Rockaway campers enjoy access to diverse camping options throughout the New Jersey Skylands, where elevations range from 900-1,500 feet. Temperatures in this area typically drop 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby urban centers during summer months, with seasonal campgrounds operating primarily from April through October. Morning dew can be heavy in forested campsites, requiring proper tent positioning and rain fly preparation even during dry weather forecasts.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Worthington State Forest Campground offers direct river access sites for water activities. "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," notes Mitchell E.
Fishing excursions: Local campgrounds often stock their waters with trout. At Stephens State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Great fishing hiking and campsites," highlighting the combination of activities available. The river runs close enough to campsites that you can "hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp."
Mountain hiking: The region features elevations with scenic outlooks. One reviewer at Jenny Jump State Forest wrote, "This place was great, they allow dogs and had hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground. It's also close to other local hikes like Mt. Tammany."
Bear watching: Several campgrounds in the area provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. A camper at Swartswood State Park had "my first bear encounter which was exciting. 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!"
What campers like
Site privacy: Jenny Jump State Forest receives praise for spacious sites. "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," reports Kelsey K.
Water proximity: Round Valley State Park Campground offers waterfront camping. One camper shared, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Clean facilities: Many campers note well-maintained bathrooms. At Kittatinny Valley State Park, a reviewer remarked, "The facilities were very nice and clean." Similarly at Great Divide Campground, a camper noted, "Bathrooms clean and shower was warm and clean as well. They even have a heater to keep you comfortable in and out of the shower."
Staff helpfulness: Campground personnel receive positive mentions. A Kittatinny Valley visitor wrote, "The staff is wonderful here and they know the area like the back of their hand." Another camper at Great Divide observed, "Staff were very helpful and kind."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campsites near Rockaway fill quickly, especially for weekend stays May through September. Book 3-6 months ahead for prime spots.
Bear awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the region. Stokes State Forest reminds visitors, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Alcohol prohibitions: Several state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. As one visitor to Great Divide Campground noted, "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is an alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
Water access limitations: Though many campgrounds feature lakes or rivers, swimming regulations vary. At Round Valley, a camper observed, "The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you're not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one camper mentioned, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous activities. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," notes Richard V.
Spacious group sites: Families needing multiple adjacent sites should look at specific campgrounds. One Swartswood State Park camper observed, "There are about 50 camp sites but many of them, from 1 to 30ish are wide open with ZERO privacy. That said, it's great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other."
Lake activities: Water-based recreation keeps children entertained. A visitor to Panther Lake wrote, "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."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds are near educational attractions. A Worthington visitor noted, "This was a very pleasant stay with beautiful views and privacy. 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)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Great Divide Campground receives high marks for RV camping. "Always come here. The best in New Jersey," states one frequent visitor. However, another notes, "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs."
Leveling considerations: Pay attention to site terrain. At Great Divide, a camper observed, "Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me."
Water hookup logistics: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RVers appreciate the water system design. "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."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, though locations vary. Mahlon Dickerson earns praise as "Dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
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