Camping sites near Oak Ridge, New Jersey offer diverse terrain across the highlands region, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot summers averaging 80-85°F and cold winters often dropping below freezing. Most campsites sit within the Newark Watershed, creating varied water access options from spring-fed lakes to Delaware River frontage.
What to do
Kayaking and boating access: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides on-site lake access with rental boats available. "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," notes one visitor.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Beaver Pond Campground sits near trail access points. A camper reports, "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room. The price makes it even better."
Petting farm animals: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique animal interactions for visitors. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares one reviewer. Another notes, "Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: High Point State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "The sites were very secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs," explains a visitor. The campground includes both open areas and more isolated spots.
Shower and bathroom facilities: Campers specifically praise cleanliness at certain locations. "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic," noted a visitor at Swartswood State Park. Another camper at Stokes State Forest shared, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site."
Lake access for swimming: Great Divide Campground receives high marks for water options. "Big campground, big lake, clean and enjoyable. Nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," wrote one visitor.
What you should know
Bear encounters: Bears are common throughout the region. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" reported a camper at Beaver Pond. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must," warns another visitor to Stokes State Forest. Bear lockers are not provided at most sites.
Limited cell service: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. One camper at Great Divide noted, "A bit out here in the middle of nowhere, 15-20 minutes from any town. Make sure you have what you need!"
Campsite selection importance: Choose locations carefully as quality varies. "If you want to score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect but anywhere else can be a bummer," advised a camper at Panther Lake about avoiding seasonal areas. Many parks offer a mix of open field and wooded sites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Stokes State Forest offers numerous family-friendly options. "We stayed in the campsites at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring," shared a visitor.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. "Short distance from NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," reports a Beaver Pond visitor.
Weekend vs. weekday visits: Timing affects experience significantly. "We came on a Friday night. Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud. The rest of the weekend it seemed like everyone's simmered down. The campground was full of mostly families," reported a Stokes State Forest camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides good RV facilities. "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 one camper.
RV site leveling: High Point State Park presents challenges for larger vehicles. "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. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump."
Facility access: Great Divide Campground offers good RV amenities but with limitations. "One downside about this site was that you have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying," reports one RVer.
