Tent camping options near Hopatcong, New Jersey span across three counties with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet. The region sits within the Highlands physiographic province, characterized by ridges, valleys, and numerous water bodies. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during daytime with nighttime dropping to 55-65°F, creating comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Jenny Jump State Forest connect to extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "The campgrounds and bathrooms were clean and well kept. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany. Great place to get away for the weekend with the family," notes Fransheska A.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities at Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground. "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)," according to Bee L.
Paddling adventures: Several area lakes and the Delaware River provide paddling options for all skill levels. Multiple launch points serve different water conditions. "I paddled about 4 miles to the site, the first site on the right side of nomanock island. The site was super clean and well maintained! Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddling birds playing and baby geese with their mommas," shares Sean M.
Waterfall exploration: Within a 20-30 minute drive from most campgrounds, several noteworthy waterfalls await. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," recommends John B.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Round Valley State Park Campground offers boat-in and hike-in only camping for those seeking true seclusion. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort," explains Agbi B.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution at several campgrounds creates ideal stargazing conditions. "First, how can you go wrong, camping on an island. The island is situated in a way that once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river. No lights means an incredible view of the night sky," shares John B.
Tent-specific amenities: Many campgrounds provide wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," notes Jocelyn G.
Cold water springs: Natural springs at several campgrounds provide refreshing drinking water. "T220 is one of the sites near the camp road...closest to the water spring as well as not too far from the primitive toilets. The campground is along the Blue Loop trail, providing either an easy walk along the stream or an easy/moderate hike," says Kristan V.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Active black bear populations require proper food storage at all campgrounds. "There are bears in this area, and while I've not seen one in the campground, I have seen them on the trails while staying here. I store my food in my car overnight and toss garbage bags in the dumpster nightly as well," advises a camper at Steam Mill Campground.
Seasonal facilities: Most campgrounds operate from April through October with reduced services during shoulder seasons. "If you want to stay remote, be sure to pick up enough fire wood from the office when you check in. They sell the NYNJ Trail Conference Maps, too. It's a ~15 minute drive from the park office to the campground," recommends Kristan V.
Water access limitations: Water spigots are concentrated in specific areas rather than at individual campsites. "The biggest negative was that the waters spouts were near the entrance so if you are staying deeper into the campground, I would consider this," notes Ethan K.
Camping permit requirements: Many sites require advance reservations, especially for weekend camping. "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," explains Kelsey K.
Tips for camping with families
Group sites availability: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers designated group camping areas ideal for families with multiple tents. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," shares Shawn B.
Cabin alternatives: Some campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping for families with younger children. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows," explains Dwight D.
Educational opportunities: Many area campgrounds offer nature programs during summer months. "We've been to multiple campgrounds here. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely. The last time we were there we were at site 28 which was nice and secluded," notes Katrina Z.
Primitive bathrooms: Family camping requires understanding bathroom facilities at each location. "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot," shares Seth K.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Hopatcong offer primitive camping with few or no hookups. "These sites are for people truly there to camp, either in a tent or small travel trailer. No shortage of kindling in the surrounding forest. Decent cell signal for texts or calls," notes Kristan V.
Size restrictions: Rivers Bend Group Campground can accommodate larger RVs but access roads to many campgrounds limit vehicle size. "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally locates and a pump well that did not work. Quiet surrounding," shares Christopher W.
Generator regulations: Most campgrounds prohibit generators, requiring self-sufficient power solutions. "Campsite is flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the pit toilet, short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold," explains Dwight D.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring conditions can make some access roads challenging for larger vehicles. "Spring time trips can find the water levels much higher and swifter making it more difficult to arrive safely, or dry," cautions John B.
