Lewis Morris Park Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts and organized groups in New Jersey, Lewis Morris Park Campground stands as a serene sanctuary tucked away in the heart of Mendham Township. As the very first park opened by the Morris County Park Commission in 1958, this expansive 2,213-acre facility has long been a favorite for those seeking to escape the suburban bustle without a long trek to the state’s northernmost borders. From the perspective of a New Jersey local, Lewis Morris Park is more than just a patch of woods; it is a storied landscape that borders the historic Jockey Hollow and offers a quintessential Garden State outdoor experience through its diverse ecosystems, rolling hills, and dedicated group camping facilities.

The campground specifically caters to organized groups—such as scouts, youth organizations, and community clubs—looking for a rustic, back-to-basics environment. Unlike commercial RV resorts that may prioritize modern luxuries, Lewis Morris focuses on the authentic camping tradition. Visitors here find themselves immersed in a mature hardwood forest, where the only neighbors are the local wildlife and fellow nature lovers. Because the park serves as a hub for both passive and active recreation, a stay at the campground provides immediate access to one of the most comprehensive trail systems in the region, making it an ideal home base for weekend adventures.

One important note for local campers is the distinction between this site and other county-managed areas. While Lewis Morris Park is situated in Mendham and Morris Township, the county's individual and RV camping is primarily handled at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Lake Hopatcong. Consequently, those booking individual sites may occasionally find their confirmation directed toward the Weldon Road address. However, for those seeking the specific "Organized Group Camping Area" at Lewis Morris, the journey leads to the tranquil, wooded stretches of Tempe Wick Road, where the true spirit of group camaraderie and outdoor skill-building takes center stage.

Located at Camp Ground Access Road in Mendham Township, NJ 07945, the campground is remarkably accessible for residents across Northern and Central New Jersey. Its proximity to major regional arteries like Route 24 and Route 510 means that you can transition from your driveway to the trailhead in a fraction of the time it takes to reach the Jersey Shore or the Delaware Water Gap. The entrance is designed to accommodate various vehicles, including those requiring accessibility features, ensuring that all members of a group can participate in the fun. With dedicated on-site parking and a clear layout, the logistics of a group outing are significantly simplified once you arrive at the park gates.

• Situated on Camp Ground Access Road, Mendham Township, with the main park office located at 270 Mendham Road in Morristown.
• Features wheelchair-accessible entrance points and a dedicated accessible parking lot to accommodate all guests.
• Proximity to the historic Morristown National Historical Park (Jockey Hollow), offering educational opportunities alongside recreation.
• Centrally located within Morris County, making it a convenient meeting point for groups from various parts of the state.
• Ample on-site parking is available, though group organizers are encouraged to coordinate arrival due to the rustic nature of the campsite access.

The services offered at Lewis Morris Park Campground are tailored toward supporting group dynamics and self-sufficiency. The campground provides two distinct group sites, each capable of hosting up to 40 campers. These sites are equipped with the essentials of a traditional woods-based experience, including tent platforms that help keep your equipment dry and elevated during New Jersey’s unpredictable spring or summer showers. While the experience is intentionally rustic, the park commission ensures that the infrastructure—from the campfire rings to the bear-proof disposal areas—is well-maintained to provide a safe and organized stay for everyone involved.

• Organized group camping areas designed specifically for scouts and registered community organizations.
• Standard amenities including heavy-duty picnic tables and campfire rings for cooking and evening gatherings.
• Public restroom facilities located on-site, including accessible portable restrooms to support larger groups.
• Provided firewood (when available) to ensure campfires are managed safely and sustainably.
• Bear-proof trash disposal areas to keep the campsite clean and minimize interactions with local wildlife.
• A shared activity tent area, providing a sheltered space for group meetings, educational sessions, or meal prep during inclement weather.

The features and highlights of Lewis Morris Park extend far beyond the borders of the campsite itself. For families and youth, Sunrise Lake Beach Club is the crown jewel of the park during the summer months. This seasonal destination features a sandy beach and the "Wibit"—an inflatable obstacle course that is a massive hit with children. Additionally, the park’s 25-mile trail network is a major draw for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike. These trails range from easy loops perfect for small children to technical singletracks that challenge even experienced riders, all while providing stunning vistas and peaceful stream crossings.

• Sunrise Lake Beach Club: A family-friendly swimming area with a 30-foot water slide and paddleboat rentals.
• Extensive trail system with over 25 miles of multi-use paths for hiking, off-road biking, and horseback riding.
• Dog-friendly environment: Dogs are allowed in the park (on-leash on trails) and there is a dedicated off-leash dog park available.
• Winter recreation opportunities including sledding hills, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing when conditions permit.
• Historical landmarks: The park is named after New Jersey's first governor and sits adjacent to American Revolution winter encampment sites.
• Picnic shelters: Multiple reservable shelters like Sugarloaf and Doe Meadow are available for day-use gatherings.

To secure a spot at the Lewis Morris Park Campground, interested groups must contact the Morris County Park Commission directly. Reservations are required for all overnight stays, and because the park is a popular choice for local scouts, it is recommended to plan your trip several months in advance, especially for peak fall and spring weekends.

• Address: Camp Ground Access Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945, USA
• Phone: 973-326-7631 (Morris County Park Commission Reservations)
• Email: parkreservations@morrisparks.net

When deciding on an outdoor destination in the Garden State, Lewis Morris Park Campground is worth choosing because it offers a rare combination of historic character and diverse recreational activity. For a New Jersey resident, it provides the "big park" feel of a state forest while remaining intimately connected to the local community. It is a place where you can teach a child to identify native trees in the morning, enjoy a swim in a picturesque lake in the afternoon, and end the day sharing stories around a campfire in the same woods where colonial history was written.

Furthermore, the park’s dedication to a range of uses—from its specialized dog park to its technical mountain biking trails—means that every member of your group will find something to enjoy. Choosing Lewis Morris for your next group campout means choosing a facility that values the preservation of nature and the importance of outdoor education. It is an accessible, affordable, and beautiful piece of New Jersey’s heritage that continues to provide a vital green space for the health and happiness of the community. Whether you are leading a scout troop or planning a community retreat, the peace and adventure found at Lewis Morris are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who walks its trails.