🌤 Weather at Ramapo Mountain State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–71 °F | 58–84 °F | 35–76 °F | 20–43 °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 Wanaque Raymond Dam, 2 mi away, elevation 245 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
4,200-Acre Mountain Forest — Ramapo Lake, Van Slyke Castle Ruins, Rocky Ridge Hiking, Mountain Biking, NYC Skyline Views, Oakland NJ
Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a state forest accessed from 67 Skyline Drive, Oakland, Bergen/Passaic County, New Jersey. The forest features 4,200 acres of rugged mountain terrain in the Ramapo Mountains, the 120-acre Ramapo Lake with scenic shoreline trails, Van Slyke Castle ruins (early 20th-century estate on Castle Point), challenging rocky ridge hiking with panoramic views including NYC skyline, mountain biking on intermediate-to-advanced technical single-track, Wanaque Ridge with views over Wanaque Reservoir, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and abundant wildlife in the northern New Jersey highlands.
Ramapo Mountain is North Jersey’s premier outdoor destination — 4,200 acres of rugged mountain terrain just 35 miles from Manhattan, with NYC skyline views from the rocky ridgelines. The Van Slyke Castle ruins — remnants of an early 20th-century estate perched on Castle Point — are the most photographed spot in the forest.
The 120-acre Ramapo Lake sits in a mountain bowl surrounded by forested slopes — trails encircle the lake for a scenic loop hike. Note: swimming is prohibited in Ramapo Lake.
Things to Do
- Hiking — rocky ridges, lake loop, castle ruins
- Mountain biking — technical single-track
- Castle Point — Van Slyke Castle ruins
- Ramapo Lake — 120-acre scenic loop
- Ridge views — NYC skyline, Wanaque Reservoir
- Winter sports — XC skiing, snowshoeing
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 67 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436 |
| Size | 4,200 acres — Ramapo Mountains |
| Lake | Ramapo Lake — 120 acres (no swimming) |
| Trails | Multi-use — rocky, technical terrain |
| Parking | Skyline Dr lots — fills early weekends |
| Managed By | NJ Division of Parks and Forestry |
| Coordinates | 41.0328° N, 74.2518° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Ramapo Lake?
No — swimming is prohibited in 120-acre Ramapo Lake at Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Oakland, NJ. The 4,200-acre forest offers rocky ridge hiking with NYC skyline views, Van Slyke Castle ruins on Castle Point, mountain biking on technical single-track, and Wanaque Ridge overlooks. Parking on Skyline Drive fills early on weekends. NY-NJ Trail Conference maps recommended for navigation on the rugged, rocky trail network.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Norvin Green State Forest (a short drive away) and Skylands Manor (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ramapo Mountain State Forest
- 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 Ramapo Mountain State Forest?
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 Ramapo Mountain State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
