Camping near Mendham, New Jersey encompasses terrain ranging from mountainous landscapes in the northwestern region to more accessible valleys in central locations. The area lies in the Highlands Region of New Jersey, with elevations varying from 400 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with temperature ranges of 45-75°F.
What to do
Hiking on marked trails: Round Valley State Park Campground has wilderness campsites accessible via hiking trails. "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," notes a visitor who appreciated the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Fishing and water sports: The reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities year-round. "I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby," shares one camper who visited Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Observatory visits: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers access to astronomy programs. "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," states a visitor who found the area convenient for exploring multiple attractions.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers value the privacy found at Jenny Jump State Forest. "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," reports a visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest.
Boat-in camping options: Several parks offer unique water access camping. "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive. The reservoir can turn into the Bermuda Triangle at any moment-- be careful," warns a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground about the boating conditions.
Challenging backcountry experiences: The more remote sites provide genuine wilderness camping. "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy," explains a camper describing access to the primitive sites at Round Valley.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," mentions a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area regarding highway sounds.
Bear awareness: Black bears are active in the region, particularly at Worthington State Forest. "They warn for black bears so obvs practice safe routines and leave no trace!" advises a camper who stayed at Worthington State Forest Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "The wifi was surprisingly good and I had a very good AT&T signal," reports a camper at Driftstone Campground, which differs from many other campgrounds in the region with limited service.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have variable water quality. "While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don't get sick," advises a Round Valley camper.
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities vary: Check bathroom conditions before booking. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," warns a visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Activity options: Some campgrounds offer more structured recreation for children. "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," describes a visitor to Driftstone Campground.
Shelter accommodations: Consider alternatives to tent camping for family comfort. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin,'" explains a family who stayed at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. "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," notes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Dump station logistics: Pay attention to dump station placement when selecting sites. "No sewer hookups and the dump station is difficult to get in and out with larger rigs," warns an RVer who stayed at Driftstone Campground.
Navigation considerations: Follow specific routing instructions for larger vehicles. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," cautions a visitor to Driftstone Campground.
