Stokes State Forest offers camping options along the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,653 feet. The forest contains four distinct campgrounds—Steam Mill, Shotwell, Lake Ocquittunk, and Kittatinny—each with different terrain and amenities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making the wood stoves in cabins essential during colder months.
What to do
Hiking to the fire tower: Climb to one of the bald-top mountains for panoramic views. "We drove down the road and were able to get in a nice 5 mile hike up to the fire tower. Due to cooler temps there were really no bugs to complain about while camping," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Explore Tillman Ravine: This unique geological feature offers a short, scenic trail. One camper at Steam Mill Camping Area suggests, "This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)."
Water activities: Fish or paddle on the small lakes. "We enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site," says a camper at Ocquittunk, noting the convenience of water access.
Visit High Point State Park: Located at the highest elevation in New Jersey adjacent to Stokes State Forest. "You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Sites are well-distanced from neighbors with natural barriers. A camper at Ocquittunk reports, "The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites. The views of the lake are nice, very peaceful."
Walk-in lakeside sites: Premium spots require a short walk but offer direct water views. "We stayed at site #T007. It was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!"
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings are well-maintained. According to a visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park, "The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable."
Multiple campground options: If one campground is full, others may have availability. "Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: The area has both bears and ticks. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Rustic camping areas: Steam Mill offers more primitive accommodations. A camper notes, "The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky."
Lake size expectations: The lakes are smaller than some visitors anticipate. One camper at Ocquittunk shared their experience: "The 'lake' however, was kind of a disappointment. It was much smaller then I expected and a rather underwhelming."
Seasonal crowds: Summer months see higher occupancy rates. "While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night."
Tips for camping with families
Choose Shotwell for amenities: This area offers more facilities for family convenience. A visitor reports, "We stayed at Shotwell across from the pond. For the most part, each campsite has its own porta potty or it shared with a couple other sites. At the entrance of the campground, there is a bathhouse with running water, bathrooms, and potable water."
Cabin options for comfort: Families may prefer cabin accommodations, especially in cooler weather. "We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," shares a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Site selection considerations: Look for sites away from the road for less traffic. "If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to sick back more. Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair about of foot and vehicle traffic."
Insect preparation: Lakeside sites have more bugs, especially in warmer months. "We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night, but definitely didn't think about how many more bugs the pond would bring."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most sites lack full RV amenities but accommodate smaller units. "It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans."
Check cabin features: Cabins vary in layout and amenities. "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," writes a visitor to Stokes State Forest.
Horse campgrounds near Peekskill, New York: While specific equestrian facilities aren't available at Stokes, the 21 marked trails include options suitable for horseback riding. For dedicated horse camping near Peekskill, look to larger state parks within a 60-mile radius that offer equestrian-friendly trails and facilities.
