Equestrian camping near Ridgewood, New Jersey offers limited dedicated horse facilities, with most options requiring advance coordination with campground management. Located in the northern highlands region of New Jersey, this area features elevations ranging from 200 to 1,800 feet across varied terrain. Horse owners traveling with their animals should contact campgrounds directly before arrival to arrange suitable trailer parking and discuss temporary containment options.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: At Stokes State Forest, campers can access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure," reports one visitor who hiked to the fire tower.
Water activities: The reservoir at Spruce Run Recreation Area provides multiple water-based recreation options during warmer months. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," notes a regular visitor, while another mentions "lots to do. Still trying to catch a fish here."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at lakeside campsites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Lake Ocquittunk, one camper shared that "a duck visited us every morning," while others report seeing snapping turtles and various fish species in the campground's waters.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lakeside camping options in the region. At Ocquittunk in Stokes State Forest, a visitor mentioned, "We stayed at site #T007... The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Variety of accommodations: From basic tent sites to cabins with amenities, the area offers multiple options. At Mohican Outdoor Center, "The bunkhouse was very clean, had full kitchen facilities, hot showers, and a common area with lots of reading material."
Proximity to NYC: For those seeking a camping getaway close to urban areas, Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a strategic location. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City," reports one camper who enjoyed the urban-adjacent location.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campground bathroom conditions can differ significantly across locations and seasons. At Spruce Run, one camper warned: "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," while another noted that "the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
Wildlife considerations: The region has natural wildlife that campers should prepare for. At Ocquittunk, campers should remember "this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Spruce Run Recreation Area operates "April 1 to October 31," while some areas of Stokes State Forest remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some camping locations. At Spruce Run, a camper mentioned "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," while at Liberty Harbor, urban sounds are part of the experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Families with young children should consider sites with built-in play areas. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or visiting during unpredictable weather, cabins provide added comfort. At Stokes State Forest, "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family."
Choose sites away from party zones: Some campgrounds have reputations for louder areas. At Spruce Run, "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV campers should research specific site characteristics before booking. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig."
Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full connections for RVs. At Spruce Run, "They don't mostly have hookups... We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water."
Tree clearance considerations: When booking RV sites, check for overhead obstructions. At Spruce Run, "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs."
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