The terrain around Wantage, New Jersey sits in the northern Skylands region with elevations reaching over 1,800 feet at High Point. Located within the Kittatinny Mountain range, campers often encounter variable spring and fall temperatures, with summer highs typically ranging from 75-85°F. Many campsites require bear-proof food storage due to active black bear populations throughout Sussex County.
What to Do
Explore hidden waterfalls: 5-minute drive plus short hike from Dingmans Campground. The Dingmans Ferry area features several accessible waterfalls within a short drive. As one visitor notes, "Waterfall in pic was a 5 min drive from the campground and then a 40 min hike. Worth it!"
Climb fire towers: trek to observation points from Stokes State Forest. Several trails lead to fire towers that provide panoramic views across state lines. One camper experienced "a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower" with trails beginning right at the campground entrance.
Fish at multiple lakes: try Steeny Kill Lake for variety beyond the main swimming areas. Many campers enjoy fishing at the smaller, less crowded lakes. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," shares one visitor who camped with family.
Wildlife watching: early morning or dusk at lake edges for best results. The region hosts abundant wildlife including deer, eagles, and various bird species. One kayaker mentioned, "The kayak trip down the Delaware River was beautiful! Saw about 6 bald eagles!"
What Campers Like
Platform tent sites: raised wooden platforms at Beaver Pond Campground keep you dry in wet conditions. These platforms provide a level, mud-free surface for tents. A regular visitor comments, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Winter cabin options: several cabins have wood stoves for cold weather camping. Cabins at Stokes State Forest remain open year-round and offer basic amenities with heating options. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," explains a winter visitor.
Secluded waterfront sites: book early for premium spots at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. The most sought-after sites often have water views but fill quickly during peak season. One camper described the experience as "Clean and Quiet. Upon arrival we had a bit of a mix up. Someone was planted in our assigned spot. After a phone call, all was ok."
Farm animals: goats, horses and donkeys at select campgrounds entertain children. Several campgrounds incorporate working farms or animal enclosures. A visitor noted, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool."
What You Should Know
Bear precautions required: proper food storage essential in all area campgrounds. Bear activity throughout the region means food storage rules are strictly enforced. "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Limited water access: bring containers at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. While some sites have water hookups, distances can be considerable. "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."
Seasonal bathroom availability: check before booking spring/fall trips. Many campgrounds reduce facilities during shoulder seasons. "They have a bathhouse with running water, bathrooms, and potable water. We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond."
Variable cell service: plan for offline navigation and entertainment. Cell service is spotty throughout the mountain region. One camper advised, "No cell or WiFi service anywhere on the campground but you can find it about 10 min or less away."
Tips for Camping with Families
Small lake swimming: Kittatinny Campground offers river tubing packages that include equipment and transportation. Several family-friendly water activities are available with rental options. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!"
Dog friendly campgrounds near Wantage: most state parks have designated pet areas. Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific rules. At Mahlon Dickerson, "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
Kid-friendly activities: scheduled events at select campgrounds during summer weekends. Some private campgrounds organize regular activities. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park. We also parked backwards in our site to buddy up with our friends."
Trail difficulty ratings: check park maps for family-appropriate hikes. The region offers trails for all skill levels, with some more suitable for children than others. One camper recommended "Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Wawayanda State Park campsites are primarily primitive. Most state park campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. "Campgrounds are a narrow patch of grass by the roadway. Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep."
Dump station locations: several campgrounds have dump facilities even when they lack full hookups. Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. One RVer noted, "Nice and easy little campground. The dump station has a flush hose point."
Low-clearance access issues: check for tree limb clearance on campground roads. Some campgrounds have access challenges for larger RVs. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction."
Seasonal sites: many campgrounds cater to long-term seasonal campers. Availability for short-term RV stays can be limited during peak season. One camper observed, "This resort campground is composed of mainly residents, the rules (we observed) apply to the overnight campers, not the residents."
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