Summer is often thought of as the best season for camping in New Jersey; understandably, the warmer temperatures, longer hours of daylight, and available recreational activities all lend themselves perfectly to a night under the stars. But if you haven't tried off-season camping, you might be missing out. Here in New Jersey, it's entirely possible to go camping in the middle of the winter, albeit with extra preparation. But we'd prefer a late-fall or early-spring camping adventure. There are many advantages to camping during these less busy seasons. To start, you'll avoid the crowds, and secondly, you might just come to appreciate the seasons even more. Today, we're diving into a popular New Jersey state park called High Point State Park. In addition to its variety of adventures, this park is also home to a beautiful lakefront campground. But first, let's dive into a little history.
High Point State Park was the first official state park in New Jersey. It was dedicated in 1923 and includes an impressive 14,218. It's also home to the state's first natural area, Dryden Kuser Natural Area, which holds another impressive title: it's the highest-elevation cedar swamp of its kind in the entire world. So now that we've established that High Point State Park is a bucket-list destination in New Jersey let's take a look at all the activities that can be enjoyed there.
Hiking is an obvious favorite among visitors, and it's no mystery why. True to its name, High Point State Park is home to the highest point in New Jersey. There's a monument atop Kittatinny Ridge designating this very spot, which resides 1,803 feet above sea level. From this site, hikers can enjoy a panoramic view of forests, rolling farmland, and valleys. In fact, it's possible to see into three different states! The most popular hike in the park, Monument View Trail, will take you to this overlook. It's a 3.4-mile loop and is rated as moderate. Hikers will gain about 500 feet in elevation, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must!
It's possible to camp for the majority of the year at this stunning park. There are 50 campsites along Sawmill Lake, and each includes a fire ring and picnic table. There are also two group camping sites which can accommodate 25 and 35 campers each. Typically, the campground is open for the season from early April through the end of October. Be sure to check the official High Point State Park page for additional details, reservation information, and more.
Would you enjoy camping here during the off-season? We'd love to hear your thoughts! For even more camping inspiration, take a look at our list of the very best places to go camping in New Jersey.
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