Voorhees State Park Campground

- Observatory Rd, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826

Introduction / Overview: Your Accessible Wilderness Retreat

For New Jersey residents seeking a true escape to the tranquility of nature without venturing too far from home, Voorhees State Park Campground in Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County, represents an accessible and rewarding destination. Encompassing over 1,400 acres of rolling hills and dense woodlands in the state’s scenic Skylands region, the park is named after former New Jersey Governor Foster M. Voorhees, who generously donated his land to the state in 1927.

The campground itself provides a classic, rustic, yet well-equipped state park experience. It features a total of 47 campsites designed to accommodate both tents and smaller RVs/trailers, alongside several group sites and even rustic shelters for a different kind of camping adventure. The environment here is the primary draw—a wonderfully quiet, clean, and safe woodland setting adorned with native wildlife and a variety of flora.

Unlike some more primitive camping areas, Voorhees State Park is known for having excellent, very clean bathroom facilities, which greatly enhances the overall comfort level for all campers, from seasoned veterans to families with young children. Whether you're planning a quick mid-week refresh or a full weekend spent hiking and stargazing, this campground offers a quality, well-maintained gateway to the New Jersey outdoors.

A unique highlight that sets Voorhees apart is its connection to astronomy, being home to the New Jersey Astronomical Association's (NJAA) Paul Robinson Observatory. This feature adds a truly special dimension to the camping trip, offering public sky-watch programs and a chance to experience New Jersey’s night sky like never before.

Location and Accessibility: A Hunterdon County Gem

Voorhees State Park Campground is nestled on Observatory Road in the charming rural community of Glen Gardner, NJ 08826. While the park’s main entrance is on County Route 513, the campground entrance is situated separately, approximately one mile south of the main entrance.

Address: Observatory Rd, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, USA

Registration and Administration: It is important for campers to note that Voorhees State Park and its campgrounds are administered by the nearby Spruce Run Recreation Area. All campers must first register in person at the Spruce Run park office located at 68 Van Syckles Road, Clinton, NJ 08809.

Drive-In Access: The park is conveniently accessible from major North Jersey highways. From I-78, travelers can take Exit 17 (westbound) or Exit 16 (eastbound) to Route 31 North, and then follow Route 513 North to the park entrance. Each campsite is typically a drive-in site, offering parking for up to two vehicles.

Public Transit Feasibility: A highly valuable detail for local New Jersey users, especially those traveling from the greater NYC/North Jersey metro area, is the park's surprising accessibility via public transportation. As noted by a visitor, taking the train from Newark Penn Station to the nearby town of High Bridge and then taking a walk (approx. 45-50 minutes) or a short Uber ride is completely doable for those without a car. This is a game-changer for urban residents seeking a quick, car-free natural getaway. However, be aware that this train service may not run over the weekends, so planning for a mid-week trip might be necessary for public transit users.

Services Offered

The campground is open seasonally for camping, typically from April 1st through October 31st, and provides a good balance of natural immersion and essential services:

• Campsite Amenities: Every campsite comes standard with a sturdy picnic table, a fire ring for cooking and campfires (ground fires are permitted only in the provided fire rings), and space to park up to two vehicles.
• Comfort Facilities: Modern flush toilets, exceptionally clean restrooms, and showers are located within walking distance of all campsites and shelters, providing a crucial level of comfort.
• Water & Utilities: Potable water fountains and washing sinks for dishes are available to campers. There is also a trailer sanitary dump station (open seasonally from April 1 – October 31).
• Accessibility: The park features facilities, including the Parcourse Trail, that are partially ADA accessible for people with disabilities.
• Park Management: Administration and support services are provided through the Spruce Run Recreation Area office.

Features / Highlights

Voorhees State Park Campground distinguishes itself with a blend of recreational, educational, and natural attractions:

• The Paul Robinson Observatory: Home to the largest working public telescope in New Jersey, the on-site observatory (operated by the NJAA) hosts public sky-watch programs between March and November, offering an unforgettable nighttime experience.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a network of 11 official, well-marked trails, spanning nearly 10 miles. These trails range from easy, wide gravel roads to challenging, rocky single-track paths, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
• The Solar System Trail: A short, interpretive 0.25-mile trail that connects the observatory to a scenic overlook. Along the path, interpretive signs discuss the planets, spaced to scale to show the distance of the planets from the Sun, making for a fascinating, easy walk.
• Diverse Camping Options: In addition to the standard 47 tent/trailer sites, the park offers three rustic shelters with wood stoves and bunk beds (sleeping up to four) and two large group campsites (for up to 30 or 50 people), catering to various group sizes and camping preferences.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Several picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as playgrounds, make the park and campground an ideal setting for families and children.
• Scenic Vistas: The park features multiple overlooks, including stunning seasonal views of the nearby Spruce Run Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir.

Contact Information

As the campground is managed remotely, all general inquiries and registration needs should be directed to the administering park office:

Physical Address (Campground Entrance): Observatory Rd, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, USA

Administrative Park Office (For Registration): Spruce Run Recreation Area, 68 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ 08809

Phone: (908) 638-8572

Mobile Phone (Administrative): +1 908-638-8572

Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekends and shelters, and can typically be made online through the New Jersey State Park Service system.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Voorhees State Park Campground is perfectly suited for New Jersey residents for three primary reasons: Accessibility, Value, and Education. Its location in Hunterdon County offers a genuine sense of a mountain retreat while remaining easily reachable by major highways, and uniquely, via public transit for those in the North Jersey/NYC metro region, making it an ideal 'no-car' weekend option (during the week).

For families and individuals, the park offers outstanding value. The campsite fees are affordable, and the amenities—clean bathrooms, showers, and maintained facilities—provide a comfortable basecamp. Furthermore, the extensive trail system and the on-site Paul Robinson Observatory offer far more than a typical campground. Campers can spend the day enjoying moderate hikes through the New Jersey Highlands and spend the evening engaging in a unique educational experience under one of the state’s largest public telescopes. It serves as an affordable, diverse, and well-appointed venue for New Jersey locals to disconnect from their routines and reconnect with the natural world, all within the comforting framework of a well-run State Park facility.

Voorhees State Park Campground

Observatory Rd, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, USA