Camping options near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey are scattered across the northwestern region of the state and into neighboring Pennsylvania and New York. The terrain features rolling hills and elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Winter camping is limited as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March, with seasonal closures affecting water service at many campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has multiple trail options surrounding the campsites. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," notes one visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Visit NYC via public transit: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers can access Manhattan without driving. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F," according to a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds offer farm animal encounters for children. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," writes one reviewer who appreciated the unique camping experience.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," explains a regular visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Location convenience: The strategic position of some RV sites near Picatinny Arsenal makes them ideal for visitors. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away," notes a camper who stayed at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Reliable utilities: Some campgrounds maintain excellent infrastructure. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, one RVer noted, "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi. Cell service is ok. Verizon is 25 down 10 up."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds in this region. At Timothy Lake South, "Tmobile is unusable," according to one camper, while another noted, "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent... try telling that to the two millennials that were staying with us."
Site selection matters: At Tri-State RV Park, location within the campground affects experience. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," explains one camper. Another advises on Timothy Lake South: "Sites are long but narrow."
Winter operations: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with limited services. At Black Bear RV Park, one winter visitor reported, "We arrived after 8pm but I had called ahead to confirm our reservation. Everything is handled no-contact so there is no paper work to sign or pick up."
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Children enjoy interaction with farm animals at some campgrounds. "My daughter loved the horses and goats," reports a family who stayed at Pleasant Acres Farm Campground.
Activity planning: When staying at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, families should note, "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park. Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Facility considerations: Bathroom availability varies seasonally. "All the buildings are closed due to Covid, so no laundry & no bathroom," reported a camper at Black Bear RV Park, highlighting the importance of checking current facility status.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup logistics: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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."
Road navigation challenges: RVers should prepare for difficult entry at some parks. At Mountain Top RV Park, "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain."
Dump station access: Timing matters for waste disposal at some campgrounds. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," cautions one experienced RVer.
