Camping near Stanhope, New Jersey offers diverse terrain across the Skylands Region with elevations reaching over 1,200 feet at nearby Allamuchy Mountain. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Sites throughout the area provide varying levels of accessibility, from easy drive-in locations to remote boat-access only campsites requiring significant hiking.
What to do
Hiking on designated trails: Jenny Jump State Forest maintains multiple hiking paths with scenic overlooks. "We've been here multiple times. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely. The last time we were there we were at site 28 which was nice and secluded," notes Katrina Z. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Wildlife observation: Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique wolf sanctuary experience adjacent to camping areas. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," says Julie F. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes provide swimming, fishing and boating opportunities throughout the warmer months. "The sites were spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. We didn't have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views of the lake," writes E.M.V. about Stokes State Forest.
Winter activities: Several sites remain open year-round allowing for cold-weather camping. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," shares W.L. about winter cabin camping at Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides well-spaced camping areas. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," explains Jeff W. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower buildings. "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," cautions Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of clean facilities that other sites maintain.
Natural water features: Campers appreciate access to lakes and streams. "The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max. The view was KILLER. The water is crystal clear, the area is clean," shares James R. about Round Valley State Park Campground, referring to the reservoir that requires hiking or boating to access.
Tent platforms: Several parks provide raised wooden platforms for tent setup. "The sites have a nice amount of space and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," writes Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground, mentioning amenities beyond the basic camping setup.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Proper food storage is mandatory in most camping areas. "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!" shares Kaitlyn S. about Swartswood State Park Campground.
Site accessibility varies: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "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," explains Seth K. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate April through October. "This campground has a swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals. Clean Bathrooms. We walked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," says Jean T. about Camp Taylor Campground, highlighting amenities available during the main season.
Alcohol policies differ: Review individual campground rules before bringing alcohol. "FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," warns a camper about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips for camping with families
Glamping close to Stanhope: Options for premium accommodations exist at several parks. "We stayed in the center lawn and it was lined with seasonal campers. Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice," shares Julie F. about Panther Lake Camping Resort, where luxury camping options near Stanhope are available.
Kid-friendly activities: Many parks program weekend events specifically for children. "My daughter and I have made Camp Taylor our annual spot for the past 4-5 years and it just keeps getting better. Hiking to the Wolf Preserve, paddleboats, mini golf, swimming in the lake... There are so many things to do," explains Dan B. about Camp Taylor.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly while others don't. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire," adds Dan B. about his Camp Taylor experience.
Site selection for families: Choose sites with adequate space for play. "This campground is lovely. Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel. It's GREAT for kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," notes Kathy G.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Confirm space requirements before booking. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," states Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Hook-up availability: Many sites offer partial connections only. "This was our second visit to the campground. Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground. Staff are very friendly," mentions Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground.
Seasonal sites vs. transient: Some parks cater heavily to seasonal campers. "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. 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," warns April L. about Panther Lake.
Access challenges: Tree coverage and road conditions impact larger vehicles. "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," advises Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
