Camping options near Short Hills, New Jersey extend beyond glamping into traditional tent sites, RV accommodations, and rustic cabins. The region sits within the New Jersey Highlands, with elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences throughout Passaic and Morris counties. Winter camping remains limited with most campgrounds closing from November through March due to the area's average snowfall of 30 inches annually.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: Round Valley State Park Campground offers fishing in their 2,350-acre reservoir where campers report "the water is crystal clear" and excellent for trout fishing. According to a visitor, "Beautiful and quaint... a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature."
Hiking on varied terrain: Stokes State Forest features 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles within the forest boundaries. A camper notes, "We drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower." The park connects to the Appalachian Trail, providing access to longer treks.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range with hay barrels for target practice. A visitor suggests to "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels." The range is accessible to campers at no additional fee and provides a unique activity option not found at most campgrounds.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Jenny Jump State Forest campsites offer solitude with strategic placement. A camper explains, "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."
Kayak access: Spruce Run Recreation Area provides direct water access from many sites. A regular visitor reports, "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore."
Off-season camping: Camp Glen Gray maintains year-round operations when other facilities close. A visitor mentions, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails." Their trading post remains operational during winter months, providing essentials when other facilities have closed for the season.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Many campgrounds near Short Hills require proper food storage due to bear activity. At Stokes State Forest, "this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided."
Bathroom conditions: Bathroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. Panther Lake Camping Resort has mixed reviews, with one camper noting "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell."
Noise levels: Interstate proximity affects some campgrounds. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "my only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night." Similarly, Spruce Run campers report, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Seasonal limitations: Most sites operate April through October. Spruce Run's website notes availability from "April 1 to October 31," though some sites like Turkey Swamp extend slightly longer to mid-November.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Great Divide Campground organizes regular events for younger campers. A visitor noted, "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast... Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities."
Site selection for convenience: At Turkey Swamp Park, family-friendly sites are strategically placed. One camper reports, "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing."
Wildlife education: Round Valley provides opportunities for wildlife observation. A visitor suggests their campground is ideal "if you are looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning." Children can observe local fauna while parents appreciate the accessible wilderness experience.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides solutions for distant water hookups. A camper explains, "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."
Leveling challenges: Jenny Jump sites require careful RV placement. One visitor cautions, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Dump station access: Mahlon Dickerson earns praise for their waste management: "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground." The convenient placement allows for efficient departure day procedures.
