The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level and overlooking three states, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys.  The blue line of the Delaware River divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania.  High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.

The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a park in 1923.  The pleasant landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural firm of that time.  The brothers were the sons of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park.

Camping in the Park

There are 50 tent sites (no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables  at each site.  Flush toilets are within walking distance.  The sites are open from April 1 through October 31 with a charge of $20 per night.

The Park offers two group campsites.  Each site accommodates 25 to 35 people and offers drinking water and pit toilets.  These sites are open from May 15 through October 15.  Site A – $35 per night, Site B – $25 per night.

There are two cabins available at High Point State Park, each with a furnished living room that has a woodstove.  They also contain three bedrooms -one room with a double bed and two rooms with twin beds. The kitchen has hot and cold running water an electric stove and a refrigerator.  The bathroom has a shower, toilet and sink.  Electricity is available in each cabin.  Located on the eastern shore of Steenykill Lake, each cabin accommodates six people.  With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  The cabins are open from May 15 to October 15 and rent for $65 per night or $455 per week.

In addition to the above, there is one group cabin available in the park.  The group cabin has a living room with a woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms and showers.  It accommodates up to 28 people and is open from May 15 through October 15 with a charge of $155 per night and a two-night minimum stay is required.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of High Point State Park

 “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.

Special Deer Hunting occurs each November when High Point State Park allows hunters to participate in a deer hunt in a designated area of the park (Deer Management Zone 67). To participate, hunters must purchase a Zone 67 permit from a licensed agent or via the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Internet license sales.  The bag limit is unlimited antler less deer and ONE antlered deer.  The hunter’s first deer must be antler less.  Successful hunters may then harvest an antlered deer if in possession of an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit.  Any antlered deer taken in Zone 67 must have at least one antler with three antler points.  A total of 350 permits will be available.

High Point Monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers, in honor of all war veterans.  Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930.  At the top of the 220-foot structure, observers have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.

Park Programs offer a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis with nature hikes, stream walks and talks conducted by the park naturalist.  The park maintains a Calendar of Events for High Point State Park's which lists the current programs.

Swimming is available in the spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia which is cool and refreshing for swimmers.  The beach is protected by lifeguards and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach.  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.

Boating is available and boats may be launched at specific locations at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake.  Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and NJ State Park Service rules.  Check with the park office for launch sites.  Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are required for each boat occupant.  Power boats are limited to electric motors only.

Fishing is excellent and can be found in High Point's many lakes and streams, which are well-stocked with trout, large mouth bass and other species.  Please refer to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Dryden Kuser Natural Area (1,500 acres) is situated 1,500 feet above sea level, and the Atlantic white cedar swamp in Dryden Kuser Natural Area is the highest elevation swamp of its kind in the world.  A self-guided trail booklet for those who wish to hike the swamp trail is available at the park office.  Endangered species include the three-tooth cinquefoil and Cooper's hawk.  The Dryden Kuser Natural Area includes a distinctive bog, locally called the Cedar Swamp.  The Cedar Swamp Trail makes a one and a half mile loop around the bog. The trail guide corresponds to numbered posts on the trail and describes the spring-summer vegetation and other features of the bog and the surrounding area.  As you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.

Trails are available throughout the park.  Consisting of over 50 miles of trails, High Point State Park offers visitors a variety of trail options throughout the year.  Designated multiple-use trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.  Trails vary in length from one half-mile to 18 miles and take visitors through unique and diverse landscapes including an Atlantic white cedar swamp, mountain ridge tops with 360-degree views, dense forests, fields and wetlands.

The Appalachian Trail to the south follows a rocky ridge which offers many scenic views of the valleys and mountains surrounding the area.  To the north, the trail drops off the ridge through hemlock gorges into former agricultural fields with a view of the surrounding countryside and the High Point Monument in the distance.
High Point Cross Country Ski Center operates during the winter months.  Here cross country skiers will information on 15 km of groomed trails in the park half of which are covered by artificial snow.  Cross-country skis and other winter sports equipment are available for rent.  A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center on Lake Marcia.  For information, call (973) 702-1222 (973) 702-1222.

Picnicking may be found in several picnic areas with table and grills located throughout the park.  For larger groups, we also offer three picnic shelters that can be reserved for a fee and can accommodate up to 75 people each.  In addition, group picnic Shelter #1 has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers play fields and playground equipment. 
$55.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day through Labor Day
$80.00 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
Location:
Sussex County
Mailing Address:
1480 Route 23
Sussex, NJ 07461
 (973) 875-4800 (973) 875-4800
GPS Coordinates
DMS 41° 18’ 23.04” N 74° 40' 14.78 " W
Size: 15,827 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 23 approximately 7 miles north of the town of Sussex, NJ, or 4 miles south of Port Jervis, NY.
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location.  Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems.  Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park.

Camping in the Park

There are 53 tent and trailer sites within the park, each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance and a trailer sanitary station available.  There is an 11-foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area.  Open from April 1st through October 31st, there is a $20 per night charge per site with a limit of six people and two vehicles per site.

The state park also offers 6 group campsites.  The Gordon Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables.  This group area has six individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each.  The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All camper trash must be carried out.  Open from May 1st through October 31st. each group site rents for $25 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities

Highlights of Cheesequake Park

Cheesequke Natural Area (386 acres) is a striking example of vegetation change along a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests and can be observed from the various trails running through the natural area.  A diversity of plant species and community type’s characteristic to both northern and southern New Jersey can be seen.

Cheesequake Interpretive Center is located a short distance from the trailhead parking area on the Red/Green/Blue trail.  Visitors are welcome to view the wildlife historical exhibits throughout the Center where they can also learn about the three habitats located within Cheesequake State Park.  Additionally, the Center provides information on the Native American and early colonization of the area.  The center is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Interpretive Center provides free weekly interpretive programming focusing on a variety of seasonal topics. Consult the Calendar of Events online or call the Center for details at (732) 566-3208 (732) 566-3208.

Trails consist of five which are designated throughout the park.  The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use.  The White Trail is multi-use and has been designated for hiking and mountain biking.  Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles, have some inclines and range from easy to moderate in difficulty.  

Fishing (freshwater) is available on the six-acre Hooks Creek Lake.  Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Sunfish provide the angler with a variety of freshwater species.  All fishing is subject to all NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. Crabbing is also available from the Crabbing Bridge which is reachable from the lake parking area.  The bridge and walkway are ADA accessible.

Picnicking is provided at several picnic areas with tables and grills located throughout the Park.  For larger groups, two picnic areas are offered.  The group picnic area, which must be reserved, at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people and provides shelter and playfields.  The group picnic area at Spring Hill holds a capacity of 100 people and provides playfields and playground equipment.  Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:

$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
NOTE: There is no group picnicking on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  No alcohol is permitted.  Trash must be carried out.

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 and Canoeing is permitted the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day weekend.  Canoeing, kayaking and boating with facilities for car top boat launching only.  Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations.  Electronic motors only.  There are no boat/canoe rental facilities available.

Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies.  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.

Winter Activities include sledding which is permitted on the hill adjacent to the Hooks Creek Lake parking area, cross-country skiing which is permitted on the roadways and field areas and snow shoeing which is permitted throughout the Park.

Location:
Middlesex County
Mailing Address:
300 Gordon Road
Matawan, NJ 07747
 (732) 566-2161 (732) 566-2161
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40 ° 26’ 6” N 74° 16' 13" W
Size: 1,569 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:
The Park is accessible from exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway and from Route 34. State Park signs are posted at critical intersections along the following routes: GSP, Route 34 South and North.
 

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management.  Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing.  A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic White Cedar bog.

Camping in the Forest

The Bass River State Forest boasts 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables.  Although no hook-ups are provided, flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites.  Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents.  A trailer sanitary station is open from March 1 through November 30 and the campsites are open all year with a charge of $20 per night. 

The state forest also offers six group campsites with water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers and has parking on the site. This area is open all year with a charge of $25 per night per site.

There are also nine handicap accessible lean-tos.  Each of these structures has a hardwood floor, a wood burning stove, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance.  Located on the south shore, each structure accommodates a maximum of six people, is open all year and rents for $30 per night.

The six lakeside shelters available have two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, wood burning stove, fire ring and screened double door.  There is an outdoor grill for cooking a table and benches.  Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby.  The shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami and each accommodates a maximum of four people.  Open from April 1 through October 31 each shelter rents from $40 per night.   

In addition to all of the above the Bass River State Forest provides six lakefront cabins each with a living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace, two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators; bathrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks.  All of the screened-in porches face the lake.  Outdoor fire rings and electricity have also been provided.  Each accommodates a maximum of six people.  The cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each cabin rents for $65 per night or $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in all overnight facilities.

Highlights of Bass River State Forest

Absegami Natural Area (128 acres) is a self guided nature trail that loops through this wetland forest, where Atlantic White Cedars share the canopy with Red Maple and Magnolia trees.  The Pinelands white cedar swamp and surrounding oak-pine forest community make up the Absegami Natural Area.

West Pine Plains Natural Area (3830 acres) is a unique stunted forest ecosystem, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, which is globally rare and supports an extensive forest of pine and oak trees that may obtain a canopy height of only four feet at maturity. New Jersey contains the largest acreage of this forest community type worldwide.  The area also supports an endangered plant species – the broom crowberry – and numerous rare species of moths.

Trails:  There are eight easy walking (non-ADA accessible) trails from 1 to 3.2 mile winding throughout the forest.  The 1/2 mile self-guided Absegami Trail includes a wooden foot bridge with benches.  All trails start at the second parking lot at the beach. Animals, birds and plant life of the Pine Barrens may be found along the way.  A trail brochure is available at the office, or on the portion of the Pink Trail that passes through the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp near East Greenbush Road.  This guide describes the camp foundations.

Batona Trail is an easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes and runs for 50 miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  The trail crosses streams and passes through forested areas that were once bustling towns with names such as Four Mile, Butler, Martha and Washington.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service, Outdoor Club of South Jersey and the Batona Hiking Club.

The Civilian Conservation Corp at Bass River State Forest

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The Hundred Days," the beginning of FDR's first term, and a time of massive legislative efforts to deal with the paralyzing effects of the Great Depression.  The CCC put needy young men to work who in turn sent a large portion of their pay back to their families.  The fact that only 37 days elapsed between FDR's swearing in and the induction of the first CCC enrollee on April 7, 1933 reflects the importance of this program.  By the time the program ended in 1942, due to World War II, over three million unemployed young men had been enrolled, planting over three billion trees and completing many other conservation projects including building much of the infrastructure at Bass River State Forest. 

The CCC camp at Bass River State Forest, Camp S-55, lasted from 1933 to 1942, throughout the entire life of CCC.  Company 225 served at the camp from 1933-1937 and Company 2201-V, a Veteran’s company, followed from 1937-1942.  There were usually 200 men at the camp, which was a full complement.  The CCC members performed a wide range of conservation work from building park roads, trails, bridle paths, bridges for vehicles, ponds for fish and waterfowl, lookout towers, nature observatory shelters, picnic areas, cabins, fireplaces, campgrounds, recreational lakes, and landscaping.  The most noteworthy feat was the creation of the 67-acre Lake Absegami, by damming two streams flowing through the forest.  The foundations of Camp S-55 and the CCC Memorial are part of a self-guided trail.  Brochures are available at the Forest Office and at the beginning of the trail near the parking lot on East Greenbush Road.  Stop in and visit the Forest Office to see artifacts from the Camp as well as a list of members. 

Location:
Burlington and Ocean Counties
762 Stage Road
Mailing Address:
762 Stage Rd
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
 (609) 296-1114 (609) 296-1114
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 37’ 14.30” N 74° 25'28.83" W
Size: 27,635 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Directions:
Bass River State
Forest is about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 52 heading south and exit 50 heading north.

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s.  The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town.  Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Camping in the Forest

There are 79 tent and trailer sites located in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities within easy walking distance.  The campsites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

In the spring 2010, the forest will be opening some pet-friendly campsites.

Byrne State Forest has three group sites with a total capacity of 100.  Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets are available on these sites which are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $30 per night.

 
Three cabins are also available, each furnished with a fireplace, two double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators, half-baths, a toilet and basin and electricity throughout.   There are outdoor campfire rings and picnic tables at each site with showers available at the main camping area.  The cabins can accommodate four people and with prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  The cabins are located on the shore of Pakim Pond.  Showers are available at camping area.  Open from April 1 through October 31, these units rent for $45 per night or $315 per week.

In addition the forest provides three yurts.  A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a Plexiglas skylight.  Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. The yurts are open from April 1 through October 31, are accessible to persons with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.

Alcohol is and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Brendan T. Byrne 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.  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.

Whitesbog Village was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community.  This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White.  The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state.  The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village.  For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646 (609) 893-4646.

Cedar Swamp Natural Area (735 acres) contains many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and may be observed along the trails through the natural area.  These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp.  The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Trails in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest cover more than 25 miles and are well marked. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities.  The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting).  The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the New Jersey State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.
Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes.  Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens.  Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking – the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
 (609) 726-1191 (609) 726-1191
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 53’ 27.66” N 74° 34' 46.63" W
Size: 36,647 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

Directions:
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

When you decide to camp in New Jersey you will find, with a bit of research, that there are a wide variety of public and private campgrounds from which to choose.  All of these campgrounds will vary as to the amenities they offer and accordingly the price they charge for a nights stay.  Rather than try to delve into all of the camping opportunities New Jersey has to offer at one time, this article will focus on some of the National Park units located in New Jersey and touch slightly on the private sector.

Public campgrounds are those managed by some level of a government agency.  Whether the agency is federal, state or local, the grounds are open to the public and generally present a low cost vacation with limited amenities.  Advanced reservations may or may not be made depending on the campground.  When planning a camping trip, many campers look to our National Parks as their first choice.  Research will show that some of the most treasured and scenic areas of our country are preserved and managed by the National Park Service and sprinkled throughout the nation.

The National Park Service was first established in 1916 under the United States Department of Interior with Franklin Lane as its first Director.  The primary goal, as stated by Lane, was to “faithfully preserve the National Parks in absolutely unimpaired form for the use of future generations as well as those of our own time.”  Today the mission of the Park Service is basically the same.  You will find however, the Park Service now manages “other types of land units” as well as our National Parks.  In New Jersey the land managed by the Park Service falls under some of those “other types of land unites” with names such as National Recreation Areas, National Scenic and Recreational Rivers, National Reserves and National Monuments. 

Some of these areas found in New Jersey are the:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which contains the Delaware National Scenic River.  This National Recreation Area covers parts of New Jersey as well as Pennsylvania.  Camping in this National Recreation Area is under the control of the New Jersey State Forest and is available at Worthington State Forest as it is located in the middle of the National Recreation Area.  This State Forest has a campground with 69 tent and trailer sites and is open from April1 to December 31.  For further information call (908)841-9575

Gateway National Recreation Area which covers parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, New York and Monmouth County in New Jersey.  The section of this National Recreation Area found in New Jersey is the Sandy Hook Unit.  Although there are no campgrounds within this unit there are many opportunities for boating, canoeing and site seeing with private camping nearby.  For further information call (732)872-5900.

Great Egg Harbor River National Scenic and Recreational River which starts near Berlin, New Jersey and gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor at the Atlantic Ocean.  Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Preserve.  This National Park Service unit is unusual in that local jurisdictions continue to administer the lands so camping opportunities are found in the local jurisdictions with quite a few campgrounds along the river.  For further information call (215)597-5823

The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve was created by Congress under the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978.  The Pinelands National Reserve is the first National Reserve in the nation.  The Reserve encompasses approximately 1.1 million acres and covers portions of seven counties and all or parts of 56 municipalities.  The Reserve is a wonderful place to visit and exhibits a unique ecosystem.  Camping is available in the local jurisdictions at four New Jersey State Forest located inside the Reserve.  For further information call (609)894-7300.

There are other units of the National Park Service in New Jersey which bear mentioning for their historic and scenic value.  Although they are small and do not offer camping, they are worth visiting.  You might want to take a look at the Edison National Historic Site, Ellis Island National Monument and Morristown National Historic Park and then plan to stay at one of the private campgrounds nearby.

Similar to public campgrounds, in that everyone is welcome, private campgrounds, such as the well known KOA’s (Kampgrounds of American), are privately owned, franchised businesses.  Although they usually cost more for a nights stay, they generally offer superior amenities that include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, game rooms, movie nights, laundry facilities and camp stores with fast food and microwaves.  Many of these privately franchised campgrounds offer catalogs (at a price) which allow you to not only book your trip in advance, but often pick your site and book side trips prior to your arrival.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that New Jersey is home to the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail and also proud to encompass parts of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.  Both of these trails offer outstanding opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation, a must for the avid outdoor user. 

Whatever you decide, public or private campground for a day, a night or a weeks stay, be safe and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Till Next Time

Eric
 

Tags: camping in nj, camping new jersey, new jersey camping, nj campgrounds, nj camping

When picking a place to camp in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which is a division of Parks and Recreation, provides a wide range of camping experiences in their state parks and forests.  From tent and trailer sites to well established group campgrounds and primitive campsites to shelters and yurts the state of New Jersey offers some, if not all, of these facilities.  Therefore, when planning your camping experience you need to be aware of the rules and regulations that are common to all the camping areas and then individually check each site as to the specific regulations that might affect your experience.  Following are regulations taken directly from the department’s website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/camping.html .

General Camping Rules for New Jersey State Parks
Minimum age of a permittee – A campsite, lean-to, camp shelter, cabin or yurt must be reserved and occupied by at least one responsible person, 18 years of age or older.  A group campsite or cabin must be occupied by a minimum of one adult supervisor, age 18 years of age or older, for each nine campers who are under 18 years of age in the group.

Re-registration – If camping facilities are available, campers may re-register before 10 am on the expiration day of their permit, provided they have not exceeded their maximum limit of stay, and facilities are available.

Limit of stay per area – Total initial length of stay allowed is fourteen consecutive nights.  Additional stays may be granted in intervals of not more than seven nights provided the applicant has vacated the camping facility for at least seven nights between each occupancy.

Alcohol – Alcohol is prohibited.  Additional rules and regulations are printed on the back of the camping permit and are posted in the area.

Fires – Fires are permitted only in stoves, fireplaces or ground fireplaces or in approved camp stoves provided by the camper.  Fires may be prohibited due to forest fire threat when prevailing conditions warrant this precaution.

Firewood – Firewood is not provided at campsites, lean-tos or shelters, but it can be purchased at some areas.  Firewood is provided at cabins.

Pets – Pets are not permitted in camping facilities.

Firearms – A person shall not possess or discharge any firearm, pellet gun, bow and arrow, slingshot or other weapon capable of injuring people or wildlife.  Hunters in compliance with Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife hunting laws are exempted.  Target practice is prohibited.

Vehicle Limit – No more than two vehicles (including trailers) may be parked at a camping facility.  Additional vehicles may be parked in a location designated by the superintendent.  More than two vehicles may be parked at group campsites and group cabins subject to approval of the superintendent.

Visitors – Visitors are allowed at camping facilities between 8 am and 8 pm.  All visitors must pay day-use parking fees, if applicable.  The number of visitors may be restricted due to limited facility capacities.

Trailer hook-ups – Water, electric and sewer hook-ups are not provided at campsites.

Check-out time – Check-out time is noon at all campsites.  Check-out time is indicated on permits issued for lean-tos, shelters, and cabins.

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 11 months in advance and fees generally run $20.00 per campsite per night.  For further information call 1-800-843-6420 or 609-984-0370.

Be safe, follow the rules and enjoy your camping experience! 

Till Next Time

Eric

Tags: camping in nj, camping new jersey, new jersey camping, new jersey events, nj campgrounds, nj camping

Are there really NJ campgrounds? Like nice ones that people would actually want to stay at and maybe even return to?

That was the opening sentence in an email I received recently…and it wasn't unique! I have received a bunch of emails along those lines over the last couple of years. It has gotten to the point where I just chuckle when I see that sentence or somthing similar.

Let me see if I can answer the question here in this post properly:

NJ Campgrounds? YES, YES and YES.

But only if you like camping in the mountains, at the beach and/or somewhere in between. There are actually a little over 100 different public and private campgrounds in the state of New Jersey. You can camp from as low as $15 per night up to around $80 a night depending on whether it's a public or private campground and the type and size of site you need.

You can setup your tent, trailer, camper or RV in the mountains near the Appalachian Trail, right beside the jersey shore, within a couple of miles of the Atlantic City Casinos or in the middle of the Pine Barrens.

I guess that most people who haven't visited New Jersey in a while think of us as more of a heavily populated suburb of either New York City or Philadelphia and don't know or think much about all the beautiful open areas in between. There are thousands and thousands of ares of campgrounds in this beautiful state.

Modern, clean and well kept facilities with lots of activities right in the campgrounds are the norm not the exception. as i've mentioned in another post I camped in 11 or 12 different states in the United States and I haven't personally experienced the diversity of camping situations anywhere else as I have experienced in NJ campgrounds.

We have setup six different regions to help you choose the right type of camping and area of the state to visit:

Skyland-  This region is in the northwestern part of the state near the Appalachian trail, the mountains and the Delaware Water Gap. Beautiful anytime of year with plenty to do and see.

Gateway - This region is the gateway to all the fun, activity and excitement of New York City and the surrounding areas.

Shore - This region is exactly what is says, the shore area. Lots of easy beach access and activities.

Delaware - This region is on the southwestern side of the state along the delaware river. It has lots of quiet and secluded campgrounds that specialize in solitude and in campground activities that are still close to lots of arts and cultural areas.
 

Atlantic - This is the region that is closest to Atlantic City and all the wonderful fun you can have there and the beaches around it. Lots of private campgrounds within just a few miles of AC and several other beach areas.
 

Southern Shore – This region is in the most southern part of the state with beach and Pine Barren access and lots to see and do.

There are really many different kinds of camping with a ton of activities and amenities. So hopefully you have a better idea of what NJ campgrounds have to offer after reading this post.
 

Till Next Time…

Eric

Tags: camping in nj, nj campgrounds