The glamping scene near South Orange, New Jersey sits within the hilly highlands of northern New Jersey, where elevations range from 400 to 1,200 feet. Most luxury camping sites operate from April through November, with peak season spanning July to September when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F. The regional campgrounds offer a mix of wooded seclusion and recreational waterfront access with many sites requiring advance booking up to 6 months ahead for summer weekends.
What to do
Lakeside recreation at Panther Lake: The 45-acre lake allows kayaking, canoeing, and fishing directly from several campsites. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," notes one visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Hiking from campsite to viewpoint: Multiple trail networks directly connect to camping areas. At Jenny Jump State Forest, you can "hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!). There's a great look out point as well," according to a camper. Jenny Jump features eight designated trails ranging from easy 0.5-mile walks to moderate 3.7-mile routes.
Winter glamping options: Unlike most seasonal sites, some locations offer cold-weather luxury camping. "Camp is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," mentions one visitor about Jenny Jump State Forest, which maintains winter-accessible cabins with wood-burning stoves for heating.
What campers like
Private woodland settings: Many sites offer secluded spots away from crowds. 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 forest. Sites are level and well maintained," according to one camper.
Water-front accommodations: Direct reservoir and lake access remains a top feature. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away," reports a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Variety of glamping structures: Beyond standard canvas tents, unusual accommodations attract visitors. At Great Divide Campground, "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in," notes one camper who appreciated the unique options beyond traditional glamping tents.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differs significantly between properties. A visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area reports, "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," while others note that some locations have recently renovated their facilities.
Wildlife considerations: The region requires proper food storage and awareness. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a camper about Stokes State Forest.
Highway noise impacts some sites: Despite natural settings, traffic sounds can reach camping areas. "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," mentions a Jenny Jump State Forest visitor, while another notes, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway" at Spruce Run.
Tips for camping with families
Guided activities for children: Many sites offer structured programs for younger guests. "Lots of weekend activities," notes a Great Divide Campground visitor. "The ceramic class was fun for the girls," adds another camper from Panther Lake Camping Resort, where scheduled arts and crafts sessions run throughout summer weekends.
Multiple recreation options in one location: Look for sites combining varied activities. "There is a nice lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," explains a Turkey Swamp Park camper.
Age-appropriate play areas: Dedicated spaces for different age groups enhance family stays. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," according to a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park, which maintains separate play structures for toddlers and older children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations require planning: Water and electrical connections aren't always conveniently placed. "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises a Turkey Swamp Park visitor, noting some sites require 50-75 feet of hose to reach connections.
Limited full-hookup availability: Comprehensive services are concentrated in specific areas. "Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages. Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass," reports a Panther Lake camper.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Certain camping areas accommodate larger RVs better than others. "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," suggests a Spruce Run Recreation Area visitor concerned about potential roof damage.
