The Skylands region surrounding Sussex, New Jersey features diverse camping options within the forested highlands of northern New Jersey. Stokes State Forest, located just northwest of Sussex, offers year-round camping with multiple campground areas including Lake Ocquittunk and Steam Mill, providing both developed and primitive sites. High Point State Park, situated at New Jersey's highest elevation point, maintains lakeside campsites with walk-in tent sites and RV-accessible areas operating from April through October. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area extends along the western edge of the region with boat-in primitive sites on Namanock Island and riverside camping accessible only by canoe or kayak. Private options like Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort in Sussex provide full hookup sites with more amenities for those seeking comfort. The Sussex area campgrounds offer exceptional access to natural attractions like the Appalachian Trail and pristine waterways, making them popular destinations for both day trips and extended stays.
Camping regulations vary significantly between state and federal lands in the region. Many state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies that restrict animals to designated sites. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds while still being in short driving distance of restaurants and grocery stores." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the area, with some campgrounds providing bear-proof containers. Cell service is limited in many locations, particularly in the Delaware Water Gap area where one reviewer mentioned "once night falls, the absence of light sources beyond your camp reminds you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Spring visits may encounter higher water levels affecting boat-in sites, while summer weekends often reach capacity quickly.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at High Point State Park where "the sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy" according to one camper. The Appalachian Trail passes through the region, providing hiking access directly from several campgrounds. Tent platforms are available at select sites in Stokes State Forest, offering more comfortable setup on occasionally rocky terrain. Weekend crowding can be an issue during summer months, with weekday visits recommended for those seeking solitude. Facilities vary widely, from primitive outhouses at boat-in sites to modern shower buildings at developed campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears reported by campers. Fall foliage season brings spectacular colors to the region, making September and October popular despite cooler temperatures.
$7 - $55 / night
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"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."
$5 - $20 / night
"Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
$75 - $400 / night
"A few of my friends stayed at Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites recently, and while the location is fantastic for river enthusiasts, there are some areas that could use improvement. "
"With over 160 sites spread across 18 acres, campers can choose from wooded, open field, or riverfront locations, all equipped with essential amenities like electric hookups, fresh drinking water, and picnic"
"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."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"And also no garbage anywhere near the RV sites! Rv sites were mostly pretty flat, spacious and in a wooded area which we loved."
"Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
"The 2 young staffers at the desk hooked me up with site 94 which was far away from everyone, grabbed a bag of ice for “sodas” and cup of noodles and had a great night."
"Easy access to Delaware River.
- Large field for kids to run around.
- Dogs allowed.
- Fire pits at each site but no grates to cook on."
"We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons."
"The caping set up was nice and I enjoyed the proximity to available hikes in the area. The ‘lake’ however, was kind of a disappointment."
"It’s close to the highway, so there’s a lot of noise. But, the people are very friendly and helpful. It’s a wonderful place to stay when you’re going on a long trip and need a place to rest."
"Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop. Yes, right off the hwy and you can hear it. At the end of a road, so I felt safe."
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
"To get there, you have to drive about 2 miles down a road away from the welcome center. This is nice because it is quiet from traffic from cars."
"Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!"
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
TravelerStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
GuideThis is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
RangerThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
ScoutI stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Camping opportunities near Sussex, New Jersey extend through the northern highlands where elevations range from 400 to 1,800 feet. This region marks the southern end of the Kittatinny Mountains, featuring numerous lakes and streams that flow toward the Delaware River. Summer nights often drop below 60°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, making proper sleeping gear essential.
Hiking at Namanock Island: This boat-in only primitive camping area in the Delaware Water Gap requires paddling approximately 4 miles downstream from Milford Beach. "I always seem to be lucky enough to get site 1 and it's one of the best sites I have ever stayed in. Always Clean, very spacious, great views," notes one regular visitor to Namanock Island.
Waterfall exploration: Several accessible waterfalls surround the camping areas. "If you paddle across the river from the site, it is only a 10-15 minute hike along the road on the Pennsylvania side of the river to reach Raymondskill Falls. A 'must-see' if your stopping here," reports a camper who frequents the river sites.
Wildlife observation: Birdwatching opportunities abound throughout the region. "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddling birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!" shared one solo paddler who stayed at Namanock Island. The early morning hours provide the best viewing conditions before day visitors arrive.
Canoeing and kayaking: The Delaware River offers calm stretches ideal for beginner paddlers. Dingmans Campground provides convenient river access with "a service to drive us up to Milford Beach to launch our kayak. They also rented canoes or kayaks if you needed one," according to a reviewer at Dingmans Campground.
Tent platforms: Many sites at High Point State Park feature elevated platforms that keep tents dry during wet conditions. "Each campsite has a firepit/ring, picnic table, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform," explains a camper who stayed at High Point State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds but receives particular praise at Dingmans. "The bathrooms/showers are the cleanest we've ever seen at any campground. They are newly built or refurbished and spotless," reports a camper who appreciated the upgraded amenities.
Lake access: Multiple state park campgrounds offer swimming and fishing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," states a visitor to Swartswood State Park Campground, noting the convenience of having water recreation directly from camp.
Site privacy: Several campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide separation from neighbors. "The sites were very large and secluded from each other," describes one Ocquittunk camper. Another adds, "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."
Site variation within campgrounds: At most area campgrounds, site quality varies considerably. At Swartswood, "sites 1 to 30ish are wide open with ZERO privacy. That said, it's great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other. Starting there, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded," explains a camper.
Bear activity requirements: All campgrounds in the region require proper food storage due to black bears. "The park office is not nearby, about 2(?) miles away. They sell wood, and there are a few road stands near the campground, but that wood is wet. You'll need to find some birch to get your fire going," warns a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can create unexpected weather patterns. "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure," shares one camper who experienced rapidly changing conditions at Stokes.
Alcohol policies: State parks maintain strict no-alcohol policies that are actively enforced. "FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is an alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," notes a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Pet restrictions: Limited pet-friendly sites exist at most state campgrounds. At Swartswood, "There are only 4 dog friendly sites, which we need. They are 42-45. Be careful with site 44, no good place for a tent. The other are nice," advises a camper with pets at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Farm experiences: Several private campgrounds offer animal interactions for children. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," describes a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. These interactions provide entertainment without leaving the campground.
Playground access: State parks typically include play areas for children. "There was also a playground, beach, pavilion, and picnic tables, but we did not use any of that," mentions a Swartswood camper, highlighting available facilities even though they weren't utilized during their particular stay.
Site selection for young campers: Choose sites carefully based on access needs. "Drive in but ours had a drive in to a mini trail so it was a pain to load/unload," warns a parent who struggled with gear transport at High Point State Park Campground.
Limited hookup options: Most state parks offer basic services with few full-hookup sites. "No full hooks, but everything is welcome," notes a Swartswood camper, reflecting the typical arrangement at state parks versus private campgrounds.
Dump station access: Plan emptying tanks strategically as not all parks have convenient facilities. "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," reports a camper at Ocquittunk.
Level site challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling for RVs. "We ended up staying a third, equally unimpressive spot. Imagine taking a slice of NYC and planting it off the side of the road in a picnic area," explains a frustrated RVer who encountered difficulties at Kittatinny Campground.
Water hose requirements: Some parks have unusual water hookup arrangements. "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," shares an RVer describing the unexpected but helpful setup at Mahlon Dickerson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sussex, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sussex, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Sussex, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sussex, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sussex, NJ is Stokes State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sussex, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Sussex, NJ.
What parks are near Sussex, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Sussex, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.
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