The area surrounding Winfield, New Jersey offers year-round camping options at elevations ranging from 200-1,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Numerous state parks and private campgrounds maintain climate-controlled cabin and yurt accommodations that remain open during colder months when tent camping becomes impractical.
What to do
Kayaking at Turkey Swamp Park: The lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with rentals available during summer months. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on," notes Tylen L.
Hiking at Stokes State Forest: With 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, the forest offers options for all skill levels. "There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail," explains one visitor who recommends hiking the Tillman Ravine trail.
Winter activities near Spruce Run Recreation Area: The region maintains year-round recreational options. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," shares Patrick M. about nearby options.
Archery practice: Several campgrounds maintain designated archery ranges for visitors. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," explains Dan W. about the recreational options available.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites at Jenny Jump State Forest: The camping areas offer considerable separation between neighbors. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," reports Jocelyn G.
Water-adjacent camping at Round Valley State Park: The reservoir creates ideal waterfront camping conditions. "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 James R.
Four-season yurt camping near Winfield, New Jersey: Climate-controlled structures make off-season visits comfortable. "The site was large and very serene and peaceful," one visitor mentioned about their yurt camping experience.
Level platforms for tent setup: Many sites feature wooden platforms to improve tent stability. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," Christina L. explains about her experience at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns one camper about Stokes State Forest.
Water hookup distances at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation: RV campers should prepare for longer hose runs. "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," shares an Antruze review.
Tick prevention essential: Some areas report high tick populations. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns Laura Y. about her Turkey Swamp Park stay.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "Otherwise, this shelter is not situated too close to the other shelters and feels very private. Even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion. And good luck getting cell service! It's like a black hole of signals there," explains Cynthia about reception issues.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing for quiet stays: Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer less crowded experiences. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" shares Jaewook P. about their mid-week stay.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature age-appropriate play areas. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes one reviewer about Turkey Swamp Park's family amenities.
Shelter options for yurt camping near Winfield, New Jersey: Cabin structures provide easier family camping. "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch," explains Dwight D. about Jenny Jump State Forest.
Swimming areas with lifeguards: Several parks maintain supervised swimming zones. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," mentions Jocelyn about Spruce Run Recreation Area's family-friendly features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Turkey Swamp Park: Specific loops offer better RV accommodations. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," advises Lee D.
Low tree clearance considerations: Some campgrounds have overhead obstacles. "The safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," warns Douglas P. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Dump station access: Full-hookup availability varies between parks. "Nice and easy little campground. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," explains a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson.
Electric service details: Understanding power limitations helps with planning. "Sites came with fire pit, large picnic bench, and lamp stand. Plenty of parking space. Good tree coverage," describes Graham D. about the electrical setup at Turkey Swamp Park.
