Middletown camping options span New Jersey and New York state lines, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet across the region. The area features numerous waterways including the Delaware and Neversink Rivers, creating diverse camping environments from riverside spots to mountain settings. Winter closures affect most campgrounds, with the majority operating from April through October.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near High Point State Park Campground connect campers to this iconic trail. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. The shelter has the usual facilities, privy, water source (must be filtered), bear box, etc.," notes Richard M.
Water activities: The Delaware River corridor offers multiple water recreation options. Kittatinny Campground provides river access with tubing packages. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" explains Maggie K.
Scenic viewpoints: Visit High Point Monument for panoramic views. "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," writes Yolanda T. from Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Oakland Valley Campground provides three distinct camping levels, with the river level being particularly scenic. "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this one was of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around," shares Katrina R.
Cabin accommodations: Rustic cabins offer comfort while maintaining a natural setting. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend," explains W L. about Stokes State Forest cabins, which include "a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds focus on keeping children entertained. "This place is great for kids or diverse groups that all want to do different things. It's very family themed and fun for everyone. However, it can end up being as crowded as an amusement park depending on when you go," Carrie J. reports about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Nights can be cold even in summer at higher elevations. Cabins with heating are available at several locations for shoulder season camping.
Campsite selection: Site quality varies significantly within campgrounds. "We were a party of 8 so we needed 2 sites, the first sites we booked were horrible - so so tiny (E11 & E12) and right on a swampy pond where the grass is growing into the water. We ended up right across the way on E7 & E8 - much better," advises Lori M. about Neversink River Resort.
Campground personalities: Each location has a distinct atmosphere and noise level. Some are quiet nature retreats while others attract groups. "A great place if you're a college kid looking to blast music and party into the late hours. Loud music blasting until 1-2am and it picks back up by 9-10am," Ryan G. warns about Kittatinny Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. "This campground is great for kids. It has a event just about every weekend with kid activity," Jennifer I. notes about Jellystone Park Gardiner.
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers farm animal interactions. "Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony). There were some organized activities which was nice," shares Janelle G.
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling recreation. "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," Justin P. recounts from his High Point State Park visit.
Tips from RVers
Campsite limitations: Many area campgrounds have restrictions on RV size or limited hookup availability. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," Bill B. cautions about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping near Middletown, New York operates only from April through October. Mountain Top RV Park remains accessible in winter, though with limited services. "The restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those," reports a visitor.
Terrain challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. "The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night," Dwight D. explains about High Point State Park.
