At elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet, the camping areas near West Orange, New Jersey offer varied terrain within the northern highlands region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer brings 80°F days and cooler 60°F nights. Many campsites feature raised tent platforms to manage the region's seasonal precipitation, which averages 48 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking direct from camp: Round Valley State Park Campground provides wilderness sites with immediate trail access. "I love pretty much everything about this place. Let's just start your can either boat in or hike in. The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max. The view was KILLER," writes James R.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Stokes State Forest maintains multiple water recreation areas within short drives. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," notes Stephanie T., while another camper adds, "Sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer clear night skies away from West Orange city lights. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one reviewer mentioned, "We've been here multiple times. It's so peaceful up there and the scenery is lovely." The elevated position at 1,100 feet provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Privacy despite proximity: Many glamping options near West Orange offer secluded sites within busy campgrounds. "Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping. The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy," explains Ethan K. about Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Platform camping: Several state parks provide raised tent platforms, solving the region's moisture challenges. "Site came with fire pit, large picnic bench, and lamp stand. Plenty of parking space. Good tree coverage," notes Graham D. about Turkey Swamp Park, adding "Only one bathroom, bit of a walk but clean and many ammenities available within."
Seasonal variety: Glamping in West Orange, New Jersey offers distinct experiences each season. "Even though I live 10 minutes away I like to camp here because you still feel a little isolated. With no roads to the campgrounds it takes some effort to get there and it's a beautiful place," says G.V. about Round Valley, where water access campsites provide cooling options during summer heat.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas near West Orange. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park warned, "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Reservation planning: Many glamping options require advance booking during peak seasons. "This was a last minute trip so our site was ok. The W loop is by far our favorite!!!!" advises Stacey R. about Great Divide Campground, indicating that prime sites fill quickly from June through August.
Varying site conditions: Research specific site numbers before booking. At High Point State Park, one camper cautioned, "This was my second time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area. I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly lake options: Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming areas with gradual entry points. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely," mentions one camper about High Point State Park, noting the family-friendly amenities around Lake Marcia.
Group site planning: Larger families should consider dedicated group areas. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site," describes Christian about High Point State Park Campground.
Activity planning: Many locations offer structured programs for younger campers. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," shares Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park, highlighting the variety of organized activities available.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds near West Orange offer full RV services. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one of the few areas with proper RV accommodations.
Off-season opportunities: Many glamping sites near West Orange remain open through October. "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," notes antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Parking limitations: Some glamping sites restrict vehicle placement. At Great Divide Campground, campers note: "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."
