Haskin's Group Campsites, Sandyston, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents looking to organize a memorable outdoor retreat for a large gathering—be it a family reunion, a scout troop expedition, a school trip, or an organizational outing—Haskin's Group Campsites offers one of the best and most sought-after locations in the northern part of the state. Situated within the breathtaking 16,447 acres of Stokes State Forest in the Kittatinny Mountains, this facility is specifically designed to accommodate large parties while still providing crucial amenities that elevate the rustic camping experience.

Unlike standard family campgrounds where individual sites are limited to six people, Haskin's is built for scale, offering a collection of dedicated, spacious group sites. This focus on group accommodation means that organizations can reserve ample space for tents, trailers, and numerous vehicles, ensuring everyone can camp together. The high praise from customer reviews consistently highlights two key factors: the joy of the group campsite experience and the superior quality of the facilities, specifically noting the availability of clean private showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. This combination of robust natural surroundings and excellent sanitation is often the deciding factor for groups planning multi-day stays, ensuring comfort and hygiene remain a priority amidst the wilderness adventure. While the entire campground is a well-known resource, the specific location and facilities at Haskin's ensure a secluded and enjoyable group experience, even allowing for mid-week stays where the "entire campground" can feel entirely private, as one reviewer happily noted.

Location and Accessibility

Haskin's Group Campsites is conveniently located off Kittle Rd in Sandyston, NJ 07826, placing it deep within the heart of Stokes State Forest. This location puts it squarely in the stunning Skylands Region of New Jersey, renowned for its mountainous woodlands, clear streams, and extensive trail systems.

The proximity to major North Jersey and even New York/Pennsylvania hubs makes it an incredibly practical choice for local users. The drive-in access to the sites is a significant convenience for groups transporting large amounts of gear, tents, and supplies. Importantly, the campsites serve as a phenomenal staging area for accessing the immense recreational opportunities of Stokes State Forest and the surrounding area. It is near the renowned Big Flatbrook stream, famous for trout fishing, and the network of trails that crisscross the Kittatinny Mountains, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. The park office and nearby facilities like Kittle Field—which often features a large group picnic pavilion and play areas—are easily accessible from the campsites, blending a secluded wilderness feel with necessary logistical support.

Services Offered

The primary services at Haskin's Group Campsites are centered around providing a comfortable and well-equipped base camp for large gatherings. The State of New Jersey, which manages the facility, ensures essential amenities are present and well-maintained.

Flush Toilet Facilities: Providing a significant upgrade over traditional pit toilets, the clean, modern restrooms ensure a comfortable stay for all group members.
Hot Showers: Private shower rooms are available, offering campers the highly-valued comfort of hot water and cleanliness after a long day of hiking or activities.
Potable Drinking Water: Reliable access to fresh, safe drinking water is provided on-site.
Drive-In Site Access: All group sites are accessible by vehicle, allowing for easy loading and unloading of equipment, tents, and food supplies.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills to facilitate group meals and evening campfires.
Large Capacity: Sites are officially rated to handle up to 30 people and 10 vehicles (and one site can accommodate up to 65 people), ensuring compliance and adequate space.
Designated Grills: Most sites include dedicated grills, separating cooking from the main campfire area for safety and efficiency.

Features / Highlights

The true appeal of Haskin's lies in its combination of specialized group facilities and its prime location for outdoor recreation in the New Jersey Highlands.

Dedicated Group Focus: Haskin's is explicitly designed for large group enjoyment, providing a rare opportunity for dozens of people to share a single, reserved area, making it perfect for team-building or large family events.
Superior Sanitation: The feature of clean private showers and flush toilets is a significant highlight, especially for organized groups where comfort and adherence to sanitation standards are important.
Access to Big Flatbrook Fishing: Campers are within easy reach of the Big Flatbrook stream, recognized as one of New Jersey's top trout fishing destinations, offering excellent opportunities for anglers.
Appalachian Trail Proximity: Direct access to some of the best hiking in the state, including the world-famous Appalachian Trail and trails leading to panoramic vistas like Sunrise Mountain.
Kittle Field Recreation: The nearby Kittle Field area often provides additional recreational space, including open fields and potential playground equipment, which is ideal for groups with children or for organizing group games.
Extended Season: The group campsites are generally open from April 15th to October 31st, providing a long window to plan spring, summer, and spectacular fall foliage trips.
Horseshoe Pits: Some group sites are equipped with horseshoe pits, adding a fun, classic camping game activity for large gatherings (campers must bring their own horseshoes and spikes).

Contact Information

Haskin's Group Campsites is managed by the staff of Stokes State Forest. Booking and general information are handled through the New Jersey State Park Service system.

Address: Kittle Rd, Sandyston, NJ 07826, USA (Located within Stokes State Forest)

For booking reservations and specific information regarding site availability, group capacity, and fees (which vary based on the number of people and New Jersey residency status), local users should consult the official New Jersey State Park website or contact the Stokes State Forest office directly. The general contact number for the Forest Office is often used for inquiries.

General Phone Inquiry for Stokes State Forest: (973) 948-3820 (Note: This is the forest office number, as a specific number for Haskin's is not independently listed.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Haskin's Group Campsites in Stokes State Forest is an exceptional resource perfectly suited for New Jersey locals because it provides a premier solution for large-scale group outdoor activity in a spectacularly wild setting that is still easily accessible. For educators, scout leaders, church groups, or large extended families throughout New Jersey, finding a reliable, high-capacity venue with dependable amenities can be a challenge. Haskin's solves this by offering dedicated, clean, and well-equipped group sites that minimize planning stress. The combination of clean private showers, flush toilets, and a reserved, expansive campsite means groups can focus entirely on the experience—whether that's a rigorous hike up to Sunrise Mountain, a day of fishing in the Big Flatbrook, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of a massive campfire dinner. It serves as a vital escape valve, transporting locals quickly into the tranquil, rugged wilderness of the Kittatinny Mountains, making it the definitive North Jersey choice for organizing a deeply memorable and highly recommended group camping adventure. The proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also ensures that every weekend can bring a new, exciting outdoor adventure just minutes from the campsite.