Campsites near Pine Island, New York often experience microclimate variations due to the region's position between the Kittatinny Mountains and Wawayanda highlands. Temperature differences of 5-10 degrees can occur between valley and ridge camping areas, with morning fog common in lower elevations from April through September. Bear activity increases in summer months, requiring proper food storage at all campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Pine Island.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Several trails within Mahlon Dickerson Reservation lead to panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding valleys. "There are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails... Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites!" reports a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Wildlife observation: Morning hours (5-8am) offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the less-trafficked camping areas. A camper at Wawayanda State Park notes, "Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
Water activities: Multiple lakes within the region permit non-motorized watercraft from sunrise to sunset during summer months. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect... 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," shares one visitor about High Point State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds with more woodland separation receive higher ratings from visitors. "The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring," notes a camper at Beaver Pond Campground.
Clean facilities: Restroom and shower maintenance varies widely across the region's campgrounds. "Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked," reports a visitor at Tri-State RV Park, while another camper at a different location mentions, "Sites came with a bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring. Very comfortable site, quiet but still with plenty of amenities. Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site."
Accessible water features: Proximity to swimming or fishing spots within walking distance adds significant value. At Stokes State Forest, "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessable."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: All campgrounds in the region require proper food storage. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," shares a visitor at Beaver Pond.
Cell service limitations: Coverage drops significantly in valley campgrounds and along forest roads. One Black Bear RV Park visitor notes, "I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds. Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require bookings 2-4 weeks in advance for summer weekends, with less planning needed for weekday stays. "Campsite 44 for just one night... I like our area it is quiet and the campground. Lady was very nice on the phone never saw her, cautious, understood," mentions a camper about their experience.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent placement. "Campsites are a bit rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass. Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass," explains a visitor at Stokes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas or scheduled events. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "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! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters, and just made it a very fun place for all the kids."
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature farm animals that children can observe or interact with under supervision. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports a visitor to Pleasant Acres.
Swimming options: Lakes with designated swimming areas and lifeguard supervision provide safer water recreation for families with children. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," notes one visitor about a nearby swimming area.
Noise considerations: Family campsites often have earlier quiet hours than group sites. "Weekday visitors often report more peaceful experiences than weekend campers," with one camper noting, "During the week it was great. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. A visitor to Kittatinny Campground mentions, "Great campground for all types, many different areas to camp, zipline is a lot of fun and so is rafting."
Water hookup distances: Some campgrounds have shared water spigots requiring long hoses. "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 at Mahlon Dickerson.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares another RVer about their experience at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Winter camping options: Limited year-round RV sites are available within 30 miles of Pine Island. "Rita who helped make our reservation is a treasure. Extremely helpful! Basic sites with full hookups for about $80 a night," explains a winter visitor to Black Bear RV Park.
