Near Washington Township, New Jersey, campgrounds sit at elevations between 200-1,500 feet, with most concentrated in the northwestern highlands region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. While dedicated horse facilities are limited, several campgrounds offer trail access suitable for day rides.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: At Mohican Outdoor Center, visitors can rent equipment for water activities. "You can rent kayaks and canoes and swimming is allowed on Catfish Pond -- plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife. If you're there in the summer, I'd recommend taking a kayak around the lake and filling it with wild blueberries," notes camper Dan X.
Hiking options: Stokes State Forest provides extensive trail networks. "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," explains one reviewer. Another camper adds, "We went in November when there was a light rain that turned into a thunderstorm with hail and sleet! It was certainly an adventure."
Urban exploration: For those wanting to combine outdoor stays with city visits, Liberty Harbor offers unique access. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," reports Joe R. Another visitor mentioned, "We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Ocquittunk receives praise for its layout. "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful," shares Catherine S. Another camper noted, "I set up a hammock and a 1 person tent... there's room for a camper but sparse."
Wildlife viewing: Lakes and forests provide ample wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper at Mohican Outdoor Center mentioned spotting "plenty of fish, snapping turtles, and other wildlife" while kayaking. At Ocquittunk, visitors enjoy "some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site," according to Vito M.
Rustic cabins: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers basic accommodations with urban convenience. "Functional with excellent access to the City," notes Emily L. At Stokes State Forest, cabin renters appreciate the amenities: "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."
What you should know
Limited equestrian facilities: Despite being near rural areas, dedicated equestrian camping near Washington Township is minimal. While some trails permit horseback riding, none of the nearby campgrounds offer horse corrals, stables, or paddocks.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. At Camp Mohican, facilities remain open but with limited services. One winter visitor noted, "The staff is friendly and the facilities were what I expected. I stayed in one of the bunkhouses and I had a private room with bunk beds."
Bear country precautions: Food storage is important at woodland campgrounds. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns one camper at Stokes State Forest.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from primitive to well-developed. Liberty Harbor RV Park is described as "a parking lot with water & electric hookups" while Ocquittunk offers "clean bathrooms" that are "nicely placed" throughout the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly sites: For larger family gatherings, consider special accommodations. "The Group Campsite was really big. It had 5-6 platforms, privys, big fire ring, a grill, a beatbox, a large pavilion w/picnic tables and a real full sized bathroom only 100 yards away," shares Shawn B. about Camp Mohican.
Lakeside camping: Families enjoy water access at Ocquittunk campground. "We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" reports Kara L.
Platform tents: Some sites offer raised platforms. "Tent sites are either on the ground have wooden platforms," notes a camper at Mohican Outdoor Center, which can keep families drier during wet weather.
Tips from RVers
City access considerations: Liberty Harbor provides unique urban access but with limitations. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," explains Joe R. Another RVer warns about navigation: "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll."
Limited large rig accommodation: Most campgrounds near Washington Township have size restrictions. "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table," warns one RVer about Liberty Harbor. For bigger rigs, Ocquittunk offers some sites that can accommodate RVs but they're described as "sparse."
Off-season advantages: Several reviewers recommend visiting during quieter periods. "We would only consider staying here again during the 'off-season' months when the campground isn't busy," suggests Ericka T. about Liberty Harbor, while others note that Stokes State Forest and Ocquittunk are less crowded on weekdays and during spring and fall.
Guide
