Glamping in North Haledon, New Jersey offers access to the New Jersey Skylands region, with elevations reaching up to 1,803 feet at nearby High Point State Park. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer camping conditions typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with several offering year-round camping options.
What to do
Kayaking on lakes: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides boat rentals and lake access for water activities. One visitor noted, "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."
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: High Point State Park Campground connects to sections of the famous trail. A camper shared, "Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice... One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park."
Winter camping options: For cold-weather enthusiasts, several parks remain open in colder months. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021... The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night."
Visit scenic overlooks: Several parks offer panoramic views of the region. One camper noted, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many campgrounds offer more private sites away from crowds. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a visitor mentioned, "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here... The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain their facilities well. One camper at Swartswood State Park wrote, "The reason I give this campground two stars instead of one is because the bathroom and shower area was very clean."
Year-round options: Several parks offer four-season accommodations. A reviewer noted, "Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive."
Wildlife sightings: Natural encounters add excitement to camping trips. A visitor shared, "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 you should know
Bear safety precautions: Multiple parks require proper food storage. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest warned, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Site selection matters: Choose wisely based on your needs. At Swartswood State Park, a camper advised, "There are about 50 camp sites but many of them, from 1 to 30ish are wide open with ZERO privacy. That said, it's great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other."
Alcohol policies vary: Some parks prohibit alcohol while others permit it. A reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson noted, "FYI.... 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."
Limited shower access: Several campgrounds have restricted shower availability. At High Point State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks offer dedicated play areas. At Great Divide Campground, a reviewer noted, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple parks have safe swimming areas. A camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort shared, "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at... The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor observed, "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed... 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around."
Weather preparation: Temperature changes can be significant. One camper advised, "I went through six bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: RVers can find suitable pads at several parks. At Great Divide Campground, a visitor noted, "Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me."
Water and electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson shared, "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."
Easy navigation: Some parks accommodate larger vehicles well. One reviewer mentioned, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City."
Seasonal considerations: Many RV sites close during winter. A camper noted, "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping."
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