Camping near Hibernia, New Jersey offers a mix of seasonal amenities and wilderness experiences across the region's forested hills and valleys. Situated within the New Jersey Highlands, most campgrounds sit at elevations between 700-1,300 feet above sea level, contributing to cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. The terrain throughout Morris and Sussex counties features rocky, glacial-formed landscapes that create distinctive camping environments with variable site conditions.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: At Stokes State Forest, campers can access 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail directly from the campground. "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," reports Justin P., highlighting the convenient access to multiple outdoor activities.
Night sky viewing: The higher elevations in the region create opportunities for stargazing, particularly at campgrounds farther from urban light pollution. One visitor to High Point State Park noted the potential for astronomy: "We spent the time relaxing and burning stuff. The site was very secluded. The weather was overcast so we weren't able to use our telescope at night."
Water activities on multiple lakes: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides boating options on their private lake. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," writes Ethan K., detailing the water recreation options available to campers.
Wolf preserve visit: Located near Worthington State Forest, the nearby wolf preserve offers a unique wildlife experience. "We especially enjoyed seeing the wolves—it was really neat and definitely a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)," notes Molly G., describing this distinctive attraction that sets the area apart from other camping destinations.
What campers like
Large, private campsites: Many campgrounds in the region offer spacious sites that provide separation from neighbors. At Jenny Jump State Forest, campers appreciate the layout: "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," reports Kelsey K.
Elevated camping platforms: Several state parks feature wooden platforms for tent setup, keeping campers off potentially wet ground. "Each campsite has a fire pit/ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest, highlighting this practical amenity.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife, including black bears. "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!" shared Kaitlyn S. about her experience at Swartswood State Park Campground.
Rustic camping with basic amenities: Great Divide Campground balances natural settings with necessary facilities. "Despite our attempts to follow the rules and seek clarification, our family weekend was disrupted, and some members even opted to leave the site. The entire experience left us feeling uncomfortable and frustrated, especially considering the efforts we made to comply with the park's regulations," noted one camper, highlighting the importance of understanding campground rules.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: The Hibernia region falls within black bear territory, requiring 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," advises a visitor to Stokes State Forest, emphasizing the wildlife considerations campers should prepare for.
Bathroom and shower facilities vary greatly: Beaver Pond Campground offers more developed facilities than some state parks. "Facilities were clean and what you'd expect from a campground," notes Rebecca S., while another camper at Panther Lake described less impressive conditions: "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell."
Site terrain and levelness: Many campgrounds in the region feature variable terrain that can impact tent placement. "The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night," shared a camper at High Point State Park, highlighting the importance of checking site details before booking.
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways can affect some camping experiences. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes Jocelyn G. about Jenny Jump State Forest, while weekend crowds at some parks can create their own noise issues.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated family activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events specifically for children. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," shares Cynthia H. about Panther Lake Camping Resort, highlighting amenities that keep children entertained.
Choose sites with playground access: Worthington State Forest Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "These two sites were next to the shower house and playground. The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm," reports Jamie A., noting the convenience of having recreational facilities near camping sites.
Consider weekend noise levels: Weekends at popular campgrounds can become lively, affecting families with young children. "During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road. We got to see their dogs, so that was a bonus for us!" explains one camper, showing how busy periods can have unexpected benefits.
Verify pet policies: Pet allowances vary significantly between campgrounds and sometimes between individual sites. "There are only 4 dog friendly sites, which we need. They are 42-45. Be careful with site 44, no good place for a tent. The other are nice," advises Rob M. about Swartswood State Park, providing specific site information for families camping with pets.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup considerations: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, water connections might require additional equipment. "The sites are nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup," notes Jeff W., while another RVer shares a practical tip: "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that."
Navigating larger RVs: Some campgrounds have size limitations or challenging access roads. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson, providing reassurance for those with larger rigs.
Limited hookup availability: Many state parks offer minimal or no hookups for RVs. One camper at Great Divide Campground notes: "The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying," highlighting logistical considerations that affect RV camping experiences.
