Dispersed camping options near Lake Hopatcong encompass several state forests and recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at an elevation range of 900-1,800 feet, creating varied terrain from lowland lakeshores to ridge trails. Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability, with state park campgrounds typically open April through October while some private facilities offer year-round accommodations with winterized amenities.
What to Do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail sections: Camp Taylor Campground provides direct access to Appalachian Trail segments. "Easy access from Rt 80 and located close to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. With tours leaving the campground twice a day on both Saturday and Sundays for the wolf preserve, I was glad there was camping so close," notes one visitor at Camp Taylor Campground.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The Lakota Wolf Preserve near Camp Taylor offers unique encounters. A camper explains, "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance."
Fishing in multiple lakes: Beyond Lake Hopatcong, nearby Swartswood State Park offers additional fishing spots. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike," reports a camper at Swartswood State Park.
What Campers Like
Privacy levels vary by campground: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded sites. "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," explains one camper, though noting "my only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Lake access for non-motorized boating: Round Valley Recreation Area provides pristine water conditions. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares a visitor at Round Valley State Park.
Rustic glamping alternatives: For those seeking glamping close to Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, less-developed options exist at Camp Taylor. "I choose to stay in one of the glamping tents and was pleasantly surprised at the space inside the tent even with a double bed and two other fold out couches to beds. Water is available at the site."
What You Should Know
Bear safety protocols required: Multiple campgrounds enforce bear-aware practices. At Mahlon Dickerson, campers note the importance of proper food storage: "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
Variable bathroom facilities: Stokes State Forest has multiple campground sections with different amenity levels. "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... hot/cold water, electric stove with oven, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom sink, mirror."
Reservation timing matters: Popular weekends book quickly, especially at sites with lake access. "Swartswood State Park is a very large complex that is extremely well maintained with nice facilities. 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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly activities beyond hiking. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper than I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," notes a visitor at Great Divide Campground.
Swimming options for kids: Several nearby lakes offer designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam. We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. No room for yard games, but we spent the time relaxing and burning stuff."
Pack for variable weather: Mountain elevations can bring unexpected temperature shifts. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning... The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a visitor notes: "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Hookup availability varies: Water connections require planning at some sites. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Seasonal campgrounds: Most state parks close for camping between November and March. Private campgrounds like Panther Lake Camping Resort offer extended seasons. "We stayed in the center lawn and it was lined with seasonal campers. We felt like we were staying in the middle of a neighborhood. Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice."
