Is Swartswood Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Swartswood Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Swartswood Campground before I book?

Yes! Swartswood Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Swartswood Campground?

Swartswood Campground is open Typically open late spring through fall (May–October); some facilities and services may be limited in the off-season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Swartswood Campground?

Yes, Swartswood Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Swartswood Campground have?

Swartswood Campground has 74 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swartswood Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Swartswood Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Swartswood Campground?

Swartswood Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swartswood Campground?

Popular activities at Swartswood Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swartswood Campground

4.57

60 reviews

Top 19% in NJSummer

B-Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping New Jersey#1 Boating Camping New Jersey#1 Swimming Camping New Jersey#2 +4 more

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Typically open late ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on NewJerseyStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Typically open late ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on NewJerseyStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Swartswood Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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New Jersey State Parks

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Campground Map

Swartswood Campground

41.0736, -74.8188

Weather at Swartswood Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swartswood Campground

Plan your visit between late spring and fall (roughly May through October) to experience Swartswood at its finest. Summer brings warm lake temperatures perfect for afternoon swims and lazy paddling sessions, while September and October transform the surrounding forest into a spectacular canvas of autumn color—ideal for hiking the park's trails. Winter offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, though you'll want to check ahead as some facilities scale back or close during the colder months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in NJ

Summer offers warm lake swimming, paddling, rentals, and peak lake recreation season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically open late spring through fall (May–October); some facilities and services may be limited in the off-season.

About Swartswood Campground

Tucked along the pristine shores of Swartswood Lake in northwestern New Jersey's glacial valley, this campground delivers the rare combination of peaceful lakefront sites and true wilderness immersion. With motor-restricted waters that keep the lake tranquil and glassy, you'll enjoy swimming, paddling, and fishing from your wooded campsite, though you'll want to reserve early—this hidden gem fills quickly during peak season.

Campground sites with fire rings and picnic tables are provided; specific site types and hookup availability (tent, RV, primitive, group sites, cabins) are not specified in the provided sources.

Historical Significance

Swartswood is notable as one of New Jersey's earliest state park properties; the lake area was acquired by the state in 1914 and established as a state park in 1915 due to public interest in protecting the site.

Weather and SeasonsPlan your visit between late spring and fall (roughly May through October) to experience Swartswood at its finest. Summer brings warm lake temperatures perfect for afternoon swims and lazy paddling sessions, while September and October transform the surrounding forest into a spectacular canvas of autumn color—ideal for hiking the park's trails. Winter offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, though you'll want to check ahead as some facilities scale back or close during the colder months.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to morning mist rising off a glacial freshwater lake, surrounded by towering hardwoods with the Kittatinny Mountains rising in the distance. Swartswood Lake's crystal-clear waters lap gently at the shoreline, creating the quintessential New Jersey state park experience—the kind where you can canoe out at dawn without hearing anything but loons and your own paddle. The forested setting provides welcome shade in summer and explodes into a riot of golds and crimsons come fall, while the calm, motor-free waters maintain a serenity increasingly rare in the Garden State.

Geological RegionKittatinny Valley / Kittatinny Mountains region; glacial freshwater lake setting (Swartswood Lake).

Scenic ViewsPrimary views are of Swartswood Lake and its shoreline, with wooded hills and valley scenery visible from lakeside and shore-adjacent campsites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (typical platform for New Jersey State Parks reservations)

Total Campsites74 campsites

Best CampsitesLakeside or shore-adjacent sites are generally recommended for best access to the lake and water views. Campers report the campground fills early in peak seasons, so early reservations are advised.

Need help booking Swartswood Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Beach and swim area; boat launch and canoe/kayak/boat rentals; concession stand; playground; group picnic area; park office; camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables; brick bathhouse with showers and restrooms. Motor-restricted lake (no gas motors).

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Swartswood Campground

Lake-centered recreation with swimming, non-gas boating and paddling, fishing, hiking and picnicking; wildlife and birdwatching opportunities in the wooded lakeshore setting.

Boating4.5/5Top 1% in New Jersey

Motor-restricted lake with canoe/kayak rentals and a small boat launch; paddling a key draw.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails and park paths through woods and Kittatinny Valley views referenced in Activities.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Designated beach/swim area and reports of a sandy beach and swim access.

Beach activities4.0/5

Sandy designated beach and swim area noted in overview and activities.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Wooded lakeshore and birdwatching opportunities mentioned; wildlife present but not emphasized.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Mist over the lake, wooded shorelines and distant ridgelines provide varied photo subjects and vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

60 reviews

Top-Rated

Swartswood Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall strongly positive visitor sentiment: reviewers praise the peaceful, scenic lakeside setting, clean facilities, family-friendly amenities, and paddling/swimming opportunities. A minority of reviews note maintenance issues or limited responsiveness from park staff and that the campground fills quickly in peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful, scenic lake setting with clear water; lakeside campsites and beach; boat and paddle rentals; playground and concession stand; brick bathhouse with showers; family-friendly atmosphere.

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for popular dates and fall foliage season; request lakeside/shore-adjacent sites for best water access and views; bring or obtain a New Jersey fishing license for fishing; expect...

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome camping sites!"; "Has pretty much everything for a fun filled day"; "A great place to camp with kids. There are bathrooms with showers in the brick building."

Based on 60 reviews

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Swartswood Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

New Jersey State Parks

Provider

Go if

Lake days matter most, and this place has them. Shore-adjacent sites, the beach and swim area, canoe and kayak rentals, hiking in Swartswood State Park, and a brick bathhouse make it a good pick for families and paddlers.

Skip if

RVers who need hookups or a full-service setup will be disappointed. There’s no electric, no water hookups, and no dump station, and reviewers say peak-season dates book fast with a few maintenance gripes.

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Rivers Bend Group Campground sits along the Delaware River in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a National Park Service site in Pennsylvania. This group-only facility offers primitive tent camping with vault toilets, potable water via hand pump, and fire rings at spacious sites. Summer visitors come for river paddling, swimming, and scenic water access during the seasonal operating window.

Swartswood Campground

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Featured in these camping guides

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