The Netcong area sits within New Jersey's Skylands region, with elevations reaching over 1,000 feet in surrounding highlands. Winter camping remains available at select campgrounds, with some facilities offering heated bathrooms during colder months. Cell service throughout the region varies significantly by carrier and specific location.
What to do
Hiking network access: Many campgrounds connect to regional trail systems. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, trails lead directly from campsites to scenic areas. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes one camper who found the routes manageable for beginners.
Fishing opportunities: Several locations offer pond or lake access. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," reports a Mahlon Dickerson visitor who appreciated the water features throughout the property.
NYC exploration: For those wanting to combine camping with city visits, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers direct ferry and train access. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," writes one guest detailing the transportation options.
What campers like
Quieter weekday stays: Midweek visits provide a more peaceful camping experience. "Weekday camping offers a quieter experience with fewer neighbors," shares a Mahlon Dickerson camper who found off-peak visits notably less crowded.
Animal interactions: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique farm animal experiences. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," explains one visitor who enjoyed the livestock presence during their stay.
Updated facilities: Some parks have invested in infrastructure improvements. At Mountain Top RV Park, "The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience," according to a visitor who noticed the recent renovations.
What you should know
Winter operations: While many RV sites near Netcong, New Jersey close seasonally, select locations operate year-round. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites," reports a guest at Tri-State RV Park, highlighting its value for winter travelers.
Urban noise levels: Campgrounds closer to highways or urban areas experience more noise. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," explains a Tri-State RV Park visitor, giving potential campers realistic expectations about sound conditions.
Garbage disposal systems: Trash management varies widely between parks. At Pleasant Acres, "No garbage anywhere near the RV sites! The garbage situation was the worst. Most campsites have a service, they tell you to leave it at a specific location by a certain time or they have many garbage cans throughout," notes one camper who found this aspect inconvenient.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Facilities for children differ greatly between campgrounds. "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk," mentions one Pleasant Acres visitor, outlining recreation options available for younger guests.
Activity programs: Some parks offer scheduled family events. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," notes a Pleasant Acres camper comparing the programming level to more activity-focused destinations.
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds offering adequate space for family activities. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "Sites are long but narrow," according to a recent visitor, providing important site dimension information for family camping setups.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity challenges: Internet and phone service vary significantly between parks. At Timothy Lake South, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," shares one RVer who needed to adjust their site selection for better signal.
Water pressure variations: Some campgrounds have unusually high water pressure. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," warns a Timothy Lake South camper, suggesting RVers should use pressure regulators.
Hose management: Several RV sites near Netcong address water connection distance issues. "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 Mahlon Dickerson guest who found the provided equipment helpful.
