Northern New Jersey's state parks and campgrounds near Hopatcong sit within the Skylands region at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet. This location in Sussex and Morris counties provides access to both forested mountain terrain and numerous lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping season typically runs April through October with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trail connections: Stokes State Forest offers 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A camper noted, "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."
Wolf preserve visits: Camp Taylor Campground provides direct access to the Lakota Wolf Preserve with discounted tours for campers. One visitor mentioned, "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Lake activities: Most state parks in the region feature lakes with swimming areas and boat rentals. At Swartswood State Park, "There is a boat launch and places you can get your feet wet. Some areas are grass with shade and others have shade but on dirt."
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Great Divide Campground offers private campsites set back in forested areas. A reviewer commented, "Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
Clean facilities: Jenny Jump State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. One camper noted, "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean. The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the region provide large sites with ample room for multiple tents. A camper at Stokes State Forest stated, "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
What you should know
Bear activity: The entire region experiences black bear activity. Proper food storage and waste management are mandatory at all campgrounds. A visitor to Swartswood State Park reported, "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!"
Pet policies vary by campsite: Driftstone Campground is pet-friendly but has specific areas designated for campers with dogs. One reviewer noted it's a "Pet friendly" campground that provides "Friendly and secure" accommodations while being "Family run since 1960s."
Limited cellular service: Many campgrounds in the region have spotty cell coverage. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, one camper mentioned, "Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones."
Legend
