Worthington State Forest Campground

For New Jersey residents seeking an authentic, rugged, yet accessible outdoor experience, **Worthington State Forest Campground** stands out as a premier destination. Located in the picturesque northern region of the state, this state forest offers a deep dive into the wild beauty of the Garden State, particularly for those who love mountain scenery and riverside tranquility. Encompassing over 6,400 acres along the Kittatinny Mountain ridge, the forest provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable camping trip, placing you right at the edge of the scenic Delaware Water Gap.

The campground itself is a haven for traditional tent and trailer camping, designed to blend rustic charm with essential modern conveniences. It is a place where the sounds of the nearby Delaware River and the calls of native wildlife become your daily soundtrack. Worthington State Forest Campground offers a chance to unplug and immerse yourself in one of New Jersey's most dramatic natural landscapes, without having to travel out of state. It's a true Jersey gem, celebrated for its access to challenging hikes and pristine natural features like Sunfish Pond.

Whether you are an avid thru-hiker looking for a strategic stop along the Appalachian Trail (AT) or a family planning a weekend of fishing and riverside picnics, Worthington provides the facilities and the setting to make it happen. The camping season generally runs from April 1st through December 31st, allowing New Jersey users to enjoy the forest's beauty across three different seasons. This focus on long-term availability underscores its importance as a key outdoor recreation hub in the northern part of the state.

Worthington State Forest Campground is situated in **Columbia, NJ 07832, USA**, specifically located at **2 Old Mine Road**. This location is highly strategic and exceptionally accessible for most of Northern and Central New Jersey. The forest sits directly on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, just north of the dramatic geological formation known as the Delaware Water Gap.

Accessibility is a key advantage for local New Jersey campers. The campground is reached easily via **Exit 1 off of Interstate 80 West**. This means that users coming from densely populated areas like Newark, Jersey City, or even the New York border can reach the rustic beauty of the Delaware Water Gap in a relatively short drive. Once off the highway, a short drive north on Old Mine Road leads directly to the forest office and campground entrance, offering a smooth transition from major road travel to serene forest setting.

The surrounding region, Warren County, is celebrated for its blend of rural farms, historical sites, and untouched wilderness, making the drive itself part of the enjoyable retreat. This combination of being deep within nature yet conveniently close to a major interstate makes Worthington State Forest a practical and popular choice for New Jersey residents seeking a quick, impactful escape into the mountains and along the river.

As a New Jersey State Forest facility, the services provided at Worthington State Forest Campground are designed to support a traditional, semi-developed camping experience, prioritizing necessities over luxury. The focus is on providing clean, functional services for all visitors.

• **Campsites:** The park offers approximately 78 designated tent and trailer sites, including specific tent-only areas and sites accommodating travel trailers and motorhomes (though without full utility hookups).
• **Site Furnishings:** Every campsite is equipped with essential outdoor amenities, including a picnic table and a sturdy fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• **Modern Sanitary Facilities:** The majority of the family campsites (Sites 1-77) benefit from access to modern toilet facilities and hot showers, a significant convenience for campers, especially after a long day of hiking.
• **Potable Water:** Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground area via accessible spigots.
• **Group Camping:** Three dedicated group campsites are available, each capable of accommodating up to 35 people, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and modern toilets (note: group sites generally do not have showers).
• **Firewood Sales:** Firewood can typically be purchased at the forest office, ensuring campers adhere to regulations about not transporting outside wood and helping protect the forest from invasive pests.
• **Boat Launch:** A public, free-to-use boat launch is available for those wishing to utilize the Delaware River for boating, canoeing, or kayaking.

The highlights of Worthington State Forest Campground are inseparable from its unique geographical setting, positioning it as a top-tier destination for active New Jersey outdoor enthusiasts.

• **Delaware River Frontage:** Approximately two miles of the campground stretch along the scenic Delaware River, offering many campsites with river views and direct access for fishing, boating, and launching watercraft.
• **Appalachian Trail Access:** The world-famous Appalachian Trail (AT) runs directly through Worthington State Forest, providing campers with immediate, challenging hiking opportunities, including the ascent of Mount Tammany for spectacular views.
• **Sunfish Pond Natural Area:** This is one of New Jersey’s official Seven Natural Wonders. Campers have direct access to trails leading to this ancient, glacially-carved rock-basin lake, celebrated for its unique ecology and tranquil beauty.
• **Variety of Hiking Trails:** In addition to the AT, the forest features a robust network of ten blazed trails covering 27 miles, catering to various skill levels, from gentle riverside walks to rugged mountain climbs.
• **Fishing and Boating:** The Delaware River is renowned for its fishing, particularly the spring shad run, bass, and panfish. The on-site boat ramp simplifies access for paddlers and small boat users.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The rugged, lush environment provides favorable habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bears. Campers are reminded to practice bear safety, but the potential for wildlife sightings is a major draw.

To plan your visit and make necessary reservations, utilize the official contact and location details provided by the State of New Jersey.

**Address:** 2 Old Mine Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA

**Phone Number:** (908) 841-9575 (Forest Office)

**Reservation Information:** As a New Jersey State Forest, reservations for campsites are strongly recommended, especially during peak season, and should be made through the official NJ State Park Service website. Walk-up sites may be available but are not guaranteed.

**What is Worth Choosing Worthington State Forest Campground**

Worthington State Forest Campground is worth choosing because it delivers a quintessential New Jersey wilderness experience that is surprisingly close to home. Unlike many other campgrounds that prioritize endless amenities, Worthington is a retreat dedicated to the purity of nature and the challenge of outdoor adventure.

For the New Jersey resident, it offers **immediate access to world-class hiking**. The opportunity to step onto a portion of the Appalachian Trail, or complete the rigorous hike to Sunfish Pond, is a major recreational benefit that few other local campgrounds can boast. This is where you go when you want to see the most spectacular, rugged terrain Northern New Jersey has to offer.

Furthermore, the **riverside setting** is incomparable. Having a campsite along the Delaware River provides not just a beautiful view but a direct connection to water-based activities. Anglers, kayakers, and canoeists can effortlessly launch their crafts and spend the day on one of the country's most significant and historical rivers. This direct river access differentiates it significantly from inland parks.

Finally, despite its wild setting, the provision of **modern showers and flush toilets** ensures that campers can enjoy the rugged outdoors without enduring uncomfortable facilities. This perfect balance of challenging nature and essential comfort—all within a convenient drive via I-80—makes Worthington State Forest Campground the definitive choice for New Jersey residents seeking an authentic, memorable, and high-quality outdoor adventure in the Delaware Water Gap region.

Worthington State Forest Campground

Columbia, NJ 07832, USA