Camping sites near Garnerville, New York are scattered throughout the Highlands region, where elevations range from 500 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The area features diverse terrain including lakes, forests, and mountain ridges with the Appalachian Trail crossing through portions of the region. Most campgrounds in this area operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at select locations.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: West Point FMWR Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area offers peaceful hiking with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor explains, "The area was incredibly peaceful in December with many cabin reservations abandoned due to rain in the forecast. It did rain, but was still a great trip."
Kayaking and water sports: At Kittatinny Campground, the Delaware River provides excellent water recreation. "The river was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun," reports one camper, though they recommend confirming launch locations in advance as some areas are "receiving location only."
Mountain exploration: High Point State Park Campground features the highest elevation in New Jersey. One visitor shares, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking."
What campers like
Military-only facilities: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area receives praise for its dedicated service to veterans. "We love that it's a place specifically for Vets and active Military. Everyone is amazingly respectful of each other and the caretakers take such care of the grounds," notes one regular visitor who has been returning for 13 years.
Serene lake environments: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers peaceful settings with spacious campsites. A visitor mentions, "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
Rustic cabin options: Camp Glen Gray provides well-maintained cabin facilities. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," explains one satisfied camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Garnerville, New York requires advance booking, especially during summer and fall. At Stokes State Forest, one visitor notes, "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room."
Tent platforms: Several campgrounds provide wooden platforms for tent setup. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation observed, "And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent."
Bear safety: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. A camper at Stokes State Forest reminds visitors, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Jellystone Park™ Gardiner specializes in family entertainment. A parent shares, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time there they have lasertag which they enjoy. And a bounce pillow."
Weekend scheduling: Activities tend to concentrate on weekends at family-oriented campgrounds. One visitor to Jellystone Park™ Gardiner mentioned, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive. It looks like Saturdays have the best activities but we were not there on a Saturday."
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. A camper at West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area said, "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Moon Valley Campground offers luxury glamping sites near Garnerville with unique dome structures. A visitor notes this is "an awesome spot for those who want to camp in luxury, with their awesome dome structures. The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan!"
Cell service considerations: Mobile coverage varies significantly throughout the region. At Round Pond, one camper advises, "Just a note to other campers with T-Moblie, we did not have any service on the campsite, however just a hop in the car or a quick walk down the mountain for 5G service near the entrance off the main road."
Site leveling: Many RV sites in the area require leveling equipment. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a visitor mentioned, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
