Campground options near Hewitt, New Jersey range from rustic state park camping to private RV parks with varying degrees of amenities. The region sits at the intersection of the Appalachian Mountains and the New Jersey Highlands, with elevations ranging between 700-1,300 feet. Weather patterns shift dramatically through the seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter often bringing snowfall and freezing conditions between December and March.
What to do
Lake access: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park provides access to Welch Lake for swimming and fishing. "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," notes one camper.
Historic exploration: Revolutionary War sites and ruins dot the area around Bear Mountain State Park. "A quick 15 minute drive from Beaver Pond, is Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic part of the region including the one to Doodle Town," says a visitor.
Farm activities: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers animal interactions including goats, chickens, and horses. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," explains one reviewer who visited.
What campers like
Wooded environment: Many campgrounds feature forested settings that provide natural shade and privacy. At Mountain Top RV Park, "The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment," according to a recent visitor.
Swimming pools: Summer visitors appreciate the swimming options at several campgrounds. "This campground has many amenities. It offers a pool, playground, and activities that include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes," describes a camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Nature viewing: Wildlife sightings add to the camping experience. "Lots of wildlife around. We had a FHU 30/50 amp," mentions one reviewer about their stay. Another camper noted, "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint" at Beaver Pond Campground.
What you should know
Winter operations: Most campgrounds close seasonally. Black Bear RV Park operates year-round but with limitations. "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England. This was our first stop and primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season," reports one winter traveler.
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Tri-State RV Park, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean," according to one visitor's experience.
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Beaver Pond noted, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "They have a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk," mentions a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Wildlife education: Animal encounters provide learning opportunities. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," shares one family that stayed at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
Camping platforms: Some sites feature raised platforms ideal for keeping tents dry. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," explains a camper about Beaver Pond Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites near Hewitt, New Jersey vary in terrain. At Mountain Top RV Park, one RVer noted "The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment."
Electrical service: Amperage varies between parks, with recent upgrades at several locations. "We had a FHU 30/50 amp. The gem is the beautiful grounds, river, and parklike setting," comments one RVer about their experience.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer sewer hookups at individual sites. "They have hook ups and big laundry room," mentions a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park, while another noted, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use."
