Map showing campground location near Layton, New Jersey

Shotwell

Shotwell, near Sandyston, New Jersey, is a charming campground that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With spacious campsites that provide a good amount of privacy, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy some solitude.

The campground allows campfires, so you can gather around the fire ring and roast marshmallows under the stars. Visitors have mentioned that the sites are well-maintained, with picnic tables and even platforms for tents, which come in handy after a rain. One camper noted, “Campsites nice and private... Perfect for me.”

For those who enjoy a bit of rustic charm, Shotwell features lean-tos that are basic but equipped with stoves, making them a cozy option for a night in the woods. The area is quiet, away from the hustle and bustle, and the well-kept communal bathroom adds a touch of convenience.

If you’re up for some exploration, the surrounding landscape is filled with beautiful natural features like forests, ponds, and marshes. It’s a great spot to take a leisurely hike or simply soak in the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Whether you’re camping with family or just looking for a weekend getaway, Shotwell has a welcoming vibe that makes it a great choice.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Location

Public Campground

Shotwell is located in New Jersey

Address

1 Coursen Rd
Sandyston, NJ 07826

Coordinates

41.202745670013634 N
74.7966887308905 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/18/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 2/18/26
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

48 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
59 min from Scranton, PA
1 hr 12 min from New York, NY
1 hr 22 min from Allentown, PA

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious, private sites and rustic atmosphere as key strengths. Standard amenities and well-maintained facilities were commonly noted. Some road noise mentioned, though most found the location peaceful.

Dan M.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 19, 2025

Private

Nice private campground, the address listed is a little confusing as it stops randomly on RT 206, so kind of hard to find find it at night. Some RVs had their generators running all night along with a bunch of string lights they had put up were on throughout the night

Site132

Month of VisitApril

Joyce H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2022

Part 2: private

You can here road noise which was covered up mostly by the crickets in September but might be really annoying in winter. Otherwise great for solitude

Month of VisitSeptember

Joyce H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2022

Private

Campsites nice and private. Only one other camper on the other loop. Rustic. Perfect for me. Spacious campsites.

Month of VisitSeptember

Travis S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Great Weekend Campground

My wife and i have a 15’ Jayco and this place is our go to. We bring our dog and have a great time.

Site123

Month of VisitAugust

Paul N.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2019

Good spot

Good spot to get away for a few days. Really like the lean-to, bare bones, but they have stoves inside, and are dry.

Ethan K.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Away from main road, quiet and secluded

I really enjoyed camping at Shotwell. To get there, you have to drive about 2 miles down a road away from the welcome center. This is nice because it is quiet from traffic from cars. Each campsite is fairly big and far enough away from each other so you feel like you have your own space. Some of the sites had a platform to set up your tent on which is nice, especially if you are going after it recently rained. Our site had a picnic table and fire ring. There was a communal bathroom which was fairly well maintained and a large dumpster near the front of the site to drop off your trash. They did have a cabin-like option but I did not stay in it and do not know much about renting those.

(9) View All

Lauren M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Can get buggy. Roads aren't too good.

Roads are a bit rocky but the site itself is quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Shotwell Campground?

Shotwell Campground offers rustic, bare-bones camping with minimal amenities. The site features lean-to shelters that include stoves inside, providing dry shelter options. The campground is quiet and private, with spacious individual sites that are well-separated from each other. While facilities are limited, the secluded nature of the campground makes it ideal for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. Some sites can accommodate small RVs like 15' trailers, but be aware that some RV owners run generators which might affect the peaceful atmosphere.

Do I need reservations for Shotwell Camping Area in Stokes State Forest?

While specific reservation requirements aren't detailed, it's advisable to secure reservations for Shotwell Camping Area, especially during peak seasons. The campground appears to have limited occupancy, with visitors noting they sometimes encounter only one or two other campers, suggesting it doesn't get overcrowded. For the most current reservation information, contact Stokes State Forest directly or check the New Jersey State Park Service website. Securing a reservation will ensure you have a spot at this peaceful, secluded campground.

Where is Shotwell Camping Area located in Stokes State Forest?

Shotwell Camping Area is located approximately 2 miles down a road from the Stokes State Forest welcome center. The location is set back from main traffic areas, providing a quiet camping experience away from busy roads. Some visitors note that the address can be confusing as GPS directions may stop randomly on RT 206, making it potentially difficult to find at night. The somewhat remote location within the forest contributes to its peaceful atmosphere and privacy.

What activities can I do near Shotwell Campground in Stokes State Forest?

Stokes State Forest offers numerous outdoor activities near Shotwell Campground. The peaceful natural setting is ideal for hiking, wildlife observation, and photography. The secluded location makes it perfect for those seeking solitude and relaxation in nature. Dog owners can bring their pets for walks and exploration. During autumn, the area provides excellent opportunities to enjoy fall foliage, while the quiet environment is perfect for stargazing at night. The forest setting also offers possibilities for birdwatching, nature study, and simply unwinding away from busy tourist areas.

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