Jenny Jump Group Site A

For outdoor enthusiasts in the Garden State, few places offer the rugged beauty and serene atmosphere found at Jenny Jump State Forest. Nestled within the rolling terrain of the Jenny Jump Mountain Range in Warren County, Jenny Jump Group Site A provides a specialized camping experience designed specifically for larger gatherings. Whether you are organizing a scouting trip, a family reunion, or a community retreat, this group site serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring some of the most ancient geological formations in North America. Located in Frelinghuysen Township, the area is renowned for its panoramic vistas, which stretch across the Highlands and the Kittatinny Valley to the west, and over the scenic Great Meadows to the east.

Jenny Jump Group Site A is part of a larger 4,466-acre state forest managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Unlike individual family sites that are often nestled closer together, the group sites at Jenny Jump are situated to provide a greater sense of privacy and space for collective activities. The forest itself is steeped in local folklore and natural history, featuring rocks estimated to be 1.6 billion years old. For New Jersey residents looking to escape the suburban sprawl, Group Site A offers a "back-to-basics" immersion into nature while remaining conveniently located within a short drive from major northern New Jersey hubs.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for those traveling to Jenny Jump. The campground is situated off State Park Road, easily reachable from Interstate 80 via Exit 12. While the mountain roads are narrow and winding—reminding visitors they are truly entering the Highlands—the site is accessible for passenger vehicles and groups. Group Site A is specifically designed as a "drive-in" site, meaning you can park your vehicles in the designated on-site parking area and have immediate access to your camping gear. For those navigating the region, the site is positioned at GPS coordinates 40.9170° N, 74.9150° W, making it a straightforward find for modern navigation systems despite its secluded feel.

The services offered at Group Site A emphasize a primitive, authentic camping experience. While the site does not feature electrical hookups or modern plumbing at the immediate campsite, it provides the essential infrastructure needed to manage a group of up to 25 people safely and comfortably. The focus here is on the "Carry In/Carry Out" philosophy, encouraging campers to maintain the pristine nature of the forest. The site is open seasonally, typically from April 1st through October 31st, aligning with the peak hiking and stargazing seasons in New Jersey.

• Dedicated group camping space with a maximum capacity of 25 people.
• On-site parking specifically for group members to ensure easy loading and unloading.
• Standardized picnic tables arranged to accommodate large group meals and meetings.
• A large, central fire ring designed for evening campfires and group cooking.
• On-site pit toilets located within a short walking distance of the camping area.
• Access to potable water collection points located near the main park office or central campground areas.
• Proximity to the park’s main office for assistance, check-in, and emergency communication.

The features and highlights of staying at Jenny Jump Group Site A extend far beyond the campsite itself. One of the most unique aspects of this location is its proximity to the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory. Because Jenny Jump has some of the darkest skies in the state, Saturday night public programs (April through October) offer campers a rare chance to view planets and galaxies through professional-grade telescopes. Additionally, the site provides immediate access to over 14 miles of hiking trails that vary from easy strolls to challenging climbs along rocky outcroppings left behind by receding glaciers thousands of years ago.

• Direct access to the Summit Trail, which leads to an elevation of 1,090 feet for breathtaking mountain views.
• Exceptional stargazing opportunities due to the park's high elevation and lack of light pollution.
• Kid-friendly environment with plenty of space for supervised outdoor play and nature education.
• Rich geological landscape featuring "glacial erratics"—massive boulders moved by ancient ice sheets.
• Close proximity to Ghost Lake and Lake Just-it for shoreline fishing and car-top boating.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various raptors.
• Winter sport access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit.

Planning a trip to Jenny Jump Group Site A requires a bit of coordination, as reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service’s online portal. The site is a popular choice for New Jersey locals, so booking in advance is essential, especially for weekend stays during the autumn foliage season.

Address: W38J+PH, Frelinghuysen Township, NJ 07825, USA (Mailing Address: 330 State Park Road, Hope, NJ 07844)

Phone: (908) 459-4366

What is worth choosing when it comes to Jenny Jump Group Site A is the specific balance of isolation and activity. While many campgrounds in New Jersey can feel crowded during the summer months, the group sites at Jenny Jump offer a distinct "perched" feeling on the mountain. Choosing this site means you are prioritizing the natural environment over commercial amenities. It is the perfect choice for groups who want to bond over a shared campfire, explore the rigorous Summit Trail, or spend an evening learning about the cosmos at the observatory. For those seeking a genuine New Jersey wilderness experience that caters to a larger party, Jenny Jump Group Site A stands out as a premier destination that captures the rugged spirit of the Warren County Highlands.