🌤 Weather at High Point State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–69 °F | 57–82 °F | 32–73 °F | 18–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Sussex 8 NNW, 1 mi away, elevation 1,020 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🗽 New Jersey’s Highest Point — 1,803 Feet With Tri-State Views, a 220-Foot Monument, and the Appalachian Trail — A 16,000-acre park on the Kittatinny Ridge with the iconic High Point Monument, Lake Marcia swimming, AT access, cedar swamp preserve, and year-round camping — Sussex County, New Jersey
High Point State Park sits atop the Kittatinny Ridge at 1,803 feet — the highest elevation in New Jersey. The park’s defining feature is the 220-foot High Point Monument, a stone obelisk dedicated to the state’s war veterans, rising from the summit with 360-degree views across three states: New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. On clear days, you can see the Catskill Mountains, the Pocono Plateau, and the Wallkill River Valley.
Beyond the monument, this 16,000-acre park encompasses a remarkable range of terrain: the Appalachian Trail traverses the ridgeline, the spring-fed Lake Marcia offers a mountain swimming beach, and the Dryden Kuser Natural Area protects a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp — one of the highest-elevation cedar bogs in the world. It’s a four-season park with camping, hiking, swimming, and some of the best cross-country skiing in the state.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Point Monument | 220-ft obelisk at summit | Tri-state views, climb to top (seasonal) |
| Appalachian Trail | AT traverses the park | Ridge hiking, shelters nearby |
| Swimming | Lake Marcia (20 acres) | Spring-fed, beach, bathhouse, lifeguards |
| Camping | Tent sites + cabins | Near Sawmill Lake, fire rings |
| Cedar Swamp | Dryden Kuser Natural Area | Rare high-elevation Atlantic white cedar |
| XC Skiing | Winter trail system | Some of NJ’s best Nordic skiing |
| Mountain Biking | Designated trails | Multi-use trails on ridge |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 40–65°F | Peak foliage from monument, AT hiking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–82°F | Lake Marcia swimming, camping, monument |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 42–62°F | Wildflowers, AT thru-hikers, quiet |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–35°F | XC skiing, ice skating, snow views |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parking (NJ Resident) | FREE weekdays | $5 weekends (Memorial–Labor Day) |
| Parking (Non-Resident) | $10 weekends | $7 weekdays (Memorial–Labor Day) |
| Campsite | $20–$30/night | Tent only, no trailers |
| Cabin | $55–$75/night | Furnished, seasonal |
| Day Trip | $0–$10 | Monument + trails + views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb the monument?
Yes — seasonally. The 220-foot High Point Monument is open for interior stair climbing during warmer months. Check the NJ State Parks website for current hours.
Is the Appalachian Trail accessible here?
Yes. The AT runs directly through the park along the Kittatinny Ridge. Multiple trailheads provide access for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.
What is the Dryden Kuser Natural Area?
A protected Atlantic white cedar swamp at 1,500+ feet elevation — one of the highest-elevation cedar bogs in the world. A unique and fragile ecosystem worth exploring on the boardwalk trail.
More parks nearby: Lusscroft Farm is a short drive away, while Stokes State Forest lies a short drive away.
🗽 New Jersey’s Rooftop
1,803 feet with tri-state views, a 220-foot veterans monument, the Appalachian Trail, and Lake Marcia swimming — the highest point in the Garden State.
Wildlife & Nature
High Point SP — home to the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet, marked by a 220-foot obelisk monument visible for miles. The park’s Appalachian Trail section, cedar swamp, and mountain ridgeline support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Bald eagles soar over the Kittatinny Ridge. Dryden Kuser Natural Area preserves a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp at 1,500 feet elevation.
Nearby Attractions
Sussex — adjacent. Stokes SF — adjacent. Delaware Water Gap NRA — 30 miles south. Appalachian Trail — through the park.
⛺ Camping at High Point State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 50 sites — 50 family campsites along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables; pit toilets nearby; no hookups. 2 group campsites with drinking water and pit toilets, each accommodating up to 25 people. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 cabins on the eastern shore of Steenykill Lake, each with electricity, a furnished living room with woodstove, 3 bedrooms (1 double bed, 2 with twin beds), kitchen with hot/cold running water and electric stove, and a bathroom with shower. Capacity 6 (2 additional with superintendent approval). Also 1 group cabin with woodstove, full kitchen, 2 bunkrooms with double bunks and bathrooms with showers, accommodating up to 28 people. |
| Pets | Pets allowed at many family campsites; leashed, check reservation website for pet-designated sites. |
| Reservations | Online at camping.nj.gov, $5.00 service fee per reservation. Family sites: $20/night NJ residents, $25/night non-residents, minimum 2 nights for advance reservations (same-day until 2pm for 1 night). Group sites: $50/night NJ residents, $100/night non-residents. Cabins: $75/night or $525/week NJ residents, $85/night or $595/week non-residents (min. 2 nights before Memorial Day, 1 week Memorial Day-Labor Day, 2 nights after Labor Day). Group cabin: $175/night NJ residents, $185/night non-residents, 2-night minimum. |
| Special sites | 3 Appalachian Trail overnight shelters (Mashipacong, Rutherford, High Point), 1 night maximum per shelter, 10-person limit, bear boxes included, no fires permitted, pets must be leashed. No hookups anywhere in the family or group campgrounds. |
| Season notes | Family and group campsites open April 1 - October 31. Cabins open May 15 - October 15. |
Camping questions about High Point State Park
Can you camp at High Point State Park?
Yes. High Point State Park has 50 campsites. 50 family campsites along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables; pit toilets nearby; no hookups. 2 group campsites with drinking water and pit toilets, each accommodating up to 25 people.
How do you reserve a campsite at High Point State Park?
Online at camping.nj.gov, $5.00 service fee per reservation. Family sites: $20/night NJ residents, $25/night non-residents, minimum 2 nights for advance reservations (same-day until 2pm for 1 night). Group sites: $50/night NJ residents, $100/night non-residents. Cabins: $75/night or $525/week NJ residents, $85/night or $595/week non-residents (min. 2 nights before Memorial Day, 1 week Memorial Day-Labor Day, 2 nights after Labor Day). Group cabin: $175/night NJ residents, $185/night non-residents, 2-night minimum.
Are there cabins at High Point State Park?
2 cabins on the eastern shore of Steenykill Lake, each with electricity, a furnished living room with woodstove, 3 bedrooms (1 double bed, 2 with twin beds), kitchen with hot/cold running water and electric stove, and a bathroom with shower. Capacity 6 (2 additional with superintendent approval). Also 1 group cabin with woodstove, full kitchen, 2 bunkrooms with double bunks and bathrooms with showers, accommodating up to 28 people.
Are pets allowed at the High Point State Park campground?
Pets allowed at many family campsites; leashed, check reservation website for pet-designated sites.
Source: dep.nj.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at High Point State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at High Point State Park?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for High Point State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
