New Jersey's Skylands Region, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Located near the Musconetcong River and surrounded by state parks and forests, the region offers diverse camping options with average summer temperatures between 65-85°F. The area's woodland terrain provides natural shade at many sites, making it comfortable for summer camping.
What to do
Hiking Appalachian Trail connections: Camp Taylor Campground offers direct trail access to the Appalachian Trail system. "There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," notes Jean T.
Fishing in stocked waters: Multiple waterways in the area are regularly stocked with fish. A camper at Stephens State Park Campground shared their experience: "Great fishing hiking and campsites," according to Scott K. The nearby streams and rivers offer freshwater fishing throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers unique wildlife observation opportunities, especially at Camp Taylor. "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 Julie F.
Boat rentals and water activities: Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals for water recreation. At Panther Lake, "you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," explains Ethan K., while at Camp Taylor they have "paddleboat and kayak rentals" for exploring the waterways.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest receives high marks for its campsite layout. Lindsay D. describes it as having "Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites." Another reviewer notes it's "high up on a mountain and affords lovely views."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of campground maintenance. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors appreciate the "Large wooded campsites with electric and water" and that the park is "beautiful and quiet." According to Jeff W., it's "Well kept and clean."
Accessibility to water features: Access to water ranks high among camper preferences. At Stephens State Park, "The river is just a small walk down the hill (you can stairs or a path which was nice)... You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation," shares Jacquelyn G.
Wolf preserve experiences: Camp Taylor's unique wolf sanctuary adds special appeal. Denise D. explains, "With tours leaving the campground twice a day on both Saturday and Sundays for the wolf preserve, I was glad there was camping so close."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one reviewer mentioned "the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," and Stephens State Park campers have noted highway and train noise.
Limited amenities at certain parks: Round Valley State Park Campground offers a more primitive experience. "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets," notes Agbi B., while other reviewers mention there are "no showers" and limited facilities, making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Access challenges for some sites: Round Valley's campgrounds require effort to reach. "It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site," explains Agbi B.
Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds post warnings about bears. Greg S. at Mahlon Dickerson noted, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Great Divide Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities. Jojo P. explains, "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful." The campground includes "a small soccer field and volleyball court" and "scheduled activities for kids."
Camp Taylor for educational experiences: Families appreciate the wolf preserve learning opportunities. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," shares Dina S.
Choosing sites strategically: At Panther Lake Camping Resort, Julie F. advises, "If you can score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect but anywhere else can be a bummer."
Consider quieter times: For families seeking a more peaceful experience at dog friendly campgrounds near Hackettstown, timing matters. At Swartswood State Park, Rob M. notes, "We went out of season so there were no lifeguards, or anything 'open' at the pavilion... We are always after campgrounds with as little going on as possible other than the nature so this would not be a place for us during the summer when I imagine it gets quite packed."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Mahlon Dickerson gets positive reviews from RVers for site design. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," reports Jeff W.
Hose length preparation: Water access can require planning at some pet-friendly locations around Hackettstown. At Mahlon Dickerson, "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," explains camper antruze.
Dump station logistics: RVers appreciate campgrounds with convenient facilities. "Easy to dump and fill," notes Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson, while others mention the dump station is "on the way out" for convenient departures.
Limited big rig options: Many pet-friendly campgrounds in the Hackettstown region have size restrictions. At Stephens State Park, Laura M. observed, "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through... but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time."
Legend
