Camp Glen Gray and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provide cabin and glamping options near Washington Township, New Jersey. Located in the northern highlands region at elevations between 500-1,800 feet, these areas offer more temperate summer temperatures than coastal regions. Winter camping is available at select locations with cabins providing protection from the region's average 40 inches of annual snowfall.
What to do
Hiking year-round: Access portions of the Appalachian Trail from High Point State Park Campground, where hikers can connect with multiple trail networks. "Hiking trails are accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park," notes a visitor.
Swimming and fishing: Explore the multiple lakes at Panther Lake Camping Resort where campers enjoy water activities. "Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach," reports one reviewer, while another mentions "the lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam."
Winter activities: For cold weather yurt camping near Washington Township, New Jersey, Stokes State Forest maintains select cabins with wood stoves during winter. "You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution. The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely," notes a winter camper.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Stokes State Forest offers privacy that many campers appreciate. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful," reports one visitor. Another notes their "campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and restrooms. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," notes a visitor to West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area. Another camper mentions, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site."
Unique accommodations: Alternative camping structures provide comfortable experiences. At Great Divide Campground, "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in," according to one visitor, offering another option beyond traditional yurt camping in Washington Township, New Jersey area.
What you should know
Military-only options: Some excellent campgrounds have access restrictions. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, "this is a military-only campground but, that doesn't take away from how incredible it is and that is properly advertised," explains a regular visitor.
Varied terrain: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," warns a visitor to Great Divide Campground. Another camper reports, "This campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website... The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "It's like a black hole of signals there," reports a Panther Lake visitor, while another notes, "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers excellent family experiences. "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," reports one camper.
Consider seasonal crowds: Summer brings more activity and noise to many campgrounds. "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around," notes a Panther Lake visitor.
Platforms for tents: Many sites provide raised platforms for more comfortable tent camping. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," shares a Mahlon Dickerson Reservation visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer the same amenities for RVs. "Very clean and quiet. 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," explains a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues for larger vehicles. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," notes one Mahlon Dickerson visitor, but other campgrounds like Stokes State Forest are described as "not big-rig friendly" on their amenities list.
Parking restrictions: Check whether you can park at your site. At Great Divide Campground, "The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying."
