Are you the owner for this storage? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Stokes
Overview
Stokes State Forest in Branchville, New Jersey, offers a quintessential mountain escape along the scenic Kittatinny Ridge. Established in the early 20th century, this expansive natural area is a premier destination for those seeking a forested retreat away from urban life. The park provides a rugged, authentic camping experience where the primary focus is on the surrounding landscape, offering a sense of peace that is increasingly rare in the tri-state area.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the northwestern corner of New Jersey, the park is defined by its rocky terrain and glacial features. It encompasses over 16,000 acres of lush forest and provides a gateway to some of the state's most dramatic elevations. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by dense canopies of oak and hemlock, with the sound of rushing water from the Big Flatbrook providing a constant, soothing backdrop to their stay in the woods.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state forest, the facilities lean toward a rustic aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for self-contained RVs and traditional campers. Most campsites include a stone fire ring and picnic table, facilitating classic evening gatherings under the stars. The park features several camping areas, including the popular Lake Ocquittunk, which provides access to modern restrooms and hot showers. While the park does not offer full hookups, well-maintained dump stations and potable water access ensure a manageable stay for prepared travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the park for its extensive trail system, which includes a notable section of the Appalachian Trail. A visit to the summit of Sunrise Mountain is essential for anyone staying here, as it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap and the surrounding valleys. For a quieter afternoon, the Tillman Ravine area features scenic walks through cool, shaded canyons filled with small waterfalls and unique geological formations that highlight the area's natural history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature lovers and active hikers who prefer a quiet, primitive setting over a high-density commercial resort. It is best suited for owners of small to mid-sized RVs, camper vans, or rooftop tents due to the winding forest roads and wooded site layouts. If your travel style prioritizes wildlife viewing, trout fishing, and solitude, Stokes State Forest serves as the perfect mountain sanctuary for your next New Jersey adventure.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Morgan Spehar
Great park with well-maintained trails. The picture is from the Culver Fire Tower. We stayed at Shotwell Campground overnight - nice big, secluded tent site with a site-specific bathroom. Would definitely stay again. And the staff at the park office were very helpful with trail recommendations and directions!
Sonia D. Arbulu
Love this place, Great for camping with the family, safe and clean.
Christopher Khalaf
Stokes State Forest is an absolute gem in New Jersey! My family and I spent a weekend camping here, and it exceeded all our expectations. The campsites are spacious and secluded, with bear-proof bins and fire rings that made us feel safe and prepared. We hiked several trails, including the stunning Silver Mine Loop and the path to Sunrise Mountain, where the views at dawn were breathtaking—rolling hills, vibrant forests, and crystal-clear skies. The markers and maps are incredibly helpful, making navigation a breeze even for beginners. Stony Lake was a highlight for swimming and relaxing; the water is pristine, and the nearby playground kept the kids entertained for hours. Facilities are spotless, with clean bathrooms, picnic pavilions, and even a concession stand for snacks. Whether you're into fishing, birdwatching, or just unwinding in nature, Stokes has it all. We've already planned our next trip—five stars without a doubt!
Justin Honig
I love this place! It has so many unique trails, and it is quiet and peaceful. The Sunrise Mountain trail was epic, and the pavilion was well built. The sheer cliffs make this place truly spectacular.
Nick Rader
The Stokes office staff are highly professional and very courteous. The forest and campsites are clean and well. Kept family and pet friendly. Highly recommend it
Sandy Crespo
I have been coming here since I was a baby. Haven't been here since early 2000's super happy they have pet friendly sites. That was what held me back. I rather a state park than a private campground. The lake is no longer open but there are updates within the park so no complaints from me or my two pups. This nature loving girl will be back 💓 🐾
Clara Bang
I love this area. Unfortunately, after we all set than, the steeper was broken.l because the wood was too old and worn out also, loosen. I felt down and hit my hip bone to stone. luckily, my husband held my arm. At night time, he also fell down Almost rolling down. He was wearing thick pants and pants cut from rust nails. We both of them have big bruises and sprain from this happened. We'll never take that site, which is a wood deck and stepper again.
pig hiv
We just got back from a 4 day 3 night stay, was good times. The sites are clean and well maintained, so thats a plus. That being said, the road is an absolute mess, and is in need of some repair. Also seems none of the water stations work anywhere, well at least not on the shotwell loop. So make sure you bring plenty of water, or you may spend a long time sitting in line to get some at the only workkng water station. I will say though, that the water coming from the Artesian spring was fantastic. Was cold, clean and tastes great. The pit toilets could use some good cleaning too, but for what it is, it is what it is. With all this, we do plan on returning, but will be better prepared. So dont let that deter you from going there and having a great time.
Kitty Mon
FIRST: IT IS TICK SEASON! They are everywhere and we got some on us and the trail wasn't even overgrown. Aside from that... I love this park! The trails are pretty empty. It seems like most people that come here just camp but don't hike. There are 11 miles of the Appalachian trail in this park. The last time I was here I spotted a pair of black bears, today we saw a large black racer snake, some deer, and the leftovers of a skunk.