The Bellvale area sits along the New Jersey-New York border at elevations reaching 1,800 feet above sea level. This mountainous region features numerous lakes, streams, and dense woodlands that create diverse camping opportunities throughout the seasons. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer days typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access multiple trail sections directly from several campgrounds in the area. At Stokes State Forest, "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," according to a camper who enjoyed the variety of terrain.
Fishing in local waters: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access with varying levels of facilities. "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," reports a visitor to High Point State Park, noting the variety of water bodies available for recreation.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, select sites offer year-round access. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic... The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace," describes a winter visitor to Stokes State Forest who appreciated the seasonal amenities.
What campers like
Secluded tent platforms: Several campgrounds feature elevated wooden platforms for tent setup. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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. The sites are very large," notes a solo camper who found this feature particularly useful.
Group camping areas: Dedicated sections for larger gatherings allow family reunions or friend groups to camp together. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," reports a visitor to High Point State Park Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Compared to similar areas, many campgrounds offer reasonable rates. "Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend! You won't be disappointed!" explains a tent camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation who found value in the amenities for the price point.
What you should know
Military-only campgrounds: Some of the best facilities in the area are restricted to military personnel. At West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. We love that it's a place specifically for Vets and active Military... It is a sweet reminder that there are still places that appreciate their service," explains a long-time visitor.
Variable site conditions: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that affects site quality. "The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level," notes a camper at High Point State Park who found the inconsistency challenging.
Limited shower access: Shower facilities are often centralized rather than distributed throughout camping areas. At High Point State Park, "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers," explains a reviewer who stayed at Sawmill Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature farm animals that children can observe. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes a visitor who appreciated these natural entertainment options.
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events primarily on weekends. "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive. It looks like Saturdays have the best activities," shares a visitor to Jellystone Park Gardiner who found the schedule somewhat inconsistent.
Traffic patterns: Consider site location relative to common areas when selecting campsites with children. "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up," reports a family staying at Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: While glamping in Bellvale, New York area offers comfort without hookups, RV sites vary significantly in power availability. "We've spent years here... Between rustic power-only campsites that give you a true camping experience and upgraded but still simple cabins which allow campers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoor experience, there is something for everyone," explains a regular visitor to West Point's Lake Frederick Recreation Area.
Water connection planning: Some campgrounds have creative solutions for water hookups. 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," notes a camper who found this feature helpful.
Site positioning strategy: Many campgrounds allow flexibility in how RVs are positioned. "We also parked backwards in our site to buddy up with our friends... the campsites really were a lot bigger but we didn't care bc we wanted to share the living space," explains a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm who modified their setup for social camping.
