Situated in the highlands of northern New Jersey, Newton offers camping opportunities with elevations between 600-1,800 feet, creating diverse microclimates ideal for spring through fall outdoor activities. The area's deciduous forests provide dense shade during summer months but open up for clearer stargazing in early spring and late fall. Seasonal temperatures range from 70-90°F in summer to 40-60°F in spring and fall, with humidity generally lower than coastal regions.
What to do
Lake activities at Swartswood State Park: The park features a swimming beach and boat rentals during summer months. "Beautiful park with nice campsites and even better views of the lake!" notes one camper who visited the Swartswood State Park Campground.
Wolf preserve tours: Camp Taylor offers unique wildlife education opportunities. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private... You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," explains a visitor to Camp Taylor Campground.
Hiking to viewpoints: The High Point Monument at 1,803 feet above sea level provides exceptional panoramic views. A camper states, "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely. No room for yard games, but we spent the time relaxing and burning stuff. The site was very secluded."
What campers like
Private wooded campsites: Many campgrounds near Newton offer secluded options. "The spots are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don't want to be right up against our neighbors and at worthington we pretty much had our own little island," shares a visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground.
Clean, modern facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are consistently mentioned as a plus. "The bathrooms are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless," reports a camper at Dingmans Campground.
Spacious campsites with platforms: Many sites include raised platforms for tent placement. A visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest notes, "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: This region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a camper at Stokes State Forest.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Great Divide Campground, located directly in Newton, operates from May 1 to October 14, limiting late fall and winter camping options.
Alcohol policies vary: Rules regarding alcohol differ between campgrounds. One visitor notes, "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."
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly, particularly at waterfront sites. A camper advises, "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great!"
Tips for camping with families
Lakeside activities: Multiple lakes offer swimming and boating options for children. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in. The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained. The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit," reports a family at Camp Taylor Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "This campground is lovely. Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT for kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," shares a family camper.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and nature programs engage children. "This was our second time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area... Beyond the tricky setup, it was nice fall weather until the rain the last night. The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam," reports a visitor with family.
Cabin options for novice campers: For families new to camping, Great Divide Campground offers cabin accommodations. "They had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in, but I did not pursue this option," notes one visitor about these unique family-friendly options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level."
Water hose distances: At some campgrounds, hookups may require long hoses. "Very clean and quiet. 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 at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow entry roads. "Careful on the roads to the campsite, they're a bit on the bumpy side. Defo smaller roads than your usual ones. We have a minivan so we had to take our time on all the pot holes."
Seasonal site availability: Many parks offer limited full-hookup options. A visitor to Panther Lake observed, "Mainly seasonal... 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."
