Camping near Pompton Plains, New Jersey offers several rustic alternatives to traditional lodging options. The region sits at the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains with elevations ranging from 160 to 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor exploration. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, making seasonal availability an important consideration for visitors seeking outdoor accommodations.
What to do
Hiking network exploration: At Stokes State Forest, visitors can access extensive trail systems including portions of the Appalachian Trail. "We hiked to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor. The forest has 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles.
Water activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," explains a camper who gave the site five stars. The lake allows kayaking and fishing without leaving the campground property.
Monument visits: High Point State Park contains the highest elevation point in New Jersey with panoramic views from the monument. A visitor mentioned, "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely." The observation tower provides views spanning three states on clear days.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Great Divide Campground offers more private camping experiences in wooded settings. "We hiked the golf cart trails which are beautiful and go throughout the woods," shares one repeat visitor. These trails provide quieter alternatives to the more developed areas.
Diverse accommodation options: At Camp Glen Gray, traditional camping combines with alternative lodging. "Many camp sites open to rent. Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites," notes a camper who appreciated the variety. The camp also provides gear transportation assistance for those without vehicles.
Lake access: Swartswood State Park features a large lake with multiple access points. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms," writes a regular visitor. The water bodies provide relief during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise, especially on weekends and holidays. At Kittatinny Campground, one camper reported: "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around."
Bear country awareness: The region contains active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. At High Point State Park Campground, one visitor experienced this firsthand: "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!"
Seasonal restrictions: Most sites close between November and March. One camper noted: "We went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months." Always verify operating dates before planning, especially for spring visits when sites may still be undergoing maintenance.
Tips for camping with families
Consider campsites with activities: Panther Lake provides family-focused amenities. "Great for kids and families. Liitte crowded for couples who want peace and quiet the staff was great to deal wwith," explains a visitor who rated their experience three stars. The campground offers scheduled children's programming throughout summer months.
Look for swimming options: Several parks provide swimming areas suitable for different ages. "A bit of a 'low frills' campground, but with lots of good hiking trails, fishing spots, and a great beach area for swimming with the kids," notes a Swartswood State Park visitor.
Check platform availability: Many sites feature raised platforms for tents, keeping families drier during wet conditions. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," reports a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies significantly: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain challenging for larger vehicles. "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, but others mention the rolling terrain can make level parking difficult.
Hookup limitations: Water connections may require extra equipment at some locations. "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 a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, highlighting the need to prepare for extended connections.
Navigability challenges: Larger rigs may struggle with access roads and turns within some parks. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," reports one Mahlon Dickerson camper, but not all campgrounds offer the same ease of access for larger vehicles.
