Stokes State Forest and surrounding areas provide campers with access to northern New Jersey's mountainous terrain, with elevations reaching 1,803 feet at High Point Monument. The region's climate features warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. The area sits within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offering campers diverse ecosystems from valley wetlands to highland forests.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding on local lakes: At Swartswood State Park Campground, visitors can rent equipment directly from campground facilities. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike," notes Ethan K.
Wolf preserve tours: Camp Taylor Campground offers a unique wildlife experience with the Lakota Wolf Preserve. A camper shared, "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite. Hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)."
Fishing in secluded areas: Bass and trout fishing opportunities abound in the region's lakes and streams. Josh S. from Stokes State Forest mentioned, "After packing up we drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower. Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many campsites throughout the Walpack area offer privacy among wooded settings. "Campsites are nice and large, can hold multiple tents. They request the purchase of another site if you have more then two tents, but then you can put all tents on one site and cook and hang out in the other. We have a beautiful site along the creek, perfect white noise to get a great night sleep," shared Karralee B. about Camp Taylor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's forests provide habitat for numerous species. Julie F. noted, "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance. It's one of our favorite places to camp." At Shotwell within Stokes State Forest, campers enjoy a more remote experience, with one reviewer noting, "Campsites nice and private. Only one other camper on the other loop. Rustic. Perfect for me. Spacious campsites."
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide elevated platforms for tents. Dwight D. mentioned at Swartswood State Park, "This campsite was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them, facing inward. The other 3/4 of the campsite was bound by trees and shrubs which was nice."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds in the Walpack region have minimal connectivity. At Kittatinny Campground, a reviewer noted the river access but warned about other aspects: "My family has been coming here to tune for years but this was my first time camping here. The sites were close together and everyone was super loud which didn't bother me."
Bear safety requirements: The area is known for black bear populations requiring proper food storage. Trip Over Life from Stokes State Forest advised, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Seasonal facility limitations: Many campgrounds have limited operations during off-season months. A camper at Shotwell observed, "You can hear road noise which was covered up mostly by the crickets in September but might be really annoying in winter. Otherwise great for solitude."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-specific amenities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous family activities. Cynthia H. shared, "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
Choose sites away from busy roads: Family campers recommend selecting locations with minimal traffic. At Shotwell, campers noted, "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."
Plan for limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full bathroom amenities. Justin P. from High Point State Park mentioned, "The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes," when discussing accessing facilities during their family camping trip.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Many RV sites in the Walpack area have size limitations. W L. from Stokes State Forest cabins explained, "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend."
Consider off-grid preparation for yurt camping: Yurt camping near Walpack, New Jersey requires planning for limited utilities. While yurts at some parks provide more amenities than tent camping, they still require preparation. When visiting High Point State Park, a reviewer noted, "Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites."
Plan for varying seasonal accessibility: Weather conditions affect road quality in the region. Lauren M. observed about Shotwell, "Roads are a bit rocky but the site itself is quiet," highlighting the need for appropriate vehicle preparation when accessing yurt camping options in Walpack, New Jersey.
