The Delaware Water Gap region surrounding Newton offers heavily forested camping options with elevation ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible from June through August. Most campgrounds in this area maintain quiet hours between 10pm-7am, though enforcement varies by location.
What to do
Kayaking on the Delaware River: Campers staying at Dingmans Campground can access the river directly. "The campground has a personal launch or start up river and land at their launch. Near some amazing hiking, biking and kayaking," notes one visitor who appreciated the water access options.
Wolf watching tours: Located at Camp Taylor Campground, the Lakota Wolf Preserve offers discounted tours for campers. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," shares a reviewer who found this unique experience memorable.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location provides dark skies for astronomy enthusiasts. "We weren't able to use our telescope at night" due to overcast conditions, mentioned one camper at High Point State Park, suggesting clear nights would offer good viewing conditions.
Hiking to monuments: The High Point Monument stands as New Jersey's highest elevation point at 1,803 feet. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the accessible vantage point.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers secluded camping experiences. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," notes one reviewer who appreciated the spaciousness.
Clean, modern facilities: Great Divide Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$," explains a camper who found the facilities exceeded expectations for the price point.
Water recreation options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming and boating. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," reports a Panther Lake visitor who enjoyed the variety of water activities.
Accessible trails: Immediate trail access from campsites ranks highly with outdoor enthusiasts. "This campsite, CS52, was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them, facing inward," explains a camper at Swartswood who appreciated the thoughtful site layout near trail access.
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 Stokes State Forest visitor.
Reservation timing: Book early for summer weekends, particularly holiday periods. "We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great!" shares a Panther Lake camper who visited during July 4th weekend, noting "the place was packed."
Variable privacy levels: Jenny Jump State Forest offers a mix of site types. "Some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," explains a reviewer who found site selection important for comfort.
Weather preparedness: Sudden weather changes can occur in this mountainous region. "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet!" recounts one camper who experienced rapidly changing conditions at Stokes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," notes a visitor to Swartswood State Park.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with play structures for children. "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," shares a Panther Lake visitor highlighting family amenities.
Noise considerations: High Point State Park offers varying levels of seclusion. "The sites are varied, some have tent platforms" notes a visitor, with others mentioning that sites in more open areas tend to have more ambient noise from neighboring campers.
Pet-friendly camping options: For those seeking pet friendly camping near Newton, New Jersey, understand specific site limitations. "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. The other are nice," advises a Swartswood visitor about the limited pet options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this region have terrain variations. "Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson who found water connections manageable despite listing concerns.
Hookup limitations: Be aware of specific utilities available at each campground. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares a Mahlon Dickerson camper who found the larger rig access convenient.
Seasonal camping options: Some campgrounds have extended-stay capabilities. "Majority of sites are season all campers with LOTS of cottages," explains a reviewer at Panther Lake Camping Resort who observed the mix of temporary and seasonal accommodations.
Legend
