Equestrian camping near Rockaway, New Jersey offers limited dedicated facilities, though several campgrounds within driving distance accommodate outdoor enthusiasts. The region sits at the edge of the Highlands physiographic province, with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet and a humid continental climate that provides distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below 15°F while summer brings 80-90°F days, making May-October the prime camping months for those seeking horseback riding opportunities.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Mohican Outdoor Center provides access to the Appalachian Trail with several nearby trail options. "We hosted group camping trips here for years. Excellent spot! The lodge has bathrooms and a small store. You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife," notes Dan X.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Lower Lake Campground at Promised Land State Park offers lake access for fishing and boating. A camper mentioned, "Short walk to bathrooms, showers and lake. Though had to drive to park and beaches. Would go back again and might try to stay in Pickerel Point campground instead."
Kayaking and canoeing: Turkey Swamp Park provides rental boats on their lake. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," reports Dan W.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Lake Ocquittunk in Stokes State Forest offers well-designed sites. Catherine S. observed, "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful."
Wooded privacy: Many sites at Mountainview Campground provide seclusion. "This campground is perfect for a getaway if what you're looking for is no more than spending some time in nature. The property is well kept and campsites are a good distance from each other. Plenty of open field as well as wooded areas," states Mario M.
Cabin options: Multiple campgrounds offer cabins for those not wanting to tent camp. Amy B. says about 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. A must see campground."
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: While several parks have trail systems, dedicated equestrian camping infrastructure is minimal. Hikers at Ocquittunk noted, "The campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities range widely between campgrounds. At Spruce Run, one camper reported, "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall."
Wildlife considerations: Several campgrounds report significant wildlife presence. At Pickerel Point, Nancy L. mentions, "Certain sites allow pets. My favorite site does, plus I can launch my kayak right from there! The only drawback is no alcohol allowed, but most State Parks are like that I think."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Turkey Swamp Park offers play areas for children. "They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites, and if you need to, you can go and request if they could cut your grass if it's too long," notes Ruette W.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas during summer months. Paula R. shares about Pickerel Point: "Loved camping on Pickerel Point. Kids had a great time! Bathrooms could be cleaned more often but relatively clean. The museum and crafts were closed due to COVID so that was a bummer but we found other things to do."
Educational activities: Some parks offer nature programs. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Jocelyn G. mentions, "You can bring a camper, tent, or use one of the cabins. Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electric and water connections. At Spruce Run, Frank J. notes, "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Douglas P. cautions about 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."
Dump station considerations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, one camper stated, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. The laundry was not working properly and ate a good $5 of our quarters."
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