Jenny Jump State Forest Campground

Jenny Jump State Forest Campground offers one of the most serene and elevated outdoor experiences in Northern New Jersey. Located within the rugged terrain of the Jenny Jump Mountain Range in Warren County, this state forest spans over 4,400 acres of diverse habitat, including deciduous forests, rocky outcroppings, and ancient glacial boulders. For New Jersey residents, particularly those traveling from more densely populated central or southern regions, a trip to Jenny Jump feels like stepping into a different world. The park is renowned for its panoramic vistas that allow visitors to look out over the Great Meadows in the east and the Kittatinny Mountains and Delaware Water Gap in the west. It is a destination where the natural landscape is the main attraction, offering a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the hustle of everyday life.

The campground is specifically tailored for those who appreciate a rustic, "back-to-basics" style of camping. Whether you are setting up a tent under the canopy of towering oaks or parking a small RV, the emphasis here is on peace and privacy. Unlike larger, more commercialized campgrounds, Jenny Jump keeps its footprint small and intentional, ensuring that neighbors are spaced out sufficiently to provide a sense of seclusion. This makes it a top choice for solo travelers, couples, and families who prioritize a quiet environment where the primary sounds are the rustling leaves and the calls of local wildlife. From early spring through late autumn, the forest transforms through vibrant greens to the stunning oranges and reds of the fall foliage season, making it a year-round favorite for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and accessibility are key components of the Jenny Jump experience. Situated at 330 State Park Road in Blairstown, NJ (near the border of Hope Township), the campground is easily reached via Interstate 80. Locals often suggest taking exit 12 toward Hope/Blairstown and following the scenic, winding roads that lead up the mountain. While the ascent provides beautiful views, drivers—especially those with trailers—should be prepared for narrow paths and steady inclines. The park has made efforts to remain inclusive, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot to ensure that the beauty of the Highlands is available to all. Once on-site, the proximity to the historic town of Hope provides convenient access to local delis, antique shops, and even the Land of Make Believe amusement park, making it easy to balance a wilderness stay with local exploration.

For visitors traveling with equipment or seeking a specific type of stay, the campground is well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure. There are 22 tent and trailer sites available, along with eight unique "shelters" or cabins that offer a more enclosed experience without the need for plumbing or electricity inside the units. These shelters are particularly popular for winter camping, as they are equipped with wood-burning stoves to keep the space warm. The management of the state forest provides professional oversight, with friendly rangers who are often praised for their knowledge of the local trails and their commitment to keeping the facilities clean and functional.

• 22 designated tent and trailer sites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.
• 8 Adirondack-style shelters (cabins) near the mountain top, featuring wood-burning stoves and bunk beds (open year-round).
• Two large group campsites with capacities of 25 and 40 people, perfect for scouting troops or large family reunions.
• On-site facilities including public restrooms, showers, and running water stations located within walking distance of the sites.
• Dedicated grilling and picnic areas for day-use visitors looking to enjoy a meal in the forest.
• Convenient payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and checks for camping fees.
• Free on-site parking and a designated parking lot for day hikers and day-use visitors.

The features and highlights of Jenny Jump State Forest Campground go beyond simple overnight stays. One of the most distinctive features is its reputation as one of the few "dark sky" locations left in New Jersey. This makes it the home of the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory. Every Saturday evening from April through October, the observatory is open to the public for free astronomy presentations and stargazing through high-powered telescopes. For many campers, the chance to see Mars, Saturn, or distant galaxies is the highlight of their trip. Additionally, the forest's 14 miles of hiking trails offer varied challenges, from the easy Orchard Trail to the more demanding Summit Trail, which takes hikers to an elevation of 1,090 feet for breathtaking views of the Delaware Water Gap.

• World-class stargazing at the UACNJ Observatory, featuring Saturday night public programs and lecture series.
• 14 miles of blazed hiking trails, including kid-friendly hikes like the Solar Walk scale model of the solar system.
• Direct access to the Summit Trail for panoramic mountain vistas of the surrounding Highlands and Great Meadows.
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of deer, wild turkeys, hawks, and the occasional black bear.
• Kid-friendly amenities such as a playground with slides and swings, perfect for younger travelers.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow leashed dogs in the tent and trailer areas (additional fee may apply).
• Proximity to Ghost Lake and Lake Just-It for car-top boating, canoeing, and fishing for bass and sunfish.
• Access to historic iron mines and geological features that offer a glimpse into the region's industrial and prehistoric past.

For those planning a visit, it is highly recommended to contact the park office in advance to confirm site availability or to make a reservation through the official New Jersey State Park portal. Because the campground is relatively small, sites—especially the shelters—tend to book up quickly during peak weekends. The staff at the Blairstown office can provide guidance on current trail conditions and any seasonal alerts regarding local wildlife.

Contact Information:

• Address: 330 State Park Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825, USA
• Phone: (908) 459-4366

What is worth choosing about Jenny Jump State Forest Campground is the unparalleled sense of peace and the unique educational opportunities it provides. It is worth choosing for the "different world" feel it offers central and southern Jersey residents, providing a true mountain experience without the need for a long-distance drive. The thoughtful layout of the cabin and tent sites ensures that you have the privacy needed for a quiet getaway, while the presence of the observatory turns a standard camping trip into an educational adventure for both adults and children. For families, the combination of "kid-friendly hikes" and on-site playgrounds ensures that the youngest campers remain engaged and entertained.

Furthermore, the park's year-round availability via the shelters makes it worth choosing for those who enjoy the challenge and beauty of winter camping. Waking up to a snowy forest while a wood stove crackles in your shelter is a quintessentially New Jersey Highlands experience. The affordability of the camping fees compared to private resorts also makes it an excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you are there for the 1.6-billion-year-old glacial boulders, the silent starlit nights, or the miles of winding trails, Jenny Jump State Forest Campground provides a high-quality, authentic outdoor escape that stays with you long after you've returned home.

Would you like me to help you find the specific reservation link for the Jenny Jump shelters or perhaps provide a list of the upcoming Saturday night lecture topics at the observatory?