Camp Taylor Campground, Knowlton Township, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents yearning to trade the hustle of the Garden State's more populated areas for the tranquility of its mountains, Camp Taylor Campground offers an authentic, back-to-nature experience. Situated on a sprawling 400 acres in Columbia, NJ, this family-owned and operated destination provides a genuine outdoor retreat in the scenic Skylands Region, right on the doorstep of the iconic Delaware Water Gap. Since 1964, the Taylor Family has been dedicated to offering campers a pristine, natural setting that prioritizes the environment and a peaceful atmosphere.

Camp Taylor is not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it is a full-fledged natural sanctuary. It features a stunning two-acre lake, miles of private hiking trails, and a unique proximity to the Lakota Wolf Preserve, from which the nocturnal howling of wolves often adds to the remote wilderness feel—a truly distinctive New Jersey experience. The campground is renowned among local users for its spacious, wooded sites that ensure privacy, as noted by visitors who appreciate not being "on top of each other."

Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for direct access to the Appalachian Trail, a family seeking clean, safe amenities for a weekend getaway, or a first-time camper opting for the cozy comfort of a rental cabin, Camp Taylor has cultivated a reputation for being beautifully kept, professionally managed, and staffed by a team described as welcoming, friendly, and genuinely caring about their guests' experience. This blend of pristine nature and high-quality service makes it a premier camping choice for locals across the state.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Taylor Campground is conveniently located at 85 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA. This address places it squarely in Warren County, a highly accessible part of Northwest New Jersey, making it an ideal destination for residents from all corners of the state, including Central and North Jersey, as well as the nearby tri-state area. The location on the Delaware Water Gap Mountain provides immediate immersion into a vast wilderness area, being adjacent to 125,000 acres of public land, including Worthington State Forest.

Accessibility is a key advantage for local travelers. The campground is situated just off major routes, allowing for a smooth drive to your vacation site without extensive backroad navigation (though first-time visitors are often advised not to rely solely on GPS for the final approach). Once arrived, the physical location provides an unparalleled base camp for exploring the region. It offers direct hiking access right from the campground to the Appalachian Trail and to the scenic viewpoints overlooking the Delaware River. This means New Jersey residents can enjoy world-class hiking, such as the popular trek up Mount Tammany, without ever having to worry about finding public parking at a separate trailhead.

Despite its seemingly remote, natural setting, the campground is only a short drive from local towns like Blairstown, which offer necessary services, grocery stores, and local dining, bridging the gap between a wilderness escape and modern convenience. This strategic location solidifies Camp Taylor as a perfect, accessible outdoor retreat for the New Jersey community.

Services Offered (For Campers and Lodging)

Camp Taylor is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient camping experience by offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to various styles of outdoor enjoyment, from rustic tenting to equipped RV stays.

Diverse Site Offerings: Availability includes primitive tent sites, electric and water hook-up sites (with 20, 30, and 50 Amp service), and a separate section dedicated to tenting.
Rental Accommodations: For those without their own equipment, the campground offers cozy rental cabins (rustic and deluxe options) and fully equipped destination-style rental trailers, noted by customers as being clean, cozy, and comfortable.
Clean Restroom Facilities: Super clean restrooms with flush toilets and 24-hour hot showers are a major highlight, frequently mentioned in customer reviews for their excellent maintenance.
Utility Services: Campers benefit from water and electric hook-ups at designated sites, on-site potable water, a centrally located dumping station, and an optional mid-week on-site sewage pump-out service for RVs (no sewer hookups at individual sites).
Camp Store and Gift Shop: A well-stocked camp store sells essentials like ice, firewood, basic camping supplies, candy, and snacks. A unique gift shop is also available on-site.
Propane and Firewood Sales: Propane is available for sale, and firewood bundles are provided for convenient, regulated campfires.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi access is available in and around the main office, lounge, and central areas of the campground, assisting with light browsing and communication.

Features / Highlights (Unique Attractions and Activities)

What truly sets Camp Taylor apart for New Jersey residents are the unique features and built-in amenities that enhance the outdoor lifestyle and family fun.

The Lakota Wolf Preserve: Located directly on the campground's property, this is a distinct and highly-rated attraction. Campers can hear the wolves howl from their sites and have the unique opportunity to book educational tours to observe wolves, bobcats, and foxes in their natural habitat.
Private Swimming Lake: A beautiful two-acre lake offers a designated swimming area. The lake is also perfect for launching personal kayaks and canoes (no motors or paddle boards permitted), providing a peaceful spot for water activities.
Direct Appalachian Trail Access: Unparalleled access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian Trail allows hikers to begin their adventure to destinations like Mount Tammany right from their campsite, eliminating the hassle of public trailhead parking.
Family Recreation Amenities: The campground provides a range of fun activities including a playground, a recreation field, miniature golf, volleyball, horseshoes, and cornhole, catering to all age groups.
Wooded and Spacious Sites: The vast 400-acre property features large, heavily wooded sites that ensure privacy and a true wilderness feel, a feature highly valued by repeat visitors.
Environmental Stewardship: Camp Taylor is a certified tree farm and has been recognized with the New Jersey Governor's Environmental Tourism Award, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the New Jersey Skylands.

Contact Information

New Jersey locals interested in experiencing the genuine outdoor retreat at Camp Taylor Campground can use the following information for reservations and inquiries. Remember to call ahead for holiday weekends, as they are often booked months in advance.

Address: 85 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA

Phone: (908) 496-4333

Mobile Phone: +1 908-496-4333

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Camp Taylor Campground is perfectly suited for New Jersey residents as a prime destination for accessible, high-quality, and authentic outdoor recreation. It addresses the local desire for a convenient escape that feels truly removed from the urban environment. This is more than just a place to stay; it is an immersive natural experience strategically located to maximize convenience for locals.

The unique blend of being a private, family-run business with a strong commitment to clean facilities and a genuine connection to the surrounding wilderness—highlighted by the on-site Lakota Wolf Preserve and immediate access to the Appalachian Trail—provides unparalleled value. For families, the combination of a swimming lake, a clean and safe environment, and recreational amenities makes it a reliable spot for creating lasting memories. For nature enthusiasts, the 400 acres of pristine forest offer a true sanctuary for hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing by the campfire, all within a short drive from most of the state.

In short, Camp Taylor provides New Jersey users with the ideal 'staycation'—a peaceful, relaxing, and beautifully maintained 'hidden gem' that allows for a complete disconnect from the daily grind without the hassle of long-distance travel, offering a genuine taste of the New Jersey Skylands wilderness.