Tent camping options near Mine Hill provide access to mountains, forests and waterways in the northwestern New Jersey Highlands. The area sits at elevations between 900-1,500 feet with moderate summer temperatures in the 70-85°F range. Most primitive sites require hiking at least 2 miles with full gear, while established campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities within a 30-minute drive.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Wawayanda State Park, trails connect directly to campsites. "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany," notes Fransheska A. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Water activities: Paddle across the reservoir at Round Valley Recreation Area. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," writes Ryan M. about Round Valley State Park Campground. For kayaking, the Delaware River offers multiple camping options. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature," reports Agbi B.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful," says Bee L. about Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground. Watch for bald eagles along river routes, particularly in early morning hours.
What campers like
Secluded camping experiences: Many campers value privacy at Mine Hill area campgrounds. "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 Kelsey K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Island camping: River islands offer unique camping experiences. "Let me say that of all the places I have ever camped, having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," writes John B. about Namanock Island. The island requires water access and offers primitive facilities.
Mountain views: Higher elevation sites provide scenic vistas. "This campground is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes Jocelyn G. Sites at higher elevations typically experience cooler nighttime temperatures, often 10-15 degrees below daytime highs.
What you should know
Access challenges: Several sites require significant hiking. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," writes Stuart K. "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."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have basic amenities only. "Primitive site for multi day river trips. There's usually always a port-a-potty at the campsite. Each area has its own fire ring and multiple river pull offs for easy finding and access," explains Stephanie S. about Alosa Boat In Campsites.
Varying site quality: Not all sites offer the same experience. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites. The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," reports Seth K.
Tips for camping with families
Shelter options: For families new to tent camping near Mine Hill, shelters provide 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'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows," explains Dwight D.
Close-to-car sites: With children, choose sites with minimal hiking. "I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State. I enjoyed the overnight camp out with my kids and they had a blast. Nice size primitive tent site we had and was nice for beginner camping," notes Scott O.
Group accommodations: For family reunions or multiple families, seek designated group areas. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," explains Shawn B. about Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Mine Hill offer primitive RV parking without hookups. "Campsite is flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the pit toilet, short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold," says Dwight D. about Steam Mill Campground.
Toilet facilities: Bathrooms vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot," reports Seth K. Many RVers recommend bringing a portable toilet as backup for primitive sites.
Site accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs. "These sites are for people truly there to camp, either in a tent or small travel trailer," explains Kristan V. RVs over 25 feet face significant challenges at most Mine Hill area campgrounds due to narrow access roads and limited turning space.
