Primitive campsites near Ledgewood, New Jersey offer camping experiences at elevations between 700 and 1,800 feet in the highlands of northern New Jersey. The region contains several freshwater reservoirs and lakes with state forests covering significant portions of the landscape. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer camping conditions typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking to viewpoints: At Jenny Jump State Forest, campers can access trails directly from their sites, with routes ranging from 1-5 miles. "There is a trail head at one of the parking lots. During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road," one camper noted about the accessibility of trails.
Fishing in clear waters: The reservoirs at Round Valley State Park Campground offer fishing for trout in pristine 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," a visitor shared about their experience.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "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!" reported a camper at Swartswood State Park, highlighting the region's active wildlife.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the seclusion at Camp Taylor Campground, where "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time." Some sites offer more separation than others, with creek-side spots being particularly desirable.
Lake activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides water recreation options just minutes from Ledgewood. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," according to a visitor who enjoyed the water-based amenities.
Natural sounds: Many campers value the ambient sounds at Stokes State Forest, where "Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep." The natural soundtrack enhances the camping experience throughout the region.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Most campgrounds in the region require 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 about Stokes State Forest.
Site selection matters: Campsite topology varies significantly within each campground. At High Point State Park Campground, one visitor cautioned, "The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night."
Seasonal operation: Most glamping near Ledgewood operates from April through October. "From the North Picnic Area, Bray's Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there's a lot to explore at this SP," a visitor mentioned about the seasonal amenities at Round Valley.
Tips for camping with families
Easy water access: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers family-friendly sites near the water. "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun," noted a camper who visited with family.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "A nice playground with tons of kids running all over. The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," described a family that visited Camp Taylor Campground.
Group camping: For larger family gatherings, consider sites that accommodate multiple tents. "Campsites are nice and large, can hold multiple tents. They request the purchase of another site if you have more then two tents, but then you can put all tents on one site and cook and hang out in the other," explains a visitor about the flexibility for family groups.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Great Divide Campground offers RV sites with water and electric. "Each site had a water spout and electric plug in. The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids. The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site," shared an RV camper.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require careful leveling. "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," noted a visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," reported an RVer who appreciated the convenient facilities at Mahlon Dickerson despite not having sewer hookups at the sites.
