Camping sites near West Milford, New Jersey typically sit at elevations between 700-1,500 feet in the Highlands region, where average summer temperatures range 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options remain available at several locations with temperatures often dropping below freezing, particularly at Stokes State Forest which maintains year-round camping areas with varying amenities depending on season. Most campsites in this region require advance reservations through the New Jersey State Park Service reservation system.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Wawayanda State Park Campground offers lake access for kayaking with rental options available near the beach area. "Haven't gotten the chance to camp here yet, but will definitely do so this summer. Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes," notes one visitor who explored the park's water features.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: The AT passes through multiple camping areas in the region. At High Point State Park Campground, you can access sections directly from your site. One visitor mentioned, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite."
Winter recreation: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with specific winter accommodations. Stokes State Forest cabins provide cold-weather shelter with wood stoves. A winter visitor reported, "I bought wood from a house across the street from the entrance to the cabins and it was damp, but in November, I wasn't complaining, it took awhile but I got a nice blaze going. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Beaver Pond Campground in nearby Harriman State Park offers raised platforms at many sites which campers appreciate for comfort. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," reports a camper.
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds maintain reasonable rates even during peak season. At Beaver Pond, a visitor noted, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15."
Proximity to metropolitan areas: Most camping options remain within 90 minutes of New York City while providing woodland seclusion. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," commented one Beaver Pond visitor about the location's accessibility.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Multiple campgrounds report active bear populations requiring proper food storage. At Stokes State Forest, a ranger review notes, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer primitive camping experiences with minimal facilities. A Wawayanda State Park camper reported, "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance. There is a lake at this campground that does have showers so I would recommend using those but if camping in the off season they may not be open."
Shower access varies: Some campgrounds have limited shower facilities or restricted hours. At High Point State Park, a visitor noted, "Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump, website says laundry, but apparently not."
Site selection matters: Some locations have significant terrain variations. "Campsite 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline," reported a High Point camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities for children during summer months. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," noted a family camper.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically by campground. At Beaver Pond, a visitor mentioned, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Off-season benefits: Several campgrounds offer quieter experiences during weekdays and non-summer months. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," reported a Beaver Pond visitor.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides electric and water hookups with spacious sites. "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," notes one RVer.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson mentioned, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Winter RV accommodations: Some locations offer extended season camping with winterized facilities. "Campground with hookups. Basic sites with full hookups for about $80 a night. All the buildings are closed due to Covid, so no laundry & no bathroom," reported a visitor to Black Bear RV Park, which remains open year-round.
