Map showing campground location near Layton, New Jersey

Shotwell

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

About two miles down a forest road from the Stokes State Forest welcome center, Shotwell sits far enough from Route 206 traffic that most visitors describe the sites as notably quiet, though some campers note that road noise can carry depending on the season and wind direction. The drive in is worth knowing about: the listed address on Route 206 ends somewhat abruptly, which can make the turnoff tricky to locate after dark. Once there, sites are spaced generously apart, and several include raised tent platforms, a useful feature when the ground is wet after rain. The campground sits within Stokes State Forest, which also gives access to the Appalachian Trail.

Shotwell accommodates tents, small trailers, and RVs up to 20 feet. Amenities include drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and firewood for purchase. The bathroom facilities are heated and, based on multiple reviews, kept reasonably clean. A dumpster near the campground entrance handles trash. The site also has cell service, which is not always a given in this part of northwestern New Jersey. Campers looking at camping near Stokes State Forest will find several other options in the area, including Ocquittunk a few miles northeast.

Pets are allowed, and the campground also has enclosed mini cabins with four walls, a step up from a standard lean-to. As Lauren M. puts it, "roads are a bit rocky but the site itself is quiet." Reservations are available, and booking ahead is the practical move for anyone planning a weekend stay during warmer months.

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Map & DirectionsShotwell is located in New Jersey near Layton

Public Campground

Address

1 Coursen Rd
Sandyston, NJ 07826

Coordinates

41.202745670013634 N
74.7966887308905 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 8/19/26
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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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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Shotwell

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

8 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.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sue B.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2026

Great Winter Camping

We enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!

Month of VisitJanuary

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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