Can anyone recommend any campgrounds in either NY, NJ or PA?
by admin on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 | 5 Comments
A couple of my friends and I would like to go camping together for Spring Break this year. We live in New York City, and we’re not looking to drive for longer than three to four hours. We are looking the most secluded territory possible, preferably with a river or a lake nearby. Also, if possible, can anyone suggest what we need to bring with us for a four to five night stay, including food, types of supplies, etc. Thanks.
Stokes. Its in NJ
Camp Edy or Camp Sebago in New York (Long Island)
The following ones that I know of are in NJ:
Stokes
Worthington
Lebanon
Vorhees
High Point State Park, Sussex County, NJ
Depending on traffic, about 2 hrs. out of NYC; depending on your direction, it’s a straight run on 23N.
Appalachian, as well as other trails, run through there, and into Stokes State Forest, also in Sussex County.
From High Point, NY/NJ/Pa., and parts of NYS, including the Catskills (depending on visibilty) can be seen. Monument marks the highest point in NJ. Also, Steenykill and Sawmill lakes (no swimming, only boating, canoeing, hiking trails, cabins on shore) and Lake Marcia (swimming permitted).
Not to scare you, but you’ll be in bear country. Bring a whistle in case. If/when you see one, back off slowly while blowing your whistle, and make noise-it’ll scare them off and alert other (possible) hikers or people. Don’t leave food outside. If you hike to one of the shelters on the App. Trail, either in High Point, or Stokes (no reservation needed, it’s first-come, first-serve), and decide to stay overnight, there are bear-proof containers for food.
If you see a mother w/cubs, be extremely careful. Don’t run. She may feel threatened and think you’ll want to harm her cubs. She’ll send them up a tree, and will stand her ground. Use your whistle, back away slowly, while looking back ever so often (or walk sideways) so you don’t trip, and make noise.
Happened to us. I live in the area. Mama and her cubs wandered into our yard. We closed the window, she heard the sound, sent those cubs up a tree, circled around the house like the indians did when they surrounded the covered wagons on their warpath….and didn’t leave until hours later. That’s when Fish, Game decided to arrive. Gave new meaning to the words “Under Siege” : )
Whatever you decide – good luck, be vigilent of bears, and have fun.
PA has some GREAT state parks, just be sure to choose one that allows camping!
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/index.aspx
I’ve stayed at Codorus State Park and one out in Western PA near Pittsburgh. Hickory Run is in a good location, not too far from the PA/NJ border at Route 80.