Equestrian camping sites near Hopatcong, New Jersey offer facilities designed for riders traveling with horses. Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania sits about 50 miles west of Hopatcong at 1,300 feet elevation, providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area borders several campgrounds, offering varied terrain from riverbanks to forested highlands across the region.
What to do
Hiking near water features: At Stokes State Forest, trails connect to diverse waterways. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," notes Trip Over Life, who recommends the Tillman Ravine trail to create a loop visiting both the ravine and a nearby cemetery.
Kayaking and boating: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center provides equipment for water activities. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," advises Dan X.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from city lights make viewing astronomical features possible. Scott A. found Mountainview Campground ideal, writing it's a "Great spot for stargazing. Owners are very nice."
What campers like
Lake access from campsites: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers waterfront options. "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W., who appreciates the water views. The campground maintains sites along the reservoir with direct water access.
Cabin accommodations: Pickerel Point Campground provides alternative lodging options beyond tent sites. "We stayed in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family," shares Amy B., who appreciates the practical cooking facilities when traveling with children.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation from neighbors. "The sites were a good distance from each other," writes Mario M. about Mountainview Campground, noting the property features "plenty of open field as well as wooded areas."
What you should know
Variable bathroom conditions: Facility cleanliness differs between campgrounds and seasons. "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 levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise volumes during peak periods. "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!" describes Douglas P.
Wildlife presence: Ocquittunk and neighboring campgrounds contain active wildlife. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns one camper about the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Select campgrounds feature recreational equipment for children. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," notes Jocelyn G. about facilities at Spruce Run Recreation Area, making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Paved biking areas: Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area contains infrastructure suitable for children's activities. "Love that the road is paved, it makes it easy for the kids to ride bikes, skate etc..." writes Paula R., highlighting the practical benefit for families with active children.
Educational programs: Some parks offer structured learning opportunities. "Was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here," reports John R. about Pickerel Point Campground, referring to the ranger-led activities available during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should consider specific site characteristics. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Water and electric options: Availability varies across the region. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it," suggests Ruette W., describing the trade-off between amenities and location.
Site surface conditions: Ground materials affect comfort and equipment placement. "Our site was on a hill and most likely not in a flood area," notes Christina H., highlighting an important consideration for RV placement and stability during inclement weather.
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