Northern New Jersey's foothills near the New York border offer diverse camping options in the Ramapo Mountain region, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet. The area's mixed hardwood forests create distinct camping environments across all four seasons, with fall bringing spectacular foliage displays and temperatures that can drop to near freezing overnight even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near High Point State Park Campground connect campers to notable sections of the AT. "I stopped at this shelter while hiking the AT in High Point SP. It was raining the entire day and the shelter provided a dry place to take a break. The shelter has the usual facilities, privy, water source (must be filtered), bear box, etc," notes Richard M.
Fishing in local lakes: Stokes State Forest offers multiple water bodies for anglers. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. We didn't have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views of the lake," shares E.M.V.
Kayaking and swimming: Many campgrounds provide water access for non-motorized boats. Justin P. from High Point State Park reports, "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. The slight downside was that we had to drive between the different lakes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is known for its well-spaced camping areas. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound 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," explains Jeff W.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, one camper noted, "Clean and Quiet. The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Secluded camping options: For those seeking less-developed glamping near Tuxedo Park, quiet sites are available. "We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly," writes Paul N. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Some of the best camping areas near Tuxedo Park are restricted. West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area is limited to military personnel. "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military," reports Ethan K.
Noise levels vary significantly: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours while others have a party atmosphere. One reviewer at Kittatinny Campground reported, "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around."
Winter access limitations: Most campgrounds in this region close for winter. Stokes State Forest is an exception, with a reviewer noting, "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. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic."
Tips for camping with families
Tent platforms for convenience: Kittatinny Campground offers raised platforms that keep tents dry. Christina L. from Mahlon Dickerson notes, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Animal encounters for kids: Several campgrounds feature farm animals. A visitor to Pleasant Acres noted, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool. Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay."
Water activities for hot days: When temperatures rise, water access becomes important. At High Point State Park, Justin P. reports, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in this mountainous region require leveling equipment. At High Point State Park, one camper shared, "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level."
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited in some parks. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, luxury glamping in Tuxedo Park's region includes complete amenities. "Our 2nd ever camping trip with our RV and it really was amazing. Our first trip to another campground was disastrous due to hurricanes and leaks, and this trip made everything so much better."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dumping. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one RVer noted, "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point."
