Camping near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey offers access to northern New Jersey's varied terrain, with elevations ranging from around 600 feet to over 1,800 feet at High Point State Park. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping sees average highs in the mid-80s. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October due to the region's cold winters, though a few offer limited winter camping options.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Many campsites provide access to lakes perfect for kayaking and canoeing. At Swartswood State Park, campers can enjoy boating on the lake, though the swimming area is separate from the camping section. "We did roam a bit, there was a nice lake, with seating every so often and a boat dock ramp thing in the campground," notes one visitor.
Hiking to scenic points: The region offers numerous hiking trails at various difficulty levels. At High Point State Park, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking." From Stokes State Forest, you can access "21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries."
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Near Worthington State Forest, "We especially enjoyed seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definitely a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)." Campers at several parks report regular deer sightings, and black bears are native to the region.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between campsites at certain locations. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views." One visitor noted their spot was "very private but the smell from the pit toilets wafted over after a while."
Lake views and access: Waterfront camping sites are highly valued. At Worthington State Forest, "Our campsite was located along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable." Another camper observed, "They have sites which have river access right from your site."
Rustic camping experience: Some campers seek out the more primitive options. At Stokes State Forest, "The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans." Sites often include "a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform."
What you should know
Bear activity regulations: Black bears are common in the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground." Proper food storage is essential, and some campgrounds provide bear-resistant containers.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on a limited schedule. At Great Divide Campground, the season runs "May 1 - Oct 14," while Panther Lake Camping Resort is open "Apr 1 to Nov 1." Off-season camping is rarely available due to harsh winter conditions and lack of winterized facilities.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. At Worthington State Forest, campers report "a lot of noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night and yelling in their drunken states. It would have been nice if the Rangers had properly enforced the quiet hours." Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites for wet conditions: Several campgrounds offer elevated tent platforms that keep campers dry. At Beaver Pond, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay." This feature is particularly helpful for family camping when spring rains are common.
Activities for different ages: Campgrounds like Panther Lake offer various recreation options. "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. The welcome center has a store where you can buy essentials you may have forgotten and then some." Another camper noted, "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."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly, especially at popular family-friendly sites. One camper at Great Divide Campground mentioned, "This was a last minute trip so our site was ok. The W loop is by far our favorite!!!!" Planning ahead ensures access to preferred sites with the best amenities for family needs.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At High Point State Park, one RVer noted, "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." Be prepared with leveling blocks and equipment.
Water hookup distances: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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." RVers should verify hookup distances when booking sites.
Limited big-rig options: Larger RVs have fewer suitable sites in the area. According to one camper at Great Divide Campground, "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night. Each site had a water spout and electric plug in." However, many campgrounds aren't designated as big-rig friendly, so verify site dimensions before booking.
