Nestled among the rolling hills of Orange County, Otisville sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in New York's southern tier. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions. The area features a mix of public and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to full-service resorts with activities for all ages.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At Kittatinny Campground, the Delaware River offers excellent recreation options. "The river is beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun," according to one camper. Fishing and cooling off are popular during summer months.
Hiking trails: High Point State Park Campground provides access to 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A visitor noted, "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."
Farm activities: Several campgrounds integrate agricultural elements into the camping experience. One reviewer at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort mentioned, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool." Many families appreciate these interactive animal experiences.
Scenic drives: Take a drive to High Point Monument, the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view," shared one camper who stayed at Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
River sites: Campers consistently praise the waterfront locations near Otisville. At Oakland Valley Campground, "Our location was by the river and did not disappoint. It was a rocky location but we didn't mind," one visitor mentioned. The campground offers three distinct camping levels including riverside spots.
Organized activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner receives high marks for its recreational options. "This place is great for kids. It has an event just about every weekend with kid activity," according to one review. The camp features water activities, laser tag, and bounce pillows.
Peace and quiet: Winding Hills Park offers a tranquil experience away from crowds. A visitor noted, "We were there in late October, towards the end of the season, and there were only a few other campers there, and it was a weekend! So nice to have the whole place feel so quiet and desolate."
Natural water features: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Otisville feature streams or lakes. "The lake was beautiful in the morning with mist or steam," shared one camper about the pond at Stokes State Forest, highlighting the natural beauty that attracts nature photographers.
What you should know
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds in the Otisville region have specific terrain features to consider. At Winding Hills Park, "The sites are gravel/dirt & grass. Quiet hours are from 10pm-7am. We found the sites closer to the Playground side/closer to the bathrooms to be more noisy."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant weekend activity. One visitor to Kittatinny noted, "Loud music blasting until 1-2am (ie: reggaeton being blasted by loud car speakers) and it picks back up by 9-10am." At Tri-State RV Park, highway noise is mentioned in several reviews.
Seasonal variations: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Otisville operate seasonally, typically from April or May through October. A few, like Tri-State RV Park, remain open year-round, with one visitor noting it's "open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. Oakland Valley Campground offers three levels of camping with different bathroom types. "Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water."
Tips for camping with families
Water-based recreation: Korns Campgrounds provides riverside sites popular with families. "We had a nice tent site (92) along the river," shared one camper. The small streams at many Otisville area campgrounds allow children to safely cool off and explore.
Playground access: When selecting a site, consider proximity to play areas. "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over!" noted a Kittatinny visitor.
Site selection strategy: For families needing quiet, choose carefully. A visitor to Oakland Valley observed, "We spent most of early spring at Oakland Valley right on the river. Even though covid really forced a shutdown on activities, this was one of my kids favorite places of the year. They loved to fish and play in the river, explore the woods and ride bikes around."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. "The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids," reported one family at Kittatinny, highlighting the additional programming that enhances family camping.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Tri-State RV Park provides full hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service. A reviewer noted it has "full hookups, open year round, big, same day reservations, friendly customer service," though they mentioned sites are close together with little privacy.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful parking. "Our sites were a bit difficult to back into and unlevel," shared an Oakland Valley camper. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most locations.
Dump station access: At Winding Hills Park, "Dump and potable water fill available here. Dump is kept locked, but there's a number to call and staff will come unlock for you." This information is crucial for planning longer stays.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season around Otisville typically runs April through October. A Winding Hills visitor noted, "We were there at the end of October, and staff told us Oct 22, 2023 was the last camping day of the season," which is important information for RVers planning late-season trips.