Camping near Middletown, New Jersey offers diverse options within the Kittatinny Mountains, where elevations reach up to 1,800 feet. The region experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and campsites typically situated on rocky or wooded terrain. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from April through October, with a few maintaining limited winter operations.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access points to the famous trail are available near Stokes State Forest, which features 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles. "Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail. Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app," notes one visitor who hiked the Tillman Ravine trail.
Paddling on clear waters: Round Valley State Park offers pristine water recreation on its 2,350-acre reservoir. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares a camper who enjoyed kayaking here.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks in the region provide opportunities to observe local fauna. Near Worthington State Forest, one camper mentioned, "This was a very pleasant stay with beautiful views and privacy. We especially enjoied seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definetly a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many visitors appreciate the thoughtful campsite layouts at Jenny Jump State Forest, where "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views." Another camper noted, "Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites."
Water access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct access to lakes and rivers. At Stephens State Park, one visitor shared, "The river is just a small walk down the hill (you can stairs or a path which was nice). They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits. You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained amenities. At Swartswood State Park, "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic still." Another review noted, "They have a water fill station near the campsites that is shared between all the campers."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors are warned about bears: "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys." Proper food storage is mandatory at all parks.
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open reservations 6-12 months in advance, with peak summer weekends booking quickly. Many parks like Jenny Jump State Forest and Swartswood State Park operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds offer more rustic experiences. At Round Valley, "There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept. Definitely a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Worthington State Forest, one family mentioned, "These two sites were next to the shower house and playground. The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm."
Swimming options: Many parks have designated swimming areas. At Panther Lake, "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs or historic sites. One visitor to Stephens State Park noted, "There is a lot of hiking, mountain biking and fishing there. Great for a weekend get away," providing multiple activities to keep children engaged.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Great Divide Campground, one RVer mentioned, "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake. Spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by park. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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."
Dump station quality: Proper waste disposal facilities are important for RVers. One visitor noted that Mahlon Dickerson has a "dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," making it convenient for RV campers to maintain their vehicles during longer stays.
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