The Hewitt area sits at approximately 780 feet above sea level in Sussex County's Highland Region, offering wooded camping surrounded by lakes and reservations. Situated where northern New Jersey's Ramapo Mountains meet the Kittatinny Ridge, this region experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer nights often dropping into the 60s even when days reach the 80s.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Stokes State Forest provides 63 miles of marked trails, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. No room for yard games, but we spent the time relaxing and burning stuff," notes one visitor at High Point State Park Campground.
Lake activities: Fishing and kayaking opportunities abound throughout the region. "The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam. We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely," reports a camper at High Point. A Swartswood visitor adds, "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms."
Winter camping options: Unlike most glamping sites near Hewitt, New Jersey that close seasonally, some locations remain accessible year-round. A visitor to Stokes State Forest notes, "I wouldn't personally rent one, but I guess if your winter camping it has a little fireplace and will keep you dry and somewhat warm."
What campers like
Secluded camping sites: Many campgrounds offer more private sites for those seeking quiet experiences. "Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans," explains a ranger at Stokes State Forest.
Platform tents: Several campgrounds provide raised platforms for better tent setup. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation shares, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Clean facilities: Campers regularly praise the maintenance standards at local campgrounds. "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," notes one satisfied visitor.
What you should know
Bear awareness required: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. A camper at Swartswood State Park Campground reports, "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!"
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have poor connectivity. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, a visitor warns, "Love the place! People were nice. Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. According to campground information, High Point State Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Great Divide Campground runs from "May 1 - Oct 14," and Panther Lake from "Apr 1 to Nov 1."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at several campgrounds. At Great Divide Campground, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer animal interactions for children. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling relief during summer months. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with services vary across campgrounds. A Mahlon Dickerson visitor notes, "There is electric and water hookups for your RV which is great! And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues for RVs. "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," reports a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Dump station access: Most local RV campgrounds provide dump stations. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson mentions, "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
