Dispersed tent camping near Newton, New Jersey provides access to the heavily forested ridges of northwestern New Jersey where elevations range from 400 to 1,600 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters that can drop below freezing. Camping in this region requires proper food storage containers as black bears are active throughout the Delaware Water Gap area.
What to do
**Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Steam Mill Campground connects directly to this famous long-distance trail. "Sites are flat, grassy, some rocks to avoid, one tree in center, large fire ring, picnic table, short walk to the blue trail for hiking," notes one camper who made "a fairly easy 9-mile loop" connecting to the Appalachian Trail via the Blue Loop trail.
**Paddle the Delaware River: Namanock Island offers primitive riverside camping only accessible by water. "Namanock Island is only accessible by water and is roughly 4 miles down the Delaware River if you leave from Milford Beach in Milford, PA," explains one camper. The island location provides unique isolation: "once darkness falls there are no lights to be seen in either direction, up or down river."
**Explore local waterfalls: The region contains several impressive cascades. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," recommends a regular visitor to the area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Steam Mill Campground offers well-spaced tent sites. "Sites are separated with enough trees to feel that no one is on top of each other," notes one reviewer. Another adds that "Steam Mill campground was much quieter and more secluded then the rest of the camping options in Stokes State Forest."
Clean facilities: Most tent campgrounds maintain their amenities well. According to one visitor at Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground, "The staff were extremely accommodating when one of our sites was flooded due to the previous days rain and moved us without any hesitation, and let us stay an extra night no hassle. The facilities were very nice and clean."
Wildlife viewing: Camping in this region offers chances to observe native animals. "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)," reports a Kittatinny Valley camper. At Steam Mill Campground, visitors have spotted "deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, quail(?), chipmunks, squirrels, skunk(?), and heard frogs."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping options near Newton operate seasonally. For example, Steam Mill Campground tent sites remain available when other regional parks have closed for winter.
Water access varies: Water availability differs between campgrounds. "The water spouts were near the entrance so if you are staying deeper into the campground, I would consider this," notes a Steam Mill Campground visitor. Another adds that there's a "short walk to the water spigot that is always running and ice cold."
Bear presence: Jenny Jump State Forest and surrounding areas have active black bear populations. "There are bears in this area, and while I've not seen one in the campground, I have seen them on the trails while staying here. I store my food in my car overnight and toss garbage bags in the dumpster nightly as well," advises one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Shelter options beyond tents: Some parks offer alternative accommodations. "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch," explains a family who stayed at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Group-friendly sites: Rivers Bend Group Campground accommodates larger family gatherings. "Large field with multiple group campsites with bearboxes, fire pit and garbage cans at each site. Four outhouses centrally located and a pump well that did not work," reports one visitor. The campground's proximity to water offers natural entertainment: "To your right down a small hill is the flat brook that funnels out into a large 'U' bend of the Delaware river."
Educational opportunities: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center offers facilities that support learning. "We hosted group camping trips here for years. Excellent spot! The lodge has bathrooms and a small store. You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping dominates the Newton area, with only select campgrounds accommodating RVs. Steam Mill Campground offers some RV sites but they lack hookups and are best suited for smaller units.
Accessibility considerations: Jenny Jump State Forest offers some RV-accessible sites but with limitations. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake). The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," notes a camper.
Seasonal operational schedules: Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the Newton area operate seasonally. Jenny Jump State Forest stays open from April 1 to October 31, providing a longer season than some other regional options.
