Northern New Jersey's camping options near Saddle Brook span diverse terrains from the highlands at 1,800 feet elevation to lowland lake areas. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching the high 80s and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for camping. Most campgrounds within 45 miles of Saddle Brook remain open from April through October, though winter camping is available at select locations.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Visitors at High Point State Park Campground can access portions of the famous trail. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," notes one camper who recommends visiting the nearby Tillman Ravine trail.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities where campers can practice with their own equipment. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests a regular visitor.
Water activities: The 17-acre lake at Turkey Swamp Park provides multiple water recreation options. "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," explains one camper who enjoyed the diverse offerings.
Backpacking experience: Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping opportunities. "If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place," notes a camper. "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max. The view was KILLER."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the space and seclusion at many locations near Saddle Brook. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," according to one reviewer who valued the natural setting.
Clean facilities: Visitors to Camp Glen Gray consistently mention the well-maintained accommodations. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," notes one family that returns regularly.
Diverse accommodation options: Glamping close to Saddle Brook, New Jersey offers various comfort levels. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items," writes a camper who appreciated the service options.
Crystal clear water: Several campgrounds feature pristine swimming and fishing conditions. A Round Valley visitor shares, "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."
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Campers in northern New Jersey must follow proper food storage protocols. As noted by a visitor to Stokes State Forest, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Site terrain variations: Many campgrounds feature uneven surfaces. At High Point State Park, one camper warned, "The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night."
Access challenges for some campgrounds: Some wilderness camping requires significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well... You can either boat in or hike in. The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max."
Tick prevalence: The woodland camping areas harbor ticks throughout warm seasons. A Turkey Swamp visitor cautioned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Tips for camping with families
Look for camp stores: When glamping with families near Saddle Brook, New Jersey, convenience is important. "The welcome center has a store where you can buy essentials you may have forgotten and then some (cold drinks, milk, cups, pans, condiments, ice cream, etc.)," notes a visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Consider amenities for rainy days: Some locations offer indoor activities for inclement weather. "There is an arcade room (fun for kids but kind of an odd thing to have at a campsite in my opinion) and a covered sitting area also next to the welcome center," mentions one family who appreciated the option.
Check for playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Great Divide Campground, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids," notes a visitor who appreciated the recreational options.
Review noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. One Kittatinny visitor warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Consider site access limitations: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RVers appreciate the access features. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," notes one satisfied camper.
Water hookup logistics: Some campgrounds require extra preparation for connections. "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.
Seasonal restrictions: Many RV-friendly campgrounds near Saddle Brook have limited operating seasons. Great Divide Campground operates from May 1 to October 14, while Panther Lake operates April 1 to November 1, requiring off-season alternatives.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Mahlon Dickerson camper notes, "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
