Tranquility, New Jersey sits at an elevation of approximately 900 feet in the Ridge and Valley region of northern New Jersey. The area's glacial lakes and hardwood forests create distinctive camping environments with temperature swings of up to 20°F between day and night during spring and fall camping seasons. Summer nights can remain warm with average July overnight lows around 65°F, making lightweight sleeping bags sufficient for most glamping accommodations.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail networks: Stokes State Forest provides access to 21 marked trails spanning over 63 miles, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. According to a camper, "We hiked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," making Camp Taylor Campground an ideal base for serious hikers.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Unique to the area are wolf watching experiences where campers can see wolves in protected sanctuaries. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," notes a visitor to Camp Taylor Campground who hiked to Mt. Tammany directly from their site.
Water recreation on multiple lakes: Swartswood State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, and boating on its namesake lake. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite," reports one visitor who enjoyed the water-based activities.
What campers like
Spacious private sites: Jenny Jump State Forest earns praise for its well-designed campsites. "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. 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," explains one camper.
Well-maintained facilities: Many glamping sites near Tranquility offer clean bathrooms and shower facilities that enhance the outdoor experience. "The bathrooms/showers are clean and well maintained. The small mini-golf course is a fun distraction for a bit. There are great trails to hike to right from the campground," notes a visitor to Camp Taylor Campground.
Year-round options: While most glamping locations operate seasonally from April through October, some remain open during winter. "We've been here multiple times. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely," shares a camper at Jenny Jump State Forest, which offers winter availability for its cabins and shelters.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for glamping structures. "We stayed in site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," reports a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Bear country precautions: Food storage protocols are strictly enforced throughout the region. "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 at Stokes State Forest, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.
Varied site conditions: Some glamping locations have significantly different site quality within the same property. A reviewer at Panther Lake Camping Resort notes, "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages."
Tips for camping with families
Choose kid-friendly amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers extensive recreational options for children. "Great for kids and families. 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," shares one visitor.
Consider the hiking difficulty: Some trails are more suitable for families with young children. "We hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," suggests a Stokes State Forest visitor, pointing out a manageable family hike option.
Look for educational opportunities: Many glamping facilities near Tranquility offer nature programs. "Camp Taylor Campground is located on the Delaware Water Gap Mtn. There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," explains a visitor who appreciated the learning experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA offers varying quality of RV sites. "Our particular camp site was huge! There was plenty of room for us to spread out... The campground had many different types of sites. Some were big and socially distanced like the one we had. But some were extremely small and very close to the next camper," advises an RV camper.
Hookup availability varies: Many glamping sites near Tranquility offer limited hookup options. "Electric and water hookups, no sewer but there's a dump station on the way out. Wooded and delightfully devoid of golf carts," notes a Camp Taylor Campground visitor, highlighting the practical considerations for RVers.
Check road access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides good RV access despite its wooded setting. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports a satisfied RVer, noting both the practical considerations and location advantages.
