Worthington State Forest Campground

- Columbia, NJ 07832

For New Jersey residents seeking a deep connection with nature, **Worthington State Forest Campground** offers a premier, uncommercialized camping experience right in the heart of the state’s rugged Skylands Region. Covering over 6,600 acres of pristine woodlands along the Kittatinny Mountain, this state forest provides an ideal environment for serious outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to truly unplug and unwind.

The campground is located directly on the banks of the majestic **Delaware River**, providing campers with stunning river frontage and a breathtaking backdrop for their stay. It is known for its quiet, secluded atmosphere, often praised by visitors for the **privacy of its sites**, particularly those on the south end of the property. The overall vibe here is semi-developed—offering necessary modern conveniences like flush toilets and showers, but without the glitz of private resorts. This makes it a perfect destination for those who appreciate authentic, no-frills, public-land camping.

Worthington State Forest is a crown jewel of New Jersey's state park system, most famous for its position directly adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap and the fact that the legendary **Appalachian Trail** runs right through its core. Whether you are an avid hiker, a keen angler, or a family seeking a peaceful river getaway, this campground serves as a highly-rated basecamp for exploring one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most scenic areas.

Worthington State Forest Campground is situated in **Columbia, New Jersey (07832, USA)**, in Warren County. This location in the northwestern part of the state makes it highly convenient for residents across Central and North Jersey, as well as an easy escape for those coming from the greater Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas.

The forest is strategically located just north of the scenic **Delaware Water Gap**, where the Delaware River cuts through the Kittatinny Mountain. This proximity means that some of the region's most famous natural landmarks, like **Mount Tammany** and **Sunfish Pond**, are accessible directly from the campground’s extensive trail system.

Accessibility is straightforward via major routes. Motorists typically take **Exit 1 off I-80 West** and follow directions onto Old Mine Road, which runs alongside the Delaware River and through the forest. Visitors should note that the campground is nestled deep within the natural area, meaning the roads within the forest are rustic. While the campground is open seasonally, usually from **April 1st through December 31st**, visitors should plan to secure their reservations well in advance, as the sites are popular, especially during peak summer and fall foliage weekends.

As a well-maintained New Jersey State Forest facility, Worthington offers essential services to ensure a comfortable and accessible outdoor stay while maintaining a focus on the natural environment.

• **Campsite Capacity and Layout:** The campground features **82 family campsites** and three larger group sites.
  • Family sites have a maximum capacity of six people.
  • Sites are split between **Tent-Only** areas and combined **Tent/Trailer/Motorhome** areas.
  • Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring for cooking and campfires, and a lantern hook.
• **Restroom and Water Facilities:** Campers benefit from **modern toilet facilities** (flush toilets) and a separate building with **showers** that provide hot water. Drinking water spigots are available throughout the camping loops.
• **Boat Launch Access:** Located near the forest office is a convenient **boat ramp** used for launching small watercraft like kayaks and canoes directly onto the Delaware River.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** The forest offers a **sanitary dump station** for trailers and RVs. *(Note: While some sources mention an absence of a dump station, state park information confirms one is available for vehicle use, though no electric or sewer hookups are provided at the individual sites.)*
• **Bear Boxes:** Group campsites are equipped with **bear-proof food lockers**, and all visitors are reminded of bear activity in this region of the state.
• **Reservations:** Reservations for campsites are mandatory and can be made through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) online reservation system or by contacting the forest office directly.

Worthington State Forest is a sanctuary for recreation, offering an impressive array of activities that draw people from all corners of New Jersey.

• **The Appalachian Trail (A.T.):** A major highlight is the over seven miles of the A.T. that traverse the forest. This provides hikers with direct access to one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world.
• **Iconic Hiking Destinations:** The park contains several of New Jersey’s most revered natural features:
  • **Mount Tammany:** A demanding but rewarding climb that provides a **panoramic view of the Delaware Water Gap**.
  • **Sunfish Pond:** A glacial lake and state Natural Area reached by a steep, rocky section of the A.T.
  • **Dunnfield Creek Natural Area:** Home to a designated “Wild Trout Stream.”
• **Delaware River Access:** With two miles of river frontage and a boat ramp, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are exceptionally popular. The river is noted for its spring shad run, as well as excellent bass and panfish fishing.
• **Extensive Trail System:** Over **26 miles of blazed hiking trails** are available, catering to all skill levels, from easy riverside walks to rugged mountain ascents.
• **Seasonal Activities:** Hunting (in designated areas of the forest, not the campground) and cross-country skiing/snowmobiling on open fields during the winter offer year-round recreational opportunities, extending beyond the typical camping season.

Worthington State Forest is managed by the New Jersey State Park Service. All reservations and general inquiries should be directed to the forest office.

Address: Columbia, NJ 07832, USA

Phone: (908) 841-9575

For the most current information on site availability, fees (which are discounted for New Jersey residents), and reservation procedures, contacting the office or visiting the official NJDEP website is highly recommended.

Worthington State Forest Campground is an essential New Jersey outdoor experience, uniquely suitable for locals. It represents a precious, protected piece of the state's natural heritage—the **Kittatinny Ridge**—easily accessible yet feeling a world away from the busy corridors of the northeast.

For New Jersey residents, the ability to launch a canoe or kayak directly into the Delaware River, hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, and summit Mount Tammany for a view that defines the region, all from a semi-developed, affordable campsite, is unparalleled. The forest successfully balances a raw, natural setting with the necessary infrastructure (clean showers, modern restrooms) that ensures a comfortable family trip. Furthermore, the discounted resident fee structure makes this high-quality outdoor recreation financially accessible to local families. It’s not just a campground; it’s the definitive launchpad for exploring the dramatic geography and rich biodiversity of the **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area**—all within a quick drive of home. Book your stay, pack your hiking boots, and reconnect with the wild heart of the Garden State.

Worthington State Forest Campground

Columbia, NJ 07832, USA