The northeastern region of New Jersey offers camping options set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Trail with elevations ranging from 900-1,500 feet. Winter overnight temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach 75-85°F. Most RV sites near Wharton, New Jersey require reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season.
What to do
Hiking access points: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides direct trail connections to longer routes. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes one visitor about the Jefferson Township facility, which offers both electric and water hookups for RVers.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City serves as a convenient base for New York City excursions. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," reports one camper who used the park as a starting point.
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm offers interaction with farm animals within the campground areas. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," comments one visitor who appreciated this unique feature of the Sussex facility.
What campers like
Privacy options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers secluded sites. "The campground is small but also secluded. There is plenty of room. The price makes it even better," explains a frequent visitor who appreciates the spacious layout even when the campground reaches capacity.
Winter camping access: Black Bear RV Park in Florida, NY remains open year-round. "We are returning to the south after spending a couple months of fall in New England... This was primarily chosen because it was one of the few places along our route that was open for RVs in the off season," reports a winter camper who appreciated the availability.
Location convenience: Timothy Lake South serves as a central point for exploring the Pocono region. "Sites are long but narrow. Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," reports one camper about the campground's practical advantages despite some space limitations.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Cell coverage differs dramatically between providers across the region. At Timothy Lake South, "Cell service is ok. Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable," reports one visitor who tested multiple carriers during their stay.
Seasonal closures: Most facilities reduce operations between November and March. Tri-State RV Park is an exception with one camper noting it's "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop."
Noise factors: Highway proximity impacts several campgrounds. Liberty Harbor visitors caution it was "a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close" to Manhattan, while Tri-State RV Park campers note it's "located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7."
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Pleasant Acres Farm provides animal interactions appropriate for children. "My daughter loved the horses and goats," reports one family, while another mentions "Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)" as activities that kept their children engaged.
Budget planning: Expect significant price variations between campgrounds. One Timothy Lake South visitor noted reasonable rates, while Liberty Harbor costs upward of "$120 price per night" which one visitor called "ridiculous. But being that they have no competitors in the area (and they know it), RVers wanting a quick escape to see NYC can get it here."
Winter activities: Off-season camping requires planning. Black Bear RV Park offers winter camping, though one visitor noted winter limitations: "None of their amenities/buildings were open (I was warned about this when I reserved, so it was not a surprise)."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Access roads present difficulties for larger rigs. At Tri-State RV Park, "Ext 53. Straight at the light. Drive all the way down to the end of the road," advises one RVer about finding the somewhat hidden entrance.
Hookup configurations: Timothy Lake South provides powerful water connections. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," cautions one RVer who recommends using a regulator to protect RV plumbing systems.
Space limitations: Many campgrounds have narrow sites. At Liberty Harbor, "sites are very close to one another," while at Mountain Top RV Park, "pull through spots are a bit tight together but at least they have some," according to recent visitors who managed to make the spaces work.
