You already know this corner of New Jersey is filled with superb places to visit and stay, from fine hotels to cozy inns to comfortable motels. The great outdoors is king in Sussex County, with places to hike, fish, bike, ski, and overall make memories. But when you need to grab a few winks in between the fun — and if you want to keep it casual — Sussex County is teeming with locations to camp and “glamp.” If you aren’t familiar with that term, “glamping” is camping but with indulgent upgrades.
Here are some places to camp and glamp — even in your own RV — in Sussex County, and the amenities at these locations.
Harmony Ridge Campground
23 Risdon Drive, Branchville. Tel: (973) 948-4941
Enjoy year-round activities in the Kittatinny Mountains on 160 acres, like cross country skiing, bird watching, snowmobiling, biking, swimming, and games. Choose from seasonal, lake and winter campsites. There are also rustic single and double cabins, with their own bedrooms, bathrooms and carpeted lofts.
High Point State Park
1480 Route 23, Sussex. Tel: (973) 875-4800
At High Point State Park you can perch yourself at the top of Sussex County and New Jersey. You can ascend 1,803 feet above sea level and grab spectacular views of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania from High Point Monument. Take in the Dryden Kuser Natural Area, a swim at Lake Marcia, boating and fishing in Sawmill Lake, and educational programs at the Interpretive Center. Stay at the campsites or cabins, with group accommodations at both. Discover specifics here about each of the camping areas and cabins.
Kittatinny Valley State Park
119 Goodale Road, Newton (Andover Township). Tel: (973) 786-6445
Enjoy four lakes at one site, with fishing, boating and kayaking. Hike, bike and horseback ride on the trails. Enjoy educational programs, beautiful gardens and the sights and sounds of the wildlife at this state park. Book a campsite at the park here.
Kymer’s Campground
69 Kymer Road, Branchville. Tel: (973) 875-3167
The Kittatinny Mountains are also home to Kymer’s, with more than 200 acres for family fun. Hike on the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip in the Olympic-sized pool or soak in the hot tub. Play tennis, pickleball, basketball, disc golf and miniature golf. Go kayaking or fishing. There are daily activities for guests and much more. Stay at one of the tent or trailer campsites, with luxury sites available. There are several tiers of cabin rentals that minimally each have electric, double beds, bunk beds, charcoal grills, outdoor fire rings, full size refrigerator, outside faucet, microwave, air conditioning, cable TV, ceiling fan, microwave and coffee pot. Visit Kymer’s website for seasonal events here.
Moon Valley Campground
442 Route 94, Vernon. Tel: (973) 900-2773
There are several generous glamping sites at this campground tucked away off the Appalachian Trail, including The Lookout, Lenape, Heavens Landing, Hilltop Hideaway and Campspot 1. Two-night minimum stays are required. There is currently no shower facility on the property. There is a pet fee and pets permitted at Lenape, Heavens Landing, Hilltop Hideaway and Campspot 1.
Mountain Top RV Park
59 River Road, Montague. Tel: (973) 903-3791
This family-friendly RV park at the top of New Jersey features RV sites and cabins. The fun includes a playground, basketball court, net for volleyball and badminton, large game room with pool and ping pong tables, and a swimming pool. RV sites have up to 30 amp electric and water. The rustic cabins are for four or six, with electric inside and water on the exterior. Bring your own linens, dishes, utensils and paper products.
Panther Lake Camping Resort
6 Panther Lake Road, Andover (Byram). Tel: (973) 347-4440
Whether you plan to stay in a cabin or at one of the RV sites, there are plenty of things to take in on this camping resort’s 160 acres. There are 410 RV spots (or stay at a seasonal site) and 23 cabin rentals. The cabins can sleep up to 7. Have loads of fun at the resort’s pool, play games (basketball, pickleball, horseshoes, miniature golf, volleyball, shuffleboard and at the arcade), spend time at the sandy beach, rent a boat, fish and more.
Stokes State Forest
1 Coursen Road, Branchville. Tel: (973) 948-3820
Enjoy the amenities and natural surroundings at this state park, including 63 miles of trails for hiking, biking and bird watching. There are many spots for adventure within the forest like Sunrise Mountain, Tillman’s Ravine and the Appalachian Trail, as well as Lake Ocquittuck and Lake Ashroe for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing. There are several campsite options at Lake Ocquittuck, Haskins and Steam Mill, with pet-friendly ones available. There are lean-tos in the Shotwell Camping Area and group ones Lake Ashroe. Cabins at Lake Ocquittuck have electricity, kitchens with a stove and refrigerator, hot and cold running water, bathrooms and bunks and beds. A few cabins have a full bath with shower, fireplace, wood stove and accommodations for people with disabilities. There is even a group cabin that can house up to 12 people. Book your Stokes stay here.
Sun Retreats Pleasant Acres Farm
61 DeWitt Road, Sussex. Tel: (888) 611-0923
Are you ready for your RV’ing or glamping adventure? Sun Retreats Pleasant Acres Farm has RV sites that you can pull-in or back-in, up to 50-amp. Or stay in a furnished, spacious cottage with a full bathroom, Wi-Fi, kitchen, dining, air conditioning, fire pit, deck and picnic table. This resort has a lake for fishing, outdoor pool, miniature golf course and more to enjoy.
Swartswood State Park
1091 Route 619, Newton (Swartswood, Stillwater). Tel: (973) 383-5230
This state park has been a destination for recreation seekers since 1914. Swartswood State Park has an expansive 519-acre glacial lake for electric motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and rowboats, with Little Swartswood Lake a short car trip for more boating. Swim at the beach while lifeguards are on duty, then grab food at the concession stand. Fish, hike on miles of trails, go birdwatching, have a picnic, play sand volleyball, take the kids to the playground, play basketball, throw a frisbee and more. Stay at wooded or grassy campsites, including group campsites near the Duck Pond. Each spot has a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Shelters can also be reserved, which are equipped with wood stoves, bunks and picnic-style tables.
The Great Divide Campground
68 Phillips Road, Newton (Green Township). Tel: (973) 383-4026
Take in outdoor activities, plus top-of-the-line amenities and accommodations. There are spots for hiking, fishing, picnicking, toasting marshmallows and more fun. Guests are treated to special events and musical performances. Head to the private lake to boat and fish. Play basketball or in the game room. Relax at the swimming pool. Choose from 270 campsites, including those with water, electric, sewer and cable TV hookups. Cozy camping trailers offer scenic views, premium home theater systems, central air conditioning, electric fireplaces, full kitchens and flat screen TVs.
Windy Acres RV Park
294 Swartswood Road, Newton (Fredon). Tel: (973) 650-3693
This family-owned RV campground at Lake Paulinskill has been called one of New Jersey’s best secrets because it has generous lots, a private boat launch and open spaces for children to play. RV park guests can go boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and waterskiing. Choose from 30 or 50-amp service, with a water supply and Wi-Fi hotspots, whether you are waterfront or off the water. The park also offers RV storage. Swartswood State Park is a short car ride away. Inquire how to stay at Windy Acres here.
Woodland Trails
7 Babtown Road, Sussex. Tel: (973) 702-8167
From primitive to premium, you can find a campsite to your liking at Woodland Trails, whether in the deeper woods or full hookup for your RV. There are accommodations for large groups too that include fire pits, shared electric and picnic tables. Don’t have your own RV or would you like something more enclosed than a tent? Explore their RV and cabin rentals. Enjoy biking, hiking, swimming and other outdoor activities during your stay.
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Members of Life In Sussex staff have contributed to this post.
