Rustic cabin accommodations are available at several campground locations within 30 miles of Kinnelon, New Jersey. The area sits in the Highlands region of northern New Jersey, with elevations ranging between 700-1,200 feet and heavily forested terrain that creates natural privacy at many campsites. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, while summer camping season typically runs from April through October with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Stokes State Forest offers 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive. You can also rent kayaks and SUP at the main office," shares one Stokes State Forest visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide fishing throughout the region with various species available. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away," notes a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Wildlife observation: The area hosts diverse wildlife including black bears. "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!" reports a visitor to Swartswood State Park.
Water activities: Several parks feature lakes for swimming and boating during summer months. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," writes a visitor to Swartswood State Park.
What campers like
Privacy level: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites with varying degrees of isolation. "Sites are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table," explains a visitor to High Point State Park.
Rustic cabins: Basic cabin accommodations provide shelter with minimal amenities. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace," describes a Stokes State Forest camper.
Proximity to hiking: Trail access directly from campsites is a common feature. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," notes a visitor to Camp Glen Gray.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers are appreciated. "Campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring," states a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Bear activity: The region has black bears, requiring proper food storage. "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 a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Limited shower access: Some campgrounds have restricted shower availability. "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, particularly for summer weekends and holidays. "We got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms," mentions a High Point visitor.
Alcohol policies: Regulations vary by campground. "FYI... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature farm animals for children to interact with. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay," shares a camper at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Platform tent sites: Elevated platforms provide flat, dry surfaces for tent setup. "This campsite was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them, facing inward," explains a Swartswood camper.
Proximity to amenities: Consider distance to restrooms when selecting sites with children. "Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our RV connection. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented programs. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports a Camp Glen Gray visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should research site dimensions and conditions. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups vary by campground. "There is electric and water hookups for your RV which is great! And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent," notes another Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Offseason considerations: Some campgrounds offer extended camping seasons. "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping," explains a High Point visitor about seasonal limitations.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow or steep roads. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," cautions an RVer at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
