Best Campgrounds near Walpack, NJ
The Skylands region surrounding Walpack, New Jersey features diverse camping opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and adjacent state forests. Stokes State Forest offers year-round camping with spacious wooded sites, some featuring tent platforms and bear-proof storage bins. Nearby, High Point State Park provides lakeside camping at the highest elevation point in New Jersey, with access to the Appalachian Trail. For water enthusiasts, primitive boat-in sites like Namanock Island and Sandyston Campground provide secluded riverside camping accessible only by canoe or kayak. Private campgrounds such as Camp Taylor and Great Divide Campground supplement public options with more amenities including full hookup sites for RVs.
Camping regulations vary significantly between public lands in the Walpack area. The National Park Service strictly enforces a one-night limit at river campsites for paddlers in transit, with hefty fines for those who stay longer. State parks typically require advance reservations during peak season (April through October), with many facilities closing for winter. 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 necessitates proper food storage throughout the region, and ticks are prevalent during warmer months. Cell service remains spotty in many campgrounds, particularly in valley areas.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors to the Walpack area. At High Point State Park, campers appreciate the walk-in lakeside sites that offer greater privacy than roadside locations. According to one reviewer, "The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting deer, beaver, various birds, and occasional black bears. Weekend crowding can be an issue during summer months, particularly at popular swimming areas. Primitive sites along the Delaware River offer exceptional stargazing opportunities, with one camper describing Namanock Island as providing "the absence of light sources beyond your camp, reminding you that you are truly alone in the wilderness."
