The breathtaking and panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain, along the Appalachian Trail, rewards the hiker who has trekked up the steep side of the mountain.  The view encompasses the pastoral farmland of New Jersey to the east and undeveloped forests and mountain ridges to the west.  For those who don’t relish the idea of climbing up the side of a mountain and following a sometimes rocky and steep trail for a few hours, there is a short drive to the pavilion at the top of the mountain.
Stokes is famous for its impressive beauty, whether it is at the top of a mountain ridge or in the cool and fragrant Tillman Ravine with its rushing stream and steep cliffs.  Hikers, campers, fishermen and photographers are attracted to its wild setting.

Camping in the Forest

The forest has 51 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables available at each. Some camping areas are open all year.  Each site rents for $20 per night.

In addition there are 9 group sites with a fire ring and picnic tables.  The site capacities vary.  These sites are open from April 1 through October 31

• Group Campsites A,B,C,D,E,F $30 per night, site capacity 30 people
• Group Campsite G $65 per night, site Capacity 65 people
• Group Campsite H $10 per night, site capacity 10 people
• Group Campsite I $45 per night, site capacity 45 people

There are also 9 lean-tos available with fire rings and picnic tables.  Open year round, each site rents for $30 per night.

The forest has 10 furnished cabins each with a wood stove, two single beds, one double-deck bunk, a kitchen with cold and hot running water, a refrigerator, an electric stove and a half-bath with toilet and sink.  Each cabin accommodates four people and has electric lights.  With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  Cabins are adjacent to Lake Ocquittunk, open from April 1 through December 15 and rent for $45 per night or $315 per week.
From the Saturday before Memorial Day through and including Labor Day, cabins must be reserved for seven or fourteen consecutive nights only.  From April 1st to the Friday before Memorial Day and from the day after Labor Day through October 31st, cabins may be reserved for a minimum of two consecutive nights to a maximum of fourteen consecutive nights.
Cabins 7 & 15 can each accommodate eight people.  Facilities are the same as listed above, except they include a shower and hot and cold running water.  Cabin 7 has a fireplace and cabin 15 has a wood stove.  These cabins can accommodate people with disabilities.  Located 1/2 mile from Lake Ocquittunk and open from April 1 through December 15 the cabins rent for $85 per night or $595 per week.

Group Cabin 16 can accommodate twelve people.  The facility is the same as cabin 15 and includes two sleeping areas and two full bathrooms plus fireplace.  Located one mile from Lake Ocquittunk, the cabin is open from April 15 through November 30 and rents for $125 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities

Highlights of Stokes State Forest

“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park.  The program is available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last.  Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood.   Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.

Sunrise Mountain, especially its crest, is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest.  The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level.  The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive.  Mountain laurel, wild blueberry, pitch pine and scrub oak are among the natural vegetation found throughout the area.  The pavilion at the summit was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge

Tillman Ravine Natural Area (525 acres) is a cool evergreen forest of eastern hemlock growing on the steep slopes carved by the rushing waters of Tillman Brook.  Several trails wander through this spectacular ravine, providing views of waterfalls and ferns clinging to rock crevices.  The area is home to the threatened barred owl and other endangered species.

Fishing and Hunting is available throughout the forest.  Stocked annually by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, the Big Flatbrook and its tributaries provide some of the best trout fishing in New Jersey.  Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake also are stocked with trout and the majority of the forest is open to hunting.  Both fishing and hunting at Stokes State Forest are subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Picnicking at Stokes State Forest is offered at 2 picnic areas, Stony Lake and Kittle Field. There is also a Group Picnic Area at Kittle Field which has a capacity of 120 people.  Here a shelter, playfields and playground equipment are provided.  The group picnic area may be reserved for a fee.

The Stony Lake picnic area has 45 tables with adjacent grills located next to the swimming area.  This area may not be reserved.  
$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

Boating is permitted for small boats with electric motors only on the waters of Lake Ocquittunk and is subject to all applicable boating laws.  There is no boat ramp.

Swimming is permitted in Stony Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing a changing area, restrooms a first-aid station and picnic facilities.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Trails in the Stokes State Forest consist of forest trails plus a portion 12.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail.  This section of Applachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge through Stokes State Forest. The AT’s designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia and is marked with white blazes through this narrow and sometimes very rocky area.  A brochure is available regarding New Jersey's portion of the trail at the park office.

Along Kittatinny Mountain are outstanding views of the surrounding landscape.  Sunrise Mountain offers scenic vistas of the Kittatinny Valley to the east and the Delaware River Valley to the west.

In addition to the Applachian Trail, there are more than 33 miles of marked forest trails within Stokes State Forest.  Trails that vary in length from one half mile to four miles, and over terrains rang from flat lowlands to rocky mountains.  Many of the trails connect, offering the hiker a variety of trips from an hour to a full day.

Location:
Sussex County
Mailing Address:
1 Coursen Road
Branchville, NJ 07826
 (973) 948-3820 (973) 948-3820
GPS Coordinates
DMS 41° 11’ 04.03” N 74° 47' 50.33" W
Size: 16,067 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
N/A
walk-in/bicycle
Directions:
Take Route 206, four miles north of Branchville.

Tags: campground, new jersey camping