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    Stokes State Forest

    4.2 (41 reviews)

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    Wood burning stove
    Jackie G.

    We have camped in the lean-tos several times during the winter. The park is very peaceful And the lean to sites feel very private even though they are close together. The bathrooms are kept clean and are centrally located. There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you don't want to manage food because of bears and wild life. We have stayed a few times in the winter and never a tent site.

    Carol A.

    Came for group camping for July 4th weekend. The camp grounds are amazing. Although the maximum capacity for my site was 25, the clearing could easily fit 50 people or 100 to be honest. We were surrounded by trees which gave us the nature feel we wanted without it being too "woody" for us. There were a lot of mosquitos and other bugs around but I only got 1 bite my whole trip so I guess they don't bite much. Love that there are 2 fire pits and 2 grill stations that each have 2 grills. Lots of space to cook so we never had to take turns waiting for food. We also really enjoyed the lakes near us. Some people went fishing and caught some dinner at one lake while a few of us were able to bring our kayak to a different lake and have some fun. The main issue was that the bathrooms and showers are pretty dirty and the showers barely worked, no water pressure at all. Most of my group ended up just wiping themselves down with wet wipes instead. Our neighbors were also obnoxiously loud all night but the camp office is so far away, you can't expect them to know about it. Everyone in my group liked this campsite and would definitely come again.

    Lucy M.

    Spent a holiday weekend here camping on Lake Ashroe and thought the campgrounds were very luxurious! The parking lot was literally at the entrance to our campsite which made setting up a breeze, as well as keeping food and toiletries sealed off away from bears. There are 8 grills, two fire rings, and about 6 poles to hang garbage bags from. There was a potable water station and the water was cold and delicious. There was a large structure with a roof, about 8 picnic tables, and outlets - perfect for big communal meals or hiding from the sun. We decided to make some ridiculously elaborate meals and had enough space and outlets for multiple stoves, a food processor, a dish washing station, etc. We were not able to find a switch for the overhead electrical lights there, so if you want to see at night bring lanterns, but know that the bugs will be on ya! There were three bathrooms, all with soap, toilet paper, and paper towels that were refilled by awesome park rangers every morning. Finally the showers: were air conditioned! They have a seat/shelf attached to the walls and a hook on the back of the door so your stuff stays dry. There's a large dumpster at one end of the parking lot for trash. The campsite is also a 5-10 minute drive from bars, restaurants, and stores. So if you forget something or run out of something it's no big deal. Peter's Village and the town of Lafayette are close drives if you want to wander through some cute shops and see some artwork. The forest itself is beautiful, lake Ashroe offers kayaks to rent if you don't have your own (there is no swimming at this lake but there is at another nearby). I hiked the maple trail to the white trail to the Appalachian trail. The Maple trail is pretty overgrown and not very well maintained, but it's not a big deal. The views from the ridge of the mountain are lovely, but was told they're better in winter when there is less foliage. There are mosquitoes, we did spot one tick, one snake, a chipmunk, and multiple large daddy long legs. No booze allowed and dogs must be leashed, but if you behave no one bothers you.

    This is the lake I was talking about
    Sarah B.

    I loved this place because my family used to go a couple times every spring/summer. I last went August of 2021 and it was kind of a sad sight. As nostalgic as it is while walking through the forest on the trails I remember walking on almost 10 years ago, the place where we used to swim and have fun is no longer open. Grass growing out of the sand, no more playground, no more lifeguard, no more people. It was sad too see that my favorite place growing up is now gone in the past. I'm assuming the water was not safe for us to swim so I guess it is what it is. But overall the place is great to go for adventures.

    Tillman's Ravine
    Dallas B.

    I have been to this state Forest a bunch of times and I really enjoy it. I've been camping here a few times and always stayed at a different site. Each site has a little something different to offer than the others. Some have a lake near them while others are very secluded. I've enjoyed each different site I've stayed at. The hikes here are also really good. My favorite one is tillmans ravine which is actually across the rode from the campground. This hike bring you along and across a stream the runs through the woods. It is an easy but very nice hike to take.

    Sunrise Mountain view (on the appalachian trail) Park at Culvers Gap then follow AT (white blaze marks)
    Natalia S.

    Culver's Gap to Sunrise Mountain/Sunrise Mountain via Appalachian Trail. Great Family day hike. Nice views. Lots and lots of FUN! Here is info on the trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/sunrise-mountain-via-appalachian-trail

    Scott C.

    I love going for hike or just driving to the look outs on top of sunrise mountain. There are tons of trails that run all over as well as park of the Appalachian Trail that runs through NJ

    Stony Lake
    Taylor T.

    Went on a hike while on vacation. Checked out a few trails. The markers and maps around the park are super helpful and Stony lake was gorgeous. Just wished the parks were open but can't complain during times like this. A must visit attraction that will take days to see more and more. Most likely going back very soon!

    View from Sunrise Mountain
    Dewan A.

    Excellent time. 1) Went back to hike Sunrise Mountain to Culver Fire Tower. 2) Sunrise Mountain has excellent views. 3) Culver Fire Tower is one of the best firetower in NJ. Equal to Catfish Firetower, which is also in the Delaware Water Gap. 4) Lots of parking in Sunrise Mountain parking lot.

    Amanda B.

    Camped at site #1 (per reviewer David's recommendation) and it did not disappoint! Lovely woods on one side, felt quite secluded. Bathrooms were indeed clean, although we were flummoxed by the absence of a camp sink for washing dishes (ranger advised to use bathroom sink or the outdoor water pump, which seemed counterintuitive). We drove to the day area at the lake for a hike. It looked great! Nice swimming area, playground, covered picnic pavilion and ample clean bathrooms. We did the easy Lackner trail (2 miles each way), which was amazingly pretty poison-ivy free around the path - big bonus since I am highly allergic - and had a nice sandstone outcropping just off the trail. Would definitely come back and bring the kids next time!

    Justine R.

    I've stayed here in the cabins and in regular tents. The place is beautiful and depending on where you're located can feel quite secluded. Check in and out times are reasonable and the prices are great. There are bears so just be w smart camper and the chances of encountering one are slim to none. I would definitely recommend this place for a peaceful escape.

    People walking through and hanging out on our camp site .Didn't get them all in picture.

    Do not pick site #16 to tent camp if you don't want groups of people hanging out and walking through your camp site from 6am to 7pm!! We had 0 privacy. We picked it for views of the stream and closeness to bathroom.. instead we got inconsiderate campers from different sites ..15 people at a time . We called and complained and they said they shouldn't be there when the camp site is occupied but they never came down and did anything about it nor did these people care about intruding on our space . Apparently they add fish to the stream water and this is the best spot to fish ( even though there are other options where other non disrespectful folks were ) We came in April ..Easter weekend so trees are not green yet and it was still chilly at night . the ponds, streams and hiking trails are beautiful and all close. the bathrooms and showers are run down. But some bathrooms do have running water. No running water or electricity on the camp sites we had. We ended up moving our camp site to #12 which was super private and huge with no Neighbors in sight... It was on a semi busy road across from pond but my god was it peaceful compared to where we came from. I would definitely recommend this site if you like privacy. Only 3 stars due to neighboring campers and bc we were not warned this was a fishing site... either should not be rented out or there should be a warning about it. They did make up for it by letting us switch sites but it was such a pain to reset up. We have been camping in at least a dozen spots in NJ and PA and this was the most bizarre experience we have ever had.

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    Clean and nice camping site but you need to bring portable chargers battery pack and rechargeable electronics.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Stokes State Forest

    Does this place get over run by people who bring the whole village on weekends?

    No it doesn't. Most of the people that go to stokes are small family's and couples

    How are the mosquitos in July? Worse than normal camping bugs- meaning swarms around Head? We went to high point camping last months and we're covered in them. Thank you!!

    Typically mosquitoes, black flies thrive on a wet environment. Depending on where you're camping, stokes is a wet place. Nothing a campfire and a few beverages of choice can't chase away.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Stokes State Forest

    1) Went back to hike Sunrise Mountain to Culver Fire Tower.

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    Crater Lake

    Crater Lake

    4.3(3 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    Crater Lake is a non-lifeguard private area that's tucked deep into the Delaware Water Gap…read moreRecreation Area. It's a two hour drive from Long Island and 3.5 hours when there's a fire that's closed down the Throgs Neck Bridge. But this lake, also near Blue Mountain Lake is amazing. A few years back you would have been hard pressed to find anyone else there but on a hot Saturday in summer, there were about 30 people and some families picnicing, lounging and boozing by the water. The water was warm and almost everyone was a local who had their own kayaks, rafts and floatation devices. We traded beers for rafts and sat in the middle of the lake for at least an hour. The park closes at 10pm but most people leave around sun down so if you bring music, BUG SPRAY, a lantern and flashlights, and the game Apples to Apples you can have yourself a private lake side party undisturbed from 8 - 10p. Downsides: It costs so much money to go over bridges now from NY to NJ make sure to borrow mom or dad's EZ Pass! DAMN! Again, bring bug spray. My legs are itchy, itchy, itchy now. WARNING: It is very easy to get lost coming to this lake. Your GPS may not know what you're talking about because it's hard to enter a town name for the location in Jersey. Here's how to get there (you can thank me later - just don't tell a lot of people) Take 80 to Exit 1 - the entrance of the delaware water gap rec. area. Ask for a map w/ the person at the visitor's entrance but basically you're looking for a general store that leads you down a windy road (past blue mountain lake) and veer left at the rocky path at the end of the road. There really aren't any signs so getting a map and coming in from Exit 1 is your best bet. ALSO BE CAREFUL if you get lost and someone points you to CRANDon lake. This is Crater Lake and that's what you're looking for. My friend got very lost because of his bad hearing.

    This was my first time at Crater Lake. It was a Saturday at 1pm. It was part of a hike that passed…read moreBlue Mountain Lake and Hemlock Pond as well. Since this lake has a nearby parking lot, it was much more populated than the other two, although Hemlock Pond had a good share of visitors. There's a peaceful and back to nature type feel.

    Lake Hopatcong Adventure - "The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever."

    Lake Hopatcong Adventure

    4.5(6 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    Did you know that Lake Hopatcong is NJ's largest freshwater lake?…read more And did you also know that there's a great little place on the lake that lets you rent all sorts of strange inventions like a 'pedalboard' and a 'hydrobike' (along with the classics like kayaks and paddleboards) - so you can cruise along the lake, get a bit of exercise, fill those lungs with fresh air and more importantly... work up an appetite (so you can hit The Windlass right after)? I tell you it's true. All true. There were six of us (celebrating a birthday) - 5 on hydrobikes, 1 on a pedalboard. The lake is drop dead gorgeous and we went when it was still early and a bit overcast so it wasn't too crowded with boats and jet-skis and the like. (Waves/wakes from other boats can really dampen your own fun... so that stuff matters a bit.) But I gotta be honest: it was a lot of work. Unlike a kayak where you might get a nice 'bite' with your oar and can coast a bit... the bike is akin to being pneumatic (you stop pedaling and you almost immediately come to a halt as well). And those seats? They are not comfortable at all. Sore dupas all around (the following day as well, actually). But we all had a great time. The crew (Patty and Joe, I believe) were really cool, total professionals, and we always felt like we were safe as well having a great time exploring some of the lake and adjoining islands and whatnot. (We would definitely return in the future but would lean towards a kayak and not do the bikes again.) Wear sunblock, bring water, not sure if it was just me but my right foot was pretty soaked by the end whereas my left was dry (so you'd be better off wearing an old ratty pair of sneakers, regardless). Post-pedal was The Windlass (excellent) as well as some mini-golf (also excellent). Lots to do in this lovely part of Jersey. (But it'll cost ya!)

    A cousin of mine tried the hydrobikes and lived it, so I thought I would give it a try. I asked a…read morefriend to come with me and he said it looked like a pain in the ass. I made a reservation online. Patty was so friendly and made it a great time! She let me use some sun block and fill up my reusable cup at their water fountain. She told me that I would probably like the standup paddle board better because it had better maneuverability. I took her advice. It was a lot of excise and fun as we rode around and she told me about the history and pointed out different areas around the lake. We even picked up some trash from inside the lake and it made me happy to know that there are good people out there who are also passionate about the environment. It was hot and I "accidentally" fell in and got to enjoy the water a little bit. Patty also gave me restaurant and hiking recommendations around the area and even took a picture of me. You may be able to call and make a same day appointment, but online will only allow the following day. I don't think it's with bringing or risking losing your camera or phone out on the lake, there isn't anything really photo worthy.

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    Lake Hopatcong Adventure
    Lake Hopatcong Adventure
    Lake Hopatcong Adventure

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    Loantaka Park

    Loantaka Park

    4.3(30 reviews)
    34.8 mi

    For what it's worth, this review specifically pertains to a rainy winter hike - I can't comment on…read moremost of the park amenities near the playgrounds, playing fields, etc. And I'm also willing to acknowledge that I likely would have felt more favorably disposed toward this park if we had been there in better weather that didn't give off massive Pacific NW vibes. The dreary conditions were not the park's fault. Loantaka was the site of the annual first of the year hike with a group of noble chums. Interestingly, there was a rival "official" hike being held at the same time by the Boy Scouts of America - their social media announcements (complete with map) ahead of time were very helpful in locating a decent parking area for my compatriots. I don't think I have the ability on Yelp to review the BSA, but their scoutmaster was a gem and several of my chums purchased commemorative pins for the event at their little kiosk. Also, my dad was an Eagle Scout and can start a bonfire in about 30 seconds, so that's something. For the purposes of our adventure, we ended up walking 3.13 miles (assuming an Apple watch was correct, which I'm always dubious about), an out-and-back from the parking lot off Loantaka Way to Kitchell Lake just across the aptly named Kitchell Road. The parking lot was easy to access with plenty of spaces, though it was a bit more crowded by the time we were done. It was very pleasing to see several port-a-potties nearby, and I can report from firsthand experience that they were relatively clean, though the toilet seat in mine was wet and required my first squatting situation of 2022. I could breathe comfortably though, so I think you take that compromise if you can get it. The trails are very well maintained - we were exclusively on paved ones, though it looked like there were a few dirt paths that went off them as well, all of which looked tidy and drama-free. That said, it would have been nice if there were more markers/signage giving us a better idea of where we were. It would be difficult to get authentically lost in this area (I imagine it would take roughly 15 minutes to accidentally stumble across a county highway), but it would have been helpful for our orientation. This year's hike featured an Honorary Young Pup of 6, who was able to handle the adventure with aplomb (and enjoyed spotting the metal tags on the trees). There were also many pooches on the premises, and virtually all seemed to be doodle mixes of some sort - very little variety in this area of Jersey, apparently. If you're looking for decent photo ops, this is not where I'd go; this is a park that I'd use exclusively for very mild cardio/fresh air. There are a few streams on the journey, but nothing to write home about. The pond was pleasant enough, with abundant waterfowl in the distance, but it's hard to get whipped up about scenery that looks like it's straight out of Taylor Swift's Folklore album photo shoot.

    Followed the gps and it told me to park on the side of the road but there was a sign that said you…read morecouldn't park there. I played it safe and looped around the park and noticed that there's actually a parking lot located on Loantaka Way. First time I came here was in the Spring of 2018 and by the summer I noticed they installed bikes now. You'll have to download the app and follow the instructions to unlock it. Nice clean well maintained park. What I love most about this place is that it's shaded!!!! Given the summer heat, this is the perfect place to take a stroll.

    Photos
    Loantaka Park
    Loantaka Park
    Loantaka Park

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    Franklin Pond - Cute swimming pond

    Franklin Pond

    4.8(5 reviews)
    12.2 mi

    Happy Sunday my fellow Adventurers!…read more This is a relatively new hidden gem that I just found. From what I know it was a swimming hole back in 1989 however they closed it down when it was used for a water resource until recently they decided to bring it back to its original roots. (Please fat check this) It has the brand new man made beach complete with what seems to be quarry sand that is course and not like beach sand. Its a beautiful white and lovely when the sun hits its crystalline in texture. The beach itself is small relatively compared to say a lake community beach. There are two lifeguard stations and several rotating guards. The small beach has four areas with noodle ropes in order for you to make sure you are swimming in the right spots. They offer swimming lessons which is really good for the local communities. They also have a platform in the middle which is about 11 feet deep which is reminiscent of the 'Blob' Movie. I half expected that the Blob would come especially if you sneak in after hours. (I don't recommend this lol) You basically pull in and park either on the grass or follow the road to the concession stand. You can purchase a day pass for $10 with no residential requirement for the area. I believe you can purchase an annual badge which I think runs $25-35 per person. You fill out a form that is all legalities and liabilities in order to get the badge or wristband for a day pass. The staff are really helpful and accommodating for any questions you may have. They have very clean porta-potties that are frequently serviced. As well as a concession stand that offered hotdogs, hang burgers, and various other carnival like foods. They sometimes run out of items like sauerkraut with no compensation of any sort which I get they can't help but it's a small area and was open at 11 am, we got there by 12. Always purchase back ups in order to provide for your customers. The hot dogs are pre-grilled and wrapped in aluminum so don't expect a fresh dirty water dog. The overall experience is a really nice one considering you battle tons of traffic going the shore versus the short ten minute drive from Hamburg and $10 fee. It's also really brand new and still working itself out.

    Nice, clean park. Dog friendly place to walk. Fun local events. Very nice children's area.read more

    Photos
    Franklin Pond - #intenselypassionatephotography

    #intenselypassionatephotography

    Franklin Pond
    Franklin Pond - #intenselypassionatephotography

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    #intenselypassionatephotography

    Stokes State Forest - hiking - Updated August 2026

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