Rustic camping near Johnsonburg, New Jersey offers rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet along the Kittatinny Ridge. The area encompasses portions of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with deciduous forest providing seasonal shade. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F, while spring and fall nights can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Hike to viewpoints: From Bake Oven Knob, hikers can access scenic overlooks via a short but rocky trail. A camper notes, "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky."
Explore marshlands: The Thunder Swamp Trail system connects to wetland areas. "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," reports one visitor who found the trailhead parking "chill for a night."
Overnight backpacking: Section hiking on the Appalachian Trail offers multi-day opportunities. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, campers appreciate that "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."
What campers like
Balanced social experience: The Appalachian Trail campsites offer flexibility for different social preferences. One camper describes the "Perfect balance of community and space" and notes that while they "camped nearer to others," there are also "secluded spots."
Overnight parking access: Several trailheads serve as basic overnight parking for hikers or van campers. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, visitors appreciate the "Gravel lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campsites feature suitable trees for hammock camping. A visitor to Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 mentioned, "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
What you should know
Water planning essential: Most primitive camping locations near Johnsonburg have no water sources. One camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 warned about "no water nearby" and recommended planning water stops carefully.
Limited site capacity: Small primitive campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. At Hickok Brook, a ranger informed campers about designated spots: "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping."
Road condition challenges: Access roads to remote sites require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hickok Brook cautioned, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
Permits required: New York state lands require camping permits. At Hickok Brook, a camper learned this firsthand: "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For family camping near Johnsonburg, select locations with minimal hiking. Bake Oven Knob offers "two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent."
Pack complete supplies: With no facilities at primitive sites, families must bring everything. A Hickok Brook camper advises, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town."
Plan for insects: Lakeside sites can be buggy, especially in summer. One camper described Hickok Brook as "Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites."
Know nearest towns: Familiarize yourself with nearby services. For Hickok Brook, "there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Tips from RVers
High clearance vehicles only: Most primitive camping spots near Johnsonburg require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Hickok Brook noted, "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes."
Van camping options: Small vans fare better at established parking areas. One camper reports, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems" at Bake Oven Knob.
Limited pull-off space: Even with high-clearance vehicles, space constraints exist. A Hickok Brook visitor found it's "not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road."
