Camping options near Wantage, New Jersey provide varying levels of accommodation in Sussex County's northwestern region. Located in the Kittatinny Mountains at elevations between 400-1,200 feet, this area experiences colder winters and milder summers than nearby urban areas. Flash flooding can occur during heavy rainfall periods, particularly at lower elevation campgrounds. Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing access: Campers staying at Soaring Eagle Campground can enjoy direct access to the Delaware River for fishing. "Nice campground right on the Delaware river great for fisherman, hikers also great for tubing down the Delaware or canoeing," notes Mike S.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open during colder months, with Tri-State RV Park being one of the more accessible year-round options. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry," reports BENdejo.
Family activities: Beyond basic camping, Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South provides recreational facilities for families. "The amenities were all closed so can't comment on those," notes Jim G., but other reviewers mention "a pool, hot tub, laundry, outdoor games, a community fire pit etc.. Small store as well. 5 minutes to town."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV sites near Wantage, New Jersey feature larger-than-average camping spaces. At Soaring Eagle Campground, "sites are huge, plenty of room for 2+ family campers," according to Hans M. This contrasts with some of the tighter sites at other area facilities.
River views: The Delaware River provides scenic water access at select locations. "Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked," notes Erin N. about Tri-State RV Park, while another camper mentions it's "right on the Delaware River."
Updated amenities: Some campgrounds have recently upgraded their facilities. "The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment. The family-friendly atmosphere was evident through the thoughtfully designed property, including an updated pool, playground, game room, and a brand-new pickleball court," reports Jason G. about Mountain Top RV Park.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds located near major roads experience traffic noise. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7," reports Michael H. about Tri-State RV Park. Others note it's "right below the freeway" with "loud highway noise almost all night."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas can experience water issues during heavy rain. "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain," advises a Mountain Top RV Park visitor.
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "Cell service for most providers is practically non-existent," and another camper reports, "Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable."
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports Faith D., while another visitor notes "My daughter loved the horses and goats."
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds typically offer scheduled events. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," notes one Pleasant Acres visitor. During off-season periods, many planned activities may be unavailable or reduced.
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, bathroom quality becomes more important. "The bathrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those," mentions a Mountain Top RV Park camper, highlighting the importance of confirming which facilities remain operational during your visit dates.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variations: RV hookups can have significant water pressure differences between campgrounds. At Timothy Lake South, one camper reports "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," suggesting the need for pressure regulators at certain locations.
Site accessibility: Some camping areas present challenges for larger rigs. At Black Bear RV Park, "Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs," according to Dave S., making it suitable for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels common among full-timers.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks near Wantage adjust their available utilities during winter months. As one camper at Black Bear RV Park discovered, "Unfortunately at this site, the heated water pipe was broken so we had no water for the night," highlighting the importance of confirming which utilities remain operational during cold weather camping.