Sawmill Lake Campground

- Sussex, NJ 07461

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking an authentic, peaceful escape into the wilderness without traveling far from home,

Sawmill Lake Campground

is a standout choice. Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of High Point State Park in Sussex County, this campground is a beloved local gem, offering a truly quiet and secluded experience. It caters primarily to tent campers who appreciate a more rustic, classic camping environment, surrounded by the state's highest elevations and stunning natural beauty. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the overall serene atmosphere, noting that the spacious layout ensures you "not bother the campers" next to you, providing a sense of privacy that is increasingly rare in popular camping areas. This is not a heavily commercialized park; instead,

Sawmill Lake Campground

offers a genuine opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature, making it a favorite for seasoned local adventurers and families alike. The atmosphere is consistently described as a comfortable balance between rugged nature and necessary basic amenities.

Location and Accessibility

Sawmill Lake Campground

is conveniently located within High Point State Park, in the northernmost reaches of New Jersey, situated in the town of Sussex, NJ 07461, USA. This location is particularly appealing to residents of Northern and Central New Jersey, offering a manageable drive for a weekend getaway. It sits just a short distance from the convergence of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, providing easy access to a vast network of regional trails and scenic drives.

Within the park, access to the campsites is a defining feature of the Sawmill Lake experience. As a classic tent camping area, many sites are designated as "walk-in," meaning vehicles are parked a short distance away—often 100 to 250 feet—with campers moving their gear, including coolers, to the actual campsite. While this setup is noted by some, such as the customer review citing the inconvenience of "moving coolers in and out of campground," it is a deliberate design choice that enhances the secluded, quiet, and pedestrian-friendly nature of the camping loops, effectively separating the vehicle traffic from the sleeping areas. Visitors should be prepared for this short trek from the car to the site, which is typical for campgrounds aiming to minimize visual and noise pollution from parking areas. Directions to the campground are typically routed through the main High Point State Park entrance, followed by an internal road to the specific Sawmill Lake area.

Services Offered

Sawmill Lake Campground

, as a state park facility, focuses on providing essential, functional services that support a rustic camping experience. It's important for New Jersey campers to note the style of amenities, which prioritize nature immersion over luxury conveniences:

• Campsite Types: Primarily offers sites for tent camping, with some sites specifically designated as "trailer campsites" for those needing immediate vehicle access.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available, typically through communal pump stations located within the campground area.
• Sanitary Facilities: Flush toilets are available within walking distance of the campsites. However, visitors should note that the facilities are basic, with one review mentioning that the "bathrooms aren't that great" and another clarifying that the "washrooms don’t have sinks to wash hands and no washing stations for dishes."
• Campsite Furnishings: Each campsite, including those with unique wooden tent platforms, is furnished with a fire ring and a picnic table for outdoor meals.
• Waste Management: Dumpsters and recycling facilities are typically provided at central locations within the camping area.
• Connectivity: A unique and welcome modern amenity, surprisingly, is the reliable internet connection, noted by a camper as "good," allowing for minimal connectivity while still enjoying the outdoors.
• Swimming Access: While swimming is not permitted in Sawmill Lake itself, registered campers have access to swimming facilities (with showers and lifeguards) at the nearby Lake Marcia Bathhouse during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Features / Highlights

The enduring appeal of

Sawmill Lake Campground

to local New Jersey residents is found in its specific natural and structural features:

• The Wooden Tent Platforms: A highly appreciated feature, these platforms offer a level, dry base for tents, which is especially useful given the common complaint from visitors about "uneven sites, not flat, and lots of water," with small natural streams running through some areas. These platforms mitigate the inconvenience of damp or sloped ground.
• Ideal Spacing and Privacy: Sites are generously sized and well-separated, providing enough "space to not bother the campers," creating a much-coveted quiet and private atmosphere.
• Direct Access to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the extensive trail system of High Point State Park, including access to segments of the legendary Appalachian Trail and the ascent to the High Point Monument.
• Friendly and Professional Staff: Repeated mentions of the "very friendly" staff underscore the welcoming, well-managed environment, contributing significantly to a positive experience.
• Scenic Sawmill Lake: The lake itself offers beautiful views and opportunities for non-motorized boating, providing a peaceful water element to the camping experience.

Contact Information

Sawmill Lake Campground

is an integrated part of High Point State Park, and thus all reservations, inquiries, and key logistical questions should be directed to the main park office. While the specific address is

Sussex, NJ 07461, USA

, the most reliable contact details for the park are as follows:

Address: High Point State Park Office (for check-in and information)

Phone: For general park information, reservations, or noise complaints (especially after hours), New Jersey residents are encouraged to use the public park service numbers which are consistently available through the NJ State Park website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Sawmill Lake Campground

is an indispensable resource for New Jersey locals seeking a quality, rustic camping experience. It provides the perfect blend of convenient access and genuine wilderness immersion. The camp's quiet, spacious, and wooded sites, combined with the excellent staff, create a reliably pleasant atmosphere that promotes relaxation. While the walk-in nature of some sites and the rustic bathroom facilities are important considerations, these very features contribute to the overall low-key and peaceful environment, protecting the essential character of the experience. For families, couples, and solo campers across the Garden State looking to hike some of the state’s most scenic trails, enjoy a lakeside campfire, and sleep under the stars with the assurance of a good internet signal if needed,

Sawmill Lake Campground

in High Point State Park offers a truly authentic, highly recommended New Jersey outdoor adventure.

Sawmill Lake Campground

Sussex, NJ 07461, USA