Several campgrounds within an hour's drive of Highland Park offer luxury glamping experiences beyond the traditional camping setup. The central New Jersey location sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate. Seasonal variations impact glamping conditions, with summer highs reaching into the 90s and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing, affecting which glamping options remain open year-round.
What to do
Lake activities and boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, the 17-acre lake provides multiple water recreation options. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes Tylen L.
Winter recreation: Seasonal glamping allows for unique cold-weather activities. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," explains Patrick M. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Mountain biking: The trail systems near Allaire State Park offer extensive biking opportunities from beginner to advanced. "Great camp ground and State Park. Very clean with professional staff. Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," reports Beau B.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Revolutionary War sites and preserved villages. "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," writes Patrick M. about Allaire State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many glamping locations prioritize seclusion. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," shares Lee D. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Lake views: Waterfront glamping sites receive consistently high praise. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," notes Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area, while another reviewer adds, "Most campsite has a view of the Reservoir when sundown has amazing sunsets."
Clean facilities: The best glamping sites maintain high standards. "This campground was very quiet and peaceful. The owners were very friendly. The spot was spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms were clean. Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Sweet sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!" shares Jami about Mountainview Campground.
Year-round options: Some locations offer four-season glamping. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area," says Lisa S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Insects and wildlife: Depending on the season, ticks and insects can be prevalent. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns Laura Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality differs widely between glamping sites. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Noise considerations: Highway sounds may impact some locations. "Not a lot of camping opportunities in NJ, and this was a nice one. The campground was only about 20% occupied when we were there at the end of April, so our stay was a quiet one," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Water access challenges: Water hookup distances can require planning. "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 a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many glamping sites offer dedicated recreation. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" shares Jaewook P. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Halloween events: Fall is prime for special activities at several glamping locations. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids," recommends Jessica D. about Timberland Lake Campground.
Bring sufficient supplies: Remote glamping sites have limited services. "We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership," notes Robert J. about Mountainview Campground.
Riverside options: Water access provides built-in entertainment. "Have been coming to Camp Carr for nearly 50 years. All the sites are along the river so the view and peaceful sound of the river are wonderful," shares Melissa N. about camping with family at their regular spot.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose spots based on your specific needs. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Seasonal timing: Off-peak glamping offers different advantages. "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. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," explains Jeff W.
Road conditions: Interior roads can present challenges in some locations. "It appears that the office and camp store (which offers a lot) has overgrown the facilities. There are many seasonal campsites many have let there sites go with clutter. The campsites themselves could use some TLC but most of all the roads need some work," cautions Jim C. about Timberland Lake Campground.
Hookup planning: Check utility access before booking. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," advises a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation about glamping near Highland Park, New Jersey.
