Northern New Jersey's Kittatinny Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for glamping close to Newfoundland, New Jersey. Located near the New York border at elevations reaching 1,500 feet, the region experiences cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures climb into the 80s. Many campgrounds in this area require advance reservations during peak season from May through September, with cancellation policies typically requiring 7-14 days' notice.
What to do
Kayaking on Swartswood Lake: The 500-acre lake at Swartswood State Park Campground offers peaceful paddling opportunities and fishing access. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," notes one visitor who appreciated the water activities.
Hiking near scenic overlooks: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, multiple trail systems connect through wooded terrain. A camper shares, "Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites!" The reservation features several trails under 3 miles that can be linked together for longer adventures.
Bear watching (from a distance): Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the region, particularly at dawn and dusk. One camper at Swartswood State Park had an exciting encounter: "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!"
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer private camping areas with natural separation. At Great Divide Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "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," reports one visitor.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Most parks maintain their amenities well. A camper at Great Divide noted, "Bathrooms clean and shower was warm and clean as well. They even have a heater to keep you comfortable in and out of the shower."
Trading post convenience: Camp Glen Gray offers a well-stocked trading post for forgotten necessities. A visitor mentioned, "Trading Post for treats and other items. Many camp sites open to rent. Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites."
What you should know
Bear safety is essential: The entire region is active black bear territory. Proper food storage is mandatory, and bear-resistant containers are recommended. At High Point State Park Campground, each campsite includes "a bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring."
Vehicle restrictions vary by campground: Some locations limit car access to preserve the wilderness feel. At Camp Glen Gray, "No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post provides trucking of gear weather permitting."
Tent platforms at many sites: Several campgrounds feature wooden platforms for tent setup. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson noted, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities: Many locations offer organized events for children. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, one visitor noted, "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."
Consider proximity to facilities: When glamping near Newfoundland with small children, bathroom access matters. At Swartswood State Park, campsites vary in their distance from facilities: "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well."
Scout out swimming options: Several parks offer lake swimming during summer months. One visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort remarked, "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions and conditions: Many campgrounds in the region have varying site sizes. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation observed, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Prepare for varying hookup availability: Electrical and water hookups are not universal at all sites. At Mahlon Dickerson, "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."
Be aware of seasonal closures: Most RV-accessible glamping locations near Newfoundland operate seasonally. A visitor noted that while many sites close in late October, some upscale accommodations like the geodesic domes remain comfortable in cooler weather due to insulation and heating options.
