While traditional equestrian camping facilities are unavailable near Ironia, New Jersey, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. Located in Morris County at approximately 840 feet elevation, Ironia's camping areas benefit from the region's moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. The surrounding Highlands region features dense woodlands with terrain that shifts from rolling hills to more dramatic elevations.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers water activities on the reservoir. "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," notes Jocelyn G. about the amenities available from April to October.
Hiking on multi-use trails: Stokes State Forest maintains 63 miles of marked trails including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk... After packing up we drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower," reports Josh S.
Paddling opportunities: The lakes at these parks provide calm waters for beginners. At Turkey Swamp Park, "there is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," shares Lee D.
What campers like
Waterside camping: Spruce Run Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its lakefront sites. "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," mentions Jules T. Another camper notes, "I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains Lee D. Another visitor comments, "Site came with fire pit, large picnic bench, and lamp stand. Plenty of parking space. Good tree coverage."
Wildlife encounters: Natural settings attract diverse wildlife. At Mountainview Campground, a camper recounts, "Shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise! For some of us, this is what camping is all about."
What you should know
Limited horse camping options: Unlike nearby states, campgrounds near Ironia lack dedicated equestrian facilities with corrals or stabling. While some state forests permit day-use horseback riding on trails, overnight accommodations for horses aren't available at local campgrounds.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities receive mixed reviews across parks. At Mountainview Campground, "Bath stalls and showers are basic but clean," according to Scott A. However, at Spruce Run, one camper reported, "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting... someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive... 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 visitor about camping safety.
Tips for camping with families
Lakefront activities: Promised Land State Park provides water-based recreation. "Went tent camping for 3 nights, easy to get to, bathrooms were clean and so was the site. Sites were a good size and not on top of each other," notes Siobhan D. Another visitor adds, "Though had to drive to park and beaches."
Playground access: Turkey Swamp Park includes facilities for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," according to one camper. Another mentions, "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door."
Educational programs: Some parks offer learning opportunities. As one visitor to Stokes State Forest mentioned, "I was pleasantly surprised they have programs for kids. Can never go wrong here."
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers basic services for larger vehicles. "The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," shares Kevin A. Another RVer cautions, "It is just a gravel parking lot, with water and electricity. There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use."
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, one RVer advises, "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."
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds feature natural terrain that may require adjustment. At Pickerel Point Campground, "The landing for the camper was even with gravel and the rest of the site was mostly even," according to one visitor. However, at another site they noted, "The only downside was fire pit area was very un-level for camping chairs."
