Situated in northern New Jersey at approximately 720 feet above sea level, Montville provides convenient access to several state parks and forests within 30 minutes. The area features forested hills and valleys with multiple water bodies, creating ideal terrain for camping from April through October. Trail conditions can be rocky and challenging, with some primitive sites requiring significant hiking effort.
What to Do
Waterfront activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers a lake for fishing and kayaking where visitors can rent boats. "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," notes Cynthia H. about this Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Hiking to viewpoints: Follow the Stonetown Circular Trail to reach primitive camping spots with excellent views. "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," explains Ethan K. about the Stonetown Circular Trail primitive site.
Swimming options: State parks provide beach access during summer months. At Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park, "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," according to Steve W.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms were clean. The welcome center has a store where you can buy essentials you may have forgotten and then some (cold drinks, milk, cups, pans, condiments, ice cream, etc.)," reports Ethan K. about Great Divide Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "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!" shares Kaitlyn S. from her Swartswood State Park experience.
Spacious sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Montville offer ample room between neighbors. "The campground is small but also secluded," notes Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Another reviewer, Greg S., mentions "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
What You Should Know
Bear country precautions: Many campgrounds require proper food storage. At Beaver Pond Campground, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," writes Steve W.
Site differences: Campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities and privacy. "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages. Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass," warns April L. about Panther Lake.
Weather impacts: Spring and fall camping may require extra preparation. "I bought wood from a house across the street from the entrance to the cabins and it was damp, but in November, I wasn't complaining, it took awhile but I got a nice blaze going. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," explains W L. from Stokes State Forest.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas and organized activities. "They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs. Staff were very helpful and kind," shares Julie about Great Divide Campground.
Cabin options: Consider cabin rentals for camping with young children. "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," recommends Amy B. about Stokes State Forest.
Water features: Families appreciate campgrounds with swimming areas during summer months. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms. Very clean and enjoyable," comments Paul N. about Swartswood State Park, while another camper notes its "great beach area for swimming with the kids."
Tips from RVers
Pad levelness: Check site descriptions for level pads before booking. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," explains Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Utilities access: Water connections may require extra hose length at some locations. "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," shares antruze about Mahlon Dickerson.
Location access: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Montville have restrictions on vehicle access. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "We would only consider staying here again during the 'off-season' months when the campground isn't busy," notes Ericka T., while another camper mentions "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore."
Legend
