Rachel L.
Scout
ScoutLiberty Harbor RV Park
Liberty Harbor RV Park
I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
Best Campgrounds near Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Several good camping options can be found near Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey, though the popular Round Valley State Park Campground is temporarily closed despite its nice views and policy allowing dogs. About five miles from the lake, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation gives campers a quiet place to stay in the Skylands area. You'll find both tent and RV sites there, which works well for different camping styles. Watch for wildlife like deer and birds around these campgrounds, and store your food properly. Most campgrounds have decent roads leading to them, but you might need a vehicle with higher clearance in some spots, especially after it rains. Some sites give you more privacy than others - you'll find both secluded and more open camping spots. Many areas have good tree cover for shade when the summer gets hot. Be ready for weather changes since temperatures can swing quite a bit depending on when you visit. Whether you're staying for a couple days or longer, the campgrounds around Lake Hopatcong work well for most campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey (169)
1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
18 ReviewsJefferson, NJ5 milesWebsite+1 (973) 697-3140"There is a very nice network of trails in the reservation, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."
"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
2. Panther Lake Camping Resort
17 ReviewsAndover, NJ6 milesWebsite+1 (973) 347-4440"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
3. Great Divide Campground
16 ReviewsAndover, NJ9 milesWebsite+1 (973) 383-4026"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
4. Stokes State Forest
28 ReviewsLayton, NJ19 milesWebsite$7 - $55 / night
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. 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."
5. Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
13 ReviewsNewton, NJ14 milesWebsite+1 (973) 383-5230"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
6. Jenny Jump State Forest
15 ReviewsJohnsonburg, NJ16 milesWebsite+1 (908) 459-4366"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
"All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."
7. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
39 ReviewsShawnee on Delaware, PA25 milesWebsite"Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."
"Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."
8. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
3 ReviewsAndover, NJ8 milesWebsite"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
9. Stephens State Park Campground
5 ReviewsHackettstown, NJ11 milesWebsite+1 (908) 852-3790"There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "
"Was a bit hard to locate the office to check in but finally found it. The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean."
10. Camp Taylor Campground
24 ReviewsPahaquarry, NJ24 milesWebsite+1 (908) 496-4333$33 - $42 / night
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
Recent Camping Photos near Lake Hopatcong, NJ
528 Photos of 169 Lake Hopatcong Campgrounds
Paul N.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Bee L.
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Kimberly M.
Great Divide Campground
Barbara S.
Stephens State Park Campground
Dwight D.
Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Damia F.
Jenny Jump State Forest
Jessica D.
Kymers Camping Resort
Ethan K.
Harmony Ridge Farm & Campgrounds
Oak T.
Stokes State Forest
The Dyrt
Woodland Trails
Dan M.
Shotwell
Dwight D.
Steam Mill Campground
Recent Reviews near Lake Hopatcong, NJ
960 Reviews of 169 Lake Hopatcong Campgrounds
- RRuth M.
TravelerNew York City North/Newburgh KOA
Great place for a relaxing weekend
Going back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
Lauren M.
GuideThunder Swamp Trailhead
Not a campsite
This is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
Sue B.GuideMohican Walk-In Campsites
Great Spot for many Adventures!
The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
- MMark P.Scout
Jugtown Mountain Campsites
A decent, clean campground.
I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Nadine R.GuideStokes State Forest
Lots to Love Here
We stayed at a tent platform site in Shotwell camping area. The platforms could use a little maintenance as there were a few tie down hooks that were missing or corroded. The campsites are close around this loop that includes lean-tos, but not so close that you are bothered by your neighbors normal sounds. The bathroom is close and clean. There is a bear box at each campsite which gave peace of mind. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. The staff there is very welcoming. Great Jersey getaway with gorgeous hiking trails.
- Nadine R.Guide
Jenny Jump State Forest
Calm Camp, Great Trails
This was a great weekend camping trip. Despite extreme thunderstorms both nights I'd stayed, this was still a great experience. The campsites are spaced a little close, but there is good enough separation with trees and shrubs you're not staring right at your neighbor. Everyone staying here was really friendly, and the vibes felt good and safe. Easy access to all hiking trails from this camping area. The staff works hard to maintain a clean and safe park, and had quickly cleared out fallen trees from a strong thunderstorm the night prior. This is a lovely park for solo campers or families.
- AAmy H.Scout
Otter Lake Camp Resort
Great campground!
It was our first time camping using our new RV and what a great camp ground to hang at! We came in November, limited use of activities but man, is there so much offered here. There was no limit of kids laughter and playing! Highly recommend, beautiful lake and sites!
- AAmy P.Guide
Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms
A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
Guide to Lake Hopatcong
Camping spots near Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey can be found within the Skylands Region at elevations between 700-1,200 feet, making for cooler summer nights than coastal areas. Typical July temperatures range 75-85°F during the day and drop to 55-65°F at night. The region's mixed hardwood forests create a habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and over 200 bird species that campers might spot during their stay.
What to do
Hike to scenic overlooks: At Stokes State Forest, multiple trails lead to viewpoints. "We hiked to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey and is located in High Point State Park which borders Stokes State Forest on the north," one visitor mentioned in their review.
Wolf watching: See wolves in their natural habitat at Camp Taylor Campground which connects to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. A camper noted, "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp." The preserve offers guided tours twice daily on weekends.
Kayaking and paddling: Many local lakes offer rentals for water recreation. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," wrote a visitor about Swartswood State Park. Most rental facilities charge $15-25 per hour for kayaks and paddleboards.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded camping. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," one camper mentioned. Sites positioned farther from bathrooms often provide the most isolation.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for amenities. "The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean. The river is just a small walk down the hill (you can stairs or a path which was nice)," a camper wrote about Stephens State Park. Most parks provide free hot showers and flush toilets.
Lake access: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides direct water access for recreation. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," shared one visitor. Many waterfront campsites require early booking, often 3-6 months in advance.
What you should know
Bear awareness: This region requires 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," a Stokes State Forest camper warned. Food should be stored in vehicles or secured containers, never in tents.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly. "I booked a camp site but trying to call and confirm no answer mail box full, decided to take the hour drive. Office closed and no workers around," noted one frustrated camper at Stephens State Park. Most parks open reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Noise variations: Worthington State Forest and other parks can experience varying noise levels. "It's on the Delaware so that's nice, but being so attracts a lot of tourists. Which seems like most of them never have any courtesy for other campers. Always a few sites blasting music till late hours," one visitor reported. Weekdays typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Locations with play areas keep children entertained. "There is a playground and volleyball court. There are dumpsters but no recycling," mentioned a visitor at Stephens State Park. Many campgrounds feature play equipment within walking distance of campsites.
Swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. "A nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," a Camp Taylor visitor shared. Most swimming areas open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground offers structured recreation. "It's a smaller camp ground but still just an enjoyable. Can't wait to come back!" a camper explained. Weekly activity schedules typically include crafts, games, and nature programs throughout summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require leveling blocks. "Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time," noted a Camp Taylor visitor. Bring leveling blocks as many sites have slight slopes.
Hookup limitations: Check utility availability when booking. "Electric and water hookups, no sewer but there's a dump station on the way out," a camper at Camp Taylor mentioned. Most parks offer water and electric only, with dump stations for departure.
Size restrictions: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation accommodates moderate-sized RVs. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," one visitor shared. Most campgrounds in the region limit RVs to 35-40 feet maximum due to tight turning radiuses and narrow access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds at or near Lake Hopatcong, NJ?
Are there campgrounds at or near Lake Hopatcong, NJ?
While there are no campgrounds directly on Lake Hopatcong, several quality options exist nearby. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is one of the closest, located in the Skylands region just a short drive from the lake. For those willing to travel a bit further, Great Divide Campground near Newton offers a scenic setting with its own small lake and wooded surroundings. Other options within driving distance include Stephens State Park Campground, Stokes State Forest, and High Point State Park. These locations provide access to hiking trails, swimming, and other outdoor activities while being close enough for day trips to Lake Hopatcong.
What amenities are available at Mahlon Dickerson Campground near Lake Hopatcong?
What amenities are available at Mahlon Dickerson Campground near Lake Hopatcong?
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers well-appointed campsites with several desirable amenities. The sites are nicely wooded, spacious, and mostly level with paved parking pads. Each site includes 50-amp electrical service and water hookups (though water spigots are shared between sites with hose caddies provided). While there are no sewer hookups at individual sites, the campground maintains a convenient dump station. The campground is situated in a beautiful wooded setting with access to hiking trails and outdoor exploration opportunities. Its location in the Skylands region makes it an excellent base for exploring the area while being relatively close to Lake Hopatcong.
Can you camp at Hopatcong State Park?
Can you camp at Hopatcong State Park?
No, overnight camping is not permitted at Hopatcong State Park. The park is primarily a day-use facility offering swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking amenities. For camping options near Lake Hopatcong, consider High Point State Park Campground, located in the scenic Skylands region with campsites situated on a lake and access to numerous hiking and biking trails. Another alternative is Stephens State Park Campground, which provides camping facilities within a reasonable driving distance of Lake Hopatcong while offering its own recreational opportunities.
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