Northern New Jersey offers glamping opportunities in a landscape characterized by elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet, with dense forests and rocky outcrops creating natural secluded pockets. Fall glamping season typically runs from September through mid-November with nighttime temperatures dropping to 40°F, requiring proper insulation for comfort. Winter camping remains viable at some locations that maintain heated facilities throughout colder months.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Access premier trail sections directly from Stokes State Forest, which connects to over 63 miles of marked trails. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," notes a visitor who recommends picking up a hiking map at the park office.
Lake activities year-round: Swartswood State Park offers fishing, kayaking and swimming options with designated lake access. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," explains a camper who visited. The park maintains picnic spots directly on the lake for day use.
Family-friendly farm experiences: Visit farm animals while glamping at Pleasant Acres Farm. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports a visitor who appreciated these unique interactions. Children can feed animals and participate in scheduled activities at many locations throughout the region.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation earns praise for spacious campsites. "Large wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," notes a camper. Sites feature platforms for tent placement with surrounding gravel and dirt areas.
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds remain operational during winter months with functioning facilities. "Winter visitors benefit from heated bathroom facilities at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which keeps the shower building open year-round. One reviewer noted, "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."
Night sky viewing opportunities: Areas further from urban centers offer excellent stargazing conditions. "We ended up having a good time and we'd return but it's not our first choice," shared one visitor who mentioned bringing a telescope for night sky viewing, though overcast conditions prevented its use.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. A visitor to High Point State Park reported, "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!" Bear-proof containers are not provided at all locations.
Seasonal marathon events: Some parks host running events that can affect camping experiences. A visitor noted, "We moved some of our belongings to the cabin due to a marathon event taking place in front of our campsite, which was causing significant noise early in the morning since 5 AM."
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. At Swartswood State Park, "Starting at site 30, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Structured activities for children: Great Divide Campground offers organized recreation options. "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids," shares a camper who appreciated these amenities for keeping children engaged.
Free water recreation equipment: Some campgrounds provide complimentary use of water equipment. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," notes a family who camped at Great Divide Campground. Several parks maintain swimming areas with designated hours for family use.
Group site availability: Larger family gatherings benefit from specialized group areas. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site," explains a visitor to High Point State Park, noting these areas accommodate 30-50 people comfortably.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup considerations: At Panther Lake Camping Resort, water access requires planning. "Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," notes an RV camper. Some sites position water spigots at considerable distances from parking areas, but hose reels are often available to assist with connections.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should research site topography before booking. "There are some areas that are a little steeper then I would like to set up on," explains an RVer at Great Divide Campground. Most established campgrounds provide at least partially level sites with packed gravel or stabilized surfaces for vehicle placement.
Off-season opportunities: Shoulder season camping offers increased privacy with fewer neighbors. "Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hookup sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," reports an RVer who found quieter conditions but noted maintenance variations during this period.
