Jenny Jump Group Site A

- W38J+PH, Frelinghuysen Township, NJ 07825

For organizations, families, and friends in New Jersey looking to plan a memorable outdoor experience for a larger party, the **Jenny Jump Group Site A** offers the perfect wilderness basecamp. Located within the breathtaking 4,466 acres of Jenny Jump State Forest in the scenic Skylands Region of Warren County, this dedicated group campsite provides the space and facilities necessary to host a significant gathering while immersing everyone in the best of North Jersey's natural beauty.

Jenny Jump State Forest is famed for its commanding panoramic views of the Kittatinny Mountains, the vast Pequest Valley, and the majestic Delaware Water Gap. The park is a geological marvel, covered in rocky outcroppings and glacial boulders left by the Wisconsin Ice Age. Group Site A is one of two dedicated group camping areas within the forest, designed to accommodate larger parties than the standard tent and trailer sites. It provides a more primitive, rustic experience ideal for scouting troops, youth groups, or large family reunions seeking tranquility and privacy.

When booking this site, you are securing more than just a piece of ground; you are securing an exclusive gateway to over 11 miles of marked trails, excellent fishing in two nearby lakes, and, most uniquely, access to one of the few remaining "dark sky" locations in the state, home to the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory. The campsite is open seasonally, typically operating from April 1st through October 31st, making it a perfect destination for spring, summer, or fall excursions.

Jenny Jump Group Site A is situated within the bounds of Jenny Jump State Forest, which rises dramatically above the surrounding farmlands.

The core of the State Forest, including the main camping areas and office, is centrally located, making it a relatively convenient destination from many parts of Central and North Jersey. The address for the State Forest headquarters, which governs the campsite, is:

**330 State Park Road, Hope, NJ 07844**

While the provided GPS coordinates (W38J+PH) point to the general area in Frelinghuysen Township, the actual campsite, designated as "Group Site A," is located on a specific, secluded section of the forest grounds separate from the individual tent sites. Access to the State Forest is generally easy via major routes. For those traveling on Interstate 80, the park is conveniently accessible from Exit 12 (Hope/Blairstown). From there, local roads, including State Park Road, lead directly up the mountain to the forest facilities. Given its location atop Jenny Jump Mountain, travelers should anticipate a winding, scenic drive upon entering the park boundaries.

Group Site A is designed for self-contained group camping, focusing on essential facilities to support a large number of campers in a natural setting.

• **Group Capacity:** This specific group site accommodates a large number of campers, with an officially designated capacity that historically allows for up to **25 individuals**. It is one of only two large group sites in the forest, offering a level of exclusivity for major outings.
• **Tent Camping Only:** The site is strictly for tent camping and is managed with a "leave no trace" ethos, meaning visitors must bring all necessary equipment for their stay.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Unlike the main tent and trailer campground which features flush toilets and showers, the group sites are equipped with more rustic but essential facilities:
  • **Pit Toilets** are provided on-site for convenient access.
  • **Potable Water** may be available at designated collection points nearby or at the main comfort station, but groups should confirm water access details with the park office upon booking.
• **Essentials Provided:** The site includes infrastructure for cooking and gathering:
  • Large **fire rings** for communal campfires and cooking.
  • Numerous **picnic tables** for meal preparation and dining.
• **Reservation System:** Reservations for Group Site A are mandatory and must be made well in advance through the official New Jersey State Park Service online reservation system (Camping.nj.gov) or by calling the park office.

Jenny Jump State Forest provides a wealth of outdoor features, making a stay at Group Site A an opportunity for diverse recreational and educational activities.

• **Spectacular Panoramic Views:** The forest's main draw is its high elevation along the Jenny Jump Mountain ridge. The Summit Trail leads to incredible overlooks, providing jaw-dropping vistas of the Delaware Water Gap, the Kittatinny Mountains, and the Great Meadows below.
• **The UACNJ Observatory:** On Saturday evenings from April through October, campers have the unique benefit of being near the **United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory**. The high elevation and low light pollution make this one of the state’s best locations for stargazing. Free public programs allow visitors to view planets, stars, and deep-sky objects through powerful telescopes.
• **Extensive Hiking Trails:** The park boasts over 11 miles of marked trails, including the popular Summit and Ghost Lake Trails. These trails traverse a beautiful, rocky landscape, showcasing the glacial history of the area. The 3.7-mile Mountain Lake Trail is also open for mountain biking.
• **Fishing and Boating:** The forest is home to Ghost Lake and Mountain Lake. Ghost Lake features a car-top boat launch, offering excellent opportunities for fishing for bass, sunfish, and catfish. The tranquil waters provide a peaceful setting for canoeing or kayaking.
• **Shelter Access:** While Group Site A is primitive, the park does offer year-round, enclosed shelters/cabins nearby which feature wood-burning stoves and bunks, offering a unique lodging option that highlights the park's diverse facilities.

All reservations and direct operational inquiries for Jenny Jump Group Site A are managed by the State Forest office.

Park Name: Jenny Jump State Forest

Physical Address (Park Office): 330 State Park Rd, Hope, NJ 07844

Phone Number: (908) 459-4366

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 150, Hope, NJ 07844

Online Reservations: Camping.nj.gov (The official State Park Service reservation portal)

Jenny Jump State Forest and its Group Site A are an essential part of New Jersey's public recreational offerings, making it an ideal choice for local residents. As a State Forest facility, it is managed for conservation and public enjoyment, offering a high-quality outdoor experience at an accessible price point, particularly for New Jersey residents who benefit from reduced state park fees.

For a large New Jersey group—be it a school trip, a religious retreat, or a large extended family—finding a private, dedicated space for 25 people can be challenging. Group Site A fills this niche perfectly, providing necessary amenities (fire ring, picnic tables, pit toilet) with enough isolation to foster a truly communal experience. Furthermore, its location offers a quintessential North Jersey outdoor education experience: geological lessons on the trails, breathtaking regional views, and world-class stargazing right within the state borders. It is a genuine piece of the Garden State's preserved wilderness, ready to be explored by its local citizens. Planning a group trip here means embracing the challenge of traditional tent camping with the incredible reward of waking up to one of New Jersey’s most spectacular natural vistas.

Jenny Jump Group Site A

W38J+PH, Frelinghuysen Township, NJ 07825, USA