Jenny Jump State Park Camping

- 289 State Park Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825

For New Jersey residents seeking a peaceful, authentic outdoor experience that feels worlds away from the Garden State's busy corridors, Jenny Jump State Park Camping offers a spectacular retreat. Situated atop Jenny Jump Mountain, this destination is renowned for its panoramic vistas, rugged, glacially-formed landscape, and a uniquely dark night sky—a true rarity in the region.

The camping facilities here embrace a more rustic, nature-focused style, catering to those who appreciate simplicity and seclusion. You have a choice between traditional tent and small trailer sites, or the popular, cozy 'shelters' (often described as cabins or lean-tos) which are available for year-round use. Visitors consistently praise the thoughtful layout of the campground; sites and shelters are surrounded by trees, offering a comforting degree of privacy where you feel spaced out from your neighbors.

What truly sets Jenny Jump State Park apart is its dual appeal for hikers and astronomers. With miles of trails and a stunning overlook featuring views of the Delaware Water Gap and the Kittatinny Mountains, the daytime is filled with opportunities for exploration. By night, its designation as one of the few truly dark sky locations in New Jersey—and the presence of an on-site public observatory—makes it an unparalleled spot for incredible stargazing. It’s a quiet getaway where the staff, described as friendly and helpful, ensure a welcoming and informative stay for all who visit.

Jenny Jump State Park is conveniently located in the scenic northwestern corner of the state, in Warren County, making it a relatively accessible escape for residents across Central and Northern New Jersey. The state forest covers approximately 4,466 acres of rugged mountain terrain, offering an immediate sense of wilderness upon arrival.

The specific address for the park's main office and camping area is:

Accessibility is straightforward, typically involving a brief drive off major routes like Interstate 80. The park's entrance in Blairstown leads to a scenic town setting that contributes to the 'different world' feeling mentioned by visitors from more urban parts of Central NJ. This strategic location places campers in the heart of the Highlands region, offering easy access to nearby attractions like the historic town of Hope and the broader Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area for expanded outdoor activities.

The forest’s elevated position contributes significantly to its unique features, including the dramatic views and the exceptional 'dark sky' conditions, a critical factor for the public astronomy observatory located within the park grounds.

Jenny Jump State Park offers a range of accommodations and essential facilities geared towards a traditional, nature-immersed camping experience. It’s important to note that the focus here is on the natural environment and simple, well-maintained necessities.

• Tent and Trailer Campsites: There are 22 designated tent and small trailer sites. Each is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cozy campfires and outdoor cooking. Campsites are generally open from April 1st to October 31st.
• Rustic Shelters (Cabins/Lean-tos): Eight unique shelters are available for rent and are open year-round. These small, basic cabins feature a furnished living area with a wood-burning stove and double-deck bunks that sleep four people (with capacity for two additional people with prior permission). They offer a comfortable, primitive experience without plumbing or electricity inside.
• Group Campsites: Two dedicated group sites are available, accommodating 25 and 40 campers respectively, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. These are ideal for scouts, school groups, or large family gatherings.
• Sanitary Facilities: Showers and flush toilets are located nearby and within walking distance of the shelters and the main camping area. While described as basic and sometimes in need of updating, they are functional, clean, and conveniently situated (cabins 1 and 2 are closest).
• Water and Cooking: Communal water collection points are available in the campground area, and shelters include an outdoor grill for cooking, along with a picnic table.
• Winter Camping: The shelters provide a popular option for year-round camping, allowing dedicated enthusiasts to enjoy the quiet solitude of a February camping trip with the warmth of a wood stove.

The experience at Jenny Jump State Park is enriched by several distinct highlights that draw outdoor enthusiasts from across New Jersey.

• The Public Observatory and Dark Skies: Jenny Jump is home to the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory. The forest is one of the darkest-sky locations in the state, offering fantastic opportunities for viewing the Milky Way and constellations. The observatory hosts free public stargazing programs and lectures on Saturday evenings from April through October, a truly unique highlight.
• Magnificent Vistas and Rocky Trails: The park’s extensive trail system, including the popular Summit Trail, offers stunning panoramic views of the Highlands, the Kittatinny Mountains, and the Delaware Water Gap. The trails are lined with rocky outcroppings—glacial debris from the Wisconsin Ice Age—making for an engaging and geologically interesting hike.
• The Secluded Shelter Experience: The shelters are a major draw, offering a 'cabin' feel with the privacy afforded by trees on all sides. They provide a step up from tent camping without sacrificing the connection to nature, complete with a wood-burning stove for cozy, off-grid comfort.
• All-Season Recreation: Beyond the warmer months, the park accommodates cross-country skiing and ice fishing on Ghost Lake during the winter, offering year-round outdoor adventure for the dedicated New Jersey camper.
• Friendly Staff and Welcoming Atmosphere: The staff and park personnel, such as 'Dale' who checked in a reviewer, are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and informative, ensuring visitors feel comfortable and safe exploring the trails and facilities.

For reservations, general inquiries about trail conditions, or to confirm the schedule for public programs at the observatory, please use the following contact information. Remember that campsite and shelter reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service's online reservation system.

Address: 289 State Park Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825, USA

Phone: (908) 459-4366

Mobile Phone: +1 908-459-4366

The park office operates year-round, typically during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), with camping facilities having seasonal restrictions (April through October) except for the year-round rental shelters.

Jenny Jump State Park Camping is ideally suited for New Jersey locals because it provides a genuine, accessible contrast to the daily bustle of the state’s more urban and suburban areas. For residents of Central and Northern New Jersey, it offers the perfect, relatively close-to-home option for truly 'unplugging.'

The campground’s small, quiet nature ensures a genuinely peaceful getaway, especially for those who want to avoid the crowds of larger recreational areas. The unique draw of the observatory and the incredibly dark skies present an opportunity that is virtually impossible to find elsewhere in the state, providing a truly memorable family activity or a quiet, introspective experience. Finally, the combination of extensive hiking trails, magnificent geological scenery, and year-round shelter options means Jenny Jump is not just a seasonal destination, but a reliable, beautiful mountain retreat that locals can rely on for a quick weekend escape any time of year.

Jenny Jump State Park Camping

289 State Park Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825, USA