Pet friendly camping near Middletown, New Jersey offers multiple camping styles across the region's rolling highlands, with elevations ranging from 400-1600 feet. The area's mixed deciduous forest provides seasonal camping from April through October with typical summer temperatures between 65-85°F. Most campgrounds enforce standard quiet hours from 10pm to 7am.
What to Do
Hiking with dogs: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails lead directly from campsites to lookout points. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor. Several campgrounds feature trails accessible from sites.
Kayaking and canoeing: Round Valley State Park offers a unique paddle-in camping experience at its reservoir. "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 camper. Boat-in sites provide waterfront access not available to hikers.
Fishing opportunities: Stocked waters provide good fishing at several parks. "Great fishing hiking and campsites," notes a visitor to Stephens State Park. Many lakes and streams in the region are regularly stocked with trout, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
What Campers Like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms to keep tents off potentially wet ground. At Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies by location but receives frequent positive mentions. At Swartswood State Park, "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic still." Most campgrounds offer basic facilities with standard shower houses centrally located.
Rustic cabins: Available at several parks for campers seeking more comfort. "I have been camping for many years but I chose Mahlon Dickerson for my first solo trip. Super easy to book. Easy to find on a GPS and even if you lose service there are signs marking the reservation campground," notes one visitor about navigation ease.
What You Should Know
Bears are present: Bear activity varies seasonally across the region. At Stokes State Forest, campers note proper food storage requirements: "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes." Food must be secured in vehicles or bear-resistant containers overnight.
Alcohol policies vary: Some parks strictly prohibit alcohol while others permit it. "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is an alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," reports one Mahlon Dickerson visitor. Check individual campground regulations before planning.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep," notes a Stokes visitor. Research site maps and reviews before booking for the best experience.
Tips for Camping with Families
Cabin options for beginners: First-time camping families may appreciate cabin facilities. "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," shares a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Playground availability: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Great Divide Campground, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids." Check individual parks for recreation facilities.
Wildlife education: Animal encounters provide learning opportunities. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake," reports a Great Divide visitor. Ranger programs at several parks offer guided wildlife experiences.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup distances: At Mahlon Dickerson, water connections require planning. "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," explains a camper. Bring extra hose lengths or extensions as needed.
Leveling challenges: Terrain at many campgrounds requires proper leveling equipment. At Great Divide, "Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground. Lots of hills so bikes are hard to use." Bring adequate leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Dump station access: Facilities vary between parks. "Nice and easy little campground. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor. Most parks with RV sites provide dump stations, though not all have full hookups.
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