Camp Glen Gray and Moon Valley Campground are part of the Hudson Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 600-1000 feet in northern New Jersey. The area experiences four distinct seasons with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is limited, with most sites operating April through October due to snowfall that averages 35-45 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: High Point State Park offers direct access to over 12 miles of Appalachian Trail segments. A visitor noted, "We took a small part of the Appalachian trail while there (about 15 miles). Would love to go back when I'm in better shape and try the whole trail."
Fishing in stocked lakes: Stokes State Forest features multiple fishing spots across its four distinct campgrounds. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away," one camper shared.
Water activities and tubing: Kittatinny Campground provides river access with equipment rentals. "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!" according to one review.
Visit observation points: Monument views at High Point reach 1,803 feet above sea level. A camper explained, "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
Secluded wilderness settings: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers privacy within wooded campsites. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campground 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," one reviewer mentioned.
Family-oriented activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner caters specifically to families with structured programming. As one camper noted, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12-year-old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there."
Military-only facilities: West Point FMWR Round Pond offers exclusive camping for service members. A visitor wrote, "We've been coming here for at least 13 years. 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."
Animal encounters: Pleasant Acres Farm includes farm animals as part of the experience. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," one camper shared, while another mentioned the "amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: High Point State Park Campground has mixed terrain with some platforms for tents. "This was my second time camping at High Point State Park, Sawmill Area. I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!"
Bathroom facilities are basic: Many campgrounds have limited facilities. At Stokes State Forest, "The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook."
Bear safety required: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," noted a Stokes State Forest visitor.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter months. High Point State Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," while others like Jellystone Park Gardiner run "April 16 to November 1."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area provides stable foundations for tents. "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy. Good for a quiet, relaxing weekend," reported one family visitor.
Playground proximity: Choose sites based on noise tolerance. A Jellystone Park visitor advised, "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
Consider cabins for younger children: Most glamping sites near Suffern offer cabins for less stressful stays. According to a Stokes State Forest reviewer, "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."
Check shower availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only," noted a West Point FMWR visitor, while others reported more primitive conditions.
Tips from RVers
Water and electrical hookups: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort provides full connections at many sites. One RVer mentioned, "Large levelled spaces but a little muddy. Good for a quiet, relaxing weekend; not very close to attractions otherwise."
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. A Mahlon Dickerson visitor shared, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have on-site dumping. "Very clean and quiet. 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," noted a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Generator restrictions: Check rules before arrival as most campgrounds prohibit generators. "There are showers on the rv side of the reservation you can use. Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend!" one camper reported.
