Seasonal campgrounds near Mount Olive operate primarily from April through October, with the region receiving around 47 inches of rain annually. The area sits at approximately 930 feet elevation within northwestern New Jersey's Highlands Region. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between summer daytime highs near 85°F and winter lows often below freezing, creating distinct camping seasons with varied conditions.
What to do
Hiking the fire tower trails: Stokes State Forest offers multiple trail difficulties with access to panoramic viewpoints. "I went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure," shares one Stokes State Forest visitor, highlighting the varied weather conditions hikers might encounter.
Wolf preserve tours: Located at Camp Taylor Campground, the Lakota Wolf Preserve offers educational wildlife experiences. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp," reports one camper who enjoyed the proximity to wildlife.
Lake activities: Multiple lakes in the region provide fishing and boating opportunities. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," notes a Panther Lake camper who appreciated the variety of water activities.
Hike-in camping adventures: For those seeking more solitude, backpacking options exist. One Round Valley State Park visitor explains: "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!"
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and common areas. "Lovely campground, but maybe not the best for big rigs. Showers here are nice and free and clean, water runs continuously (no button to push), and you can adjust the temperature," notes a visitor to Stephens State Park.
Spacious, private sites: Many campsites offer good separation and natural features. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded," shares a Mahlon Dickerson Reservation visitor about their experiences at the pet-friendly site.
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing 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!" reports a camper at Jenny Jump State Forest who had an unexpected visitor.
River access: Several campgrounds feature creekside sites or river proximity. "I absolutely loved being here! The river is just a small walk down the hill (you can stairs or a path which was nice). They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits," explains a Stephens State Park visitor.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a Stokes State Forest camper, emphasizing the importance of wildlife safety measures.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds close from November through March. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," notes a winter visitor to Stokes State Forest who found comfortable off-season accommodations.
Variable cell service: Connectivity can be unreliable in more remote areas. "And good luck getting cell service! It's like a black hole of signals there," mentions a Panther Lake camper, highlighting connectivity limitations.
Alcohol policies vary: Some state parks prohibit alcohol entirely. "FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," reports a Driftstone Campground visitor who noted inconsistent communication about policies.
Tips for camping with families
Choose kid-friendly locations: Several campgrounds offer dedicated family activities. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," recommends a visitor to Panther Lake who found numerous options for children.
Prepare for tick season: The region has ticks from spring through fall. "The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," mentions a Stokes Forest camper, emphasizing the need for regular tick checks and appropriate clothing.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with nature access. "We had a great time. The camping site we originally had booked was rather small, the front desk was cordial and able to accommodate us by moving us to a bigger site," shares a Camp Taylor visitor who appreciated the flexibility when camping with children.
Look for pet-friendly loops: Not all camping areas allow pets, so research is essential for pet friendly camping near Mount Olive. "There are only 4 dog friendly sites, which we need. They are 42-45. Be careful with site 44, no good place for a tent," advises a Swartswood camper about specific site selections for those with dogs.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor about the convenient access.
Hookup limitations: Full services aren't available at all 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," explains a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson who found creative solutions to hookup challenges.
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds have permanent resident areas. "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," warns a Panther Lake visitor about site selection for overnight RVers.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have convenient waste disposal. "The dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," shares a Driftstone visitor who appreciated the well-designed facilities.
