Northern New Jersey offers camping options within a 1-hour drive from New Providence at elevations ranging from 10 to 1,800 feet. The region features several state forests and recreation areas with varying terrain from flat coastal areas to the hilly highlands. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while spring and fall can drop to 40-60°F with cooler overnight temperatures.
What to do
Hiking trails: Stokes State Forest provides 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "I went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure," reports one visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Water activities: At Spruce Run Recreation Area, campers can rent boats and kayaks during summer months. "Boats/Kayaks can be rented. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes a visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Stargazing: The rural settings of some campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. "The stars and moon were absolutely amazing. We got some great night shots and the moon is so bright it actually looks like the sun in the photos," describes a camper at Camp Starry Night.
Archery: Some parks offer designated archery areas. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentions, "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Mountainview Campground offers secluded sites with natural surroundings. "The campsite was wonderful and isolated," mentions a reviewer at Mountainview Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The rural settings provide opportunities for animal sightings. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" reports a camper at Mountainview Campground.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites. "We stayed at site #T007, it was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" notes a visitor to Ocquittunk.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good standards for bathrooms and amenities. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park states, "The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!"
What you should know
Tick awareness: Ticks are common in wooded areas of New Jersey. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby roads. A camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area notes, "The only con to this campground is its proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Site variations: Camping areas differ significantly in amenities and terrain. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Weather considerations: The region experiences varied conditions. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," advises a Stokes State Forest cabin user.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Family-friendly activities: Many locations provide recreational options for children. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," explains a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, cabins provide comfort. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," reports a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Animal observations: Some parks have farm animals that children enjoy. "The free-range chickens by the office are a warm welcome," mentions a visitor to Mountainview Campground.
Tips from RVers
City access from RV sites: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unique proximity to New York City. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains an RVer at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose camping spots based on your specific needs. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises a visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: RV hookups vary significantly between parks. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV," suggests a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Some access roads can be challenging. "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," notes an RVer at Allaire State Park.
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