Best Campgrounds near West Milford, NJ
The New Jersey Skylands region surrounding West Milford offers diverse camping experiences within state forests and parks. Wawayanda State Park Campground, located in nearby Hewitt, provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Other notable options include Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson, which features cabins and glamping accommodations alongside traditional camping, and High Point State Park Campground in Sussex, which sits at New Jersey's highest elevation point. These established campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with some facilities remaining open year-round.
Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol and have specific pet policies that visitors should verify before arrival. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campground is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," noted one visitor. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or near streams. Stokes State Forest maintains year-round camping areas with varying levels of amenities, though some visitors report that bathroom facilities may be basic at certain campgrounds.
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion of sites throughout the region. The mixed-use campgrounds provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area expands recreational options for visitors. A review of Stokes State Forest noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Many camping areas feature wooded sites with good spacing between neighbors, though some visitors report that weekend crowds from nearby metropolitan areas can impact the experience during peak season. Cell service can be limited in more remote camping areas, allowing for a more disconnected outdoor experience.
