Camping options near Maplewood, New Jersey range from rustic forest settings to lakeside retreats within a 45-minute drive. The region sits where the Watchung Mountains meet the coastal plain, creating varied terrain with elevations from 200 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler 50-70°F temperatures with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking adventures: 63+ miles of trails at Stokes State Forest provide everything from easy walks to challenging climbs. One camper noted, "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail." The Tillman Ravine trail offers a unique experience with both ravine views and a historic cemetery.
Water activities: swimming and boating options at Turkey Swamp Park include a lake with seasonal equipment rentals. According to a review, "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental. There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk." The park also features swimming areas with designated hours.
Wildlife observation: animal sanctuaries near camping areas provide educational experiences. Black bears are common in the region, so proper food storage is essential. One visitor to the area mentioned, "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: at Jenny Jump State Forest, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. A visitor shared, "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views." Sites are positioned to reduce noise from neighboring campers.
Natural water features: streams and lakes enhance many camping areas. At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers enjoy crystal clear water. One camper described, "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."
Diversity of accommodations: from tent sites to shelters and cabins, the region offers multiple options. A visitor to Jenny Jump noted, "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds, a wood burning stove, and a porch."
What you should know
Weather and seasonal considerations: camping near Maplewood is generally available April through October, with some year-round options. Most campgrounds close water systems during winter months. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson mentioned, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that."
Reservation requirements: many campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Most allow bookings 6-12 months in advance through state reservation systems or private campground websites.
Wildlife awareness: ticks and bears require specific precautions in this region. Proper food storage is essential, and regular tick checks are recommended. A camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area noted problems with noise, saying "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort noted, "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub." The campground includes a playground, basketball court and organized activities.
Educational programs: ranger-led activities teach about local ecology and history. Many parks offer weekend programs during summer months, though schedules vary by location.
Safety considerations: cell service can be limited at some campgrounds. A visitor to Great Divide Campground observed, "Even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion. And good luck getting cell service! its like a black hole of signals there."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one RVer shared, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City." The campground features paved, level sites suitable for larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: water and electric connections vary widely between campgrounds. Some parks feature full hookups while others offer more primitive options. One RVer at Spruce Run noted, "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water."
Tree clearance: low-hanging branches can create access issues at some campgrounds. An RVer advised, "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs."
