🌤 Weather at Stokes State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–70 °F | 55–83 °F | 31–74 °F | 17–40 °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 3 Wnw, 7 mi away, elevation 667 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Northwest New Jersey’s Wilderness Anchor — 1,653-Ft Sunrise Mountain, Tillman Ravine Hemlock Gorge, Appalachian Trail, 3 Campgrounds, 15,000+ Acres
Stokes State Forest is a state forest at 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, Sussex County, New Jersey. The forest features Sunrise Mountain at 1,653 feet — NJ’s most scenic AT overlook with a CCC-era stone pavilion, Tillman Ravine with its ancient hemlock gorge and waterfall, 3 campgrounds (Lake Ocquittunk, Shotwell, Steam Mill) with family sites, cabins, and lean-tos, Appalachian Trail section with Gren Anderson Shelter, and 15,000+ acres of northwestern NJ wilderness.
Stokes State Forest is New Jersey’s wildest public land — 15,000+ acres of forested ridges, deep ravines, and mountain streams in the northwestern corner of the state. The 1,653-foot Sunrise Mountain — accessible via the Appalachian Trail or a seasonal road — offers 360-degree views from a CCC-built stone pavilion.
The Tillman Ravine is Stokes’ hidden gem — a narrow hemlock gorge with cascading waterfalls and moss-covered boulders. Vehicle access is seasonal (closed Dec 15 – Apr 15). The forest’s 3 campgrounds serve different needs: Lake Ocquittunk (family/cabins/showers), Shotwell (lean-tos/platforms), and Steam Mill (primitive/artesian well).
Campgrounds
| Campground | Type | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ocquittunk | Family + cabins | Flush toilets, showers |
| Shotwell | Family + lean-tos + platforms | Flush toilets, some pit |
| Steam Mill | Primitive | Pit toilets, artesian well |
| Haskins/Lake Ashroe | Group | By reservation |
Things to Do
- Sunrise Mountain — 1,653 ft, CCC stone pavilion
- Tillman Ravine — hemlock gorge, waterfalls
- Appalachian Trail — section hike + shelter
- Camping — 3 campgrounds, cabins, lean-tos
- Hiking — 15,000+ acres trails
- Fishing — mountain streams
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Coursen Rd, Branchville, NJ |
| Size | 15,000+ acres |
| Elevation | Sunrise Mountain — 1,653 ft |
| Phone | (973) 948-3820 |
| Managed By | NJ State Parks |
| Coordinates | 41.2182° N, 74.7204° W (Sunrise Mountain) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Stokes SF — 16,450 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge — includes Sunrise Mountain (1,653 feet) with panoramic views of the Appalachian Valley. The Appalachian Trail traverses the ridgeline. The forest’s mountain laurel, hemlock ravines, and hardwood forest support black bears, bobcats, and timber rattlesnakes. Migrating hawks ride the ridge updrafts in fall.
Nearby Attractions
Branchville — adjacent. High Point SP — adjacent. Tillman Ravine Natural Area — within — has a spectacular hemlock gorge. Delaware Water Gap NRA — 20 miles south.
Where is Sunrise Mountain in New Jersey?
Sunrise Mountain (1,653 ft) is in Stokes State Forest, Branchville, Sussex County, NJ. Accessible via the Appalachian Trail or a seasonal road, the summit features a CCC-built stone pavilion with 360-degree views. The forest also features Tillman Ravine hemlock gorge, 3 campgrounds with cabins and lean-tos, and 15,000+ acres of NW NJ wilderness.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lusscroft Farm is a short drive away, and Kittatinny Valley State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Stokes State Forest: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Split across 4 areas, no consistent single published total across sources: Main Camping Area 90 tent/trailer sites with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks; Steam Mill Camping Area 27 tent/pop-up camper sites with artesian well and pit toilets; Lake Ocquittunk 26 trailer/tent sites plus 3 platform sites (12x14), near lake or stream, flush toilets and showers; Shotwell (pet-friendly area) 27 trailer/tent sites, 9 lean-tos and 6 platform sites (12x14). No hookups at standard sites. Haskins Group Sites A-I accommodate 10-65 people each with fire rings, picnic tables and horseshoe pits; Haskins Group Site Z at Lake Ashroe accommodates 40 people with separate parking. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Standard cabins 1-6 and 8-11 accommodate 4 people each: wood stove, 2 single beds plus a bunk bed, kitchen with hot/cold water, refrigerator, electric stove, half-bath with toilet/sink, electric lights. Cabins 7 and 12 accommodate 8 people each and add a shower, full hot/cold running water and a fireplace/wood stove; accessible for persons with disabilities. Group Cabin 13 accommodates 12 people with two sleeping areas, two full bathrooms and a fireplace. Guests must bring their own sheets, towels and cooking utensils; wood not provided but available for purchase ($7/bundle). |
| Pets | Pet-friendly campsites are family sites #101-137 in the Shotwell area; requires dog license and inoculation paperwork plus an additional cost. |
| Reservations | Online at camping.nj.gov; park office 973-948-3820. $5.00 non-refundable service fee per reservation; changes incur $2.00-$5.00 depending on total reservation cost. Standard tent/trailer sites: $20/night NJ residents, $25/night non-residents. Cabins 1-6/8-11: $55/night or $385/week NJ residents, $65/night or $455/week non-residents. Cabins 7/12: $100/night or $700/week NJ residents, $110/night or $770/week non-residents. Group Cabin 13: $140/night or $980/week NJ residents, $150/night or $1,050/week non-residents. Individual lean-tos: $35/night NJ residents, $40/night non-residents. Group sites A-F $60-$120/night, Site G $130-$260/night, Site H $20-$40/night, Site I $90-$180/night, Site Z $80-$160/night (range reflects NJ resident to non-resident and group size). |
| Special sites | 9 individual lean-tos at Shotwell (approx. 10'x12', wood stove, up to 6 people, open year-round). Group lean-tos at Lake Ashroe: GL-X (3 units, 18 people total) and GL-Y (5 units, 20 people total), hike-in only, charcoal grills and fire rings. Alcohol is prohibited in the campgrounds. |
| Season notes | Some camping areas are available all year; group campsites open April 15 - October 31. Cabins require 7-14 consecutive nights in summer, minimum 2 nights off-season. |
Camping questions about Stokes State Forest
Can you camp at Stokes State Forest?
Split across 4 areas, no consistent single published total across sources: Main Camping Area 90 tent/trailer sites with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks; Steam Mill Camping Area 27 tent/pop-up camper sites with artesian well and pit toilets; Lake Ocquittunk 26 trailer/tent sites plus 3 platform sites (12x14), near lake or stream, flush toilets and showers; Shotwell (pet-friendly area) 27 trailer/tent sites, 9 lean-tos and 6 platform sites (12x14). No hookups at standard sites. Haskins Group Sites A-I accommodate 10-65 people each with fire rings, picnic tables and horseshoe pits; Haskins Group Site Z at Lake Ashroe accommodates 40 people with separate parking.
How do you reserve a campsite at Stokes State Forest?
Online at camping.nj.gov; park office 973-948-3820. $5.00 non-refundable service fee per reservation; changes incur $2.00-$5.00 depending on total reservation cost. Standard tent/trailer sites: $20/night NJ residents, $25/night non-residents. Cabins 1-6/8-11: $55/night or $385/week NJ residents, $65/night or $455/week non-residents. Cabins 7/12: $100/night or $700/week NJ residents, $110/night or $770/week non-residents. Group Cabin 13: $140/night or $980/week NJ residents, $150/night or $1,050/week non-residents. Individual lean-tos: $35/night NJ residents, $40/night non-residents. Group sites A-F $60-$120/night, Site G $130-$260/night, Site H $20-$40/night, Site I $90-$180/night, Site Z $80-$160/night (range reflects NJ resident to non-resident and group size).
Are there cabins at Stokes State Forest?
Standard cabins 1-6 and 8-11 accommodate 4 people each: wood stove, 2 single beds plus a bunk bed, kitchen with hot/cold water, refrigerator, electric stove, half-bath with toilet/sink, electric lights. Cabins 7 and 12 accommodate 8 people each and add a shower, full hot/cold running water and a fireplace/wood stove; accessible for persons with disabilities. Group Cabin 13 accommodates 12 people with two sleeping areas, two full bathrooms and a fireplace. Guests must bring their own sheets, towels and cooking utensils; wood not provided but available for purchase ($7/bundle).
Are pets allowed at the Stokes State Forest campground?
Pet-friendly campsites are family sites #101-137 in the Shotwell area; requires dog license and inoculation paperwork plus an additional cost.
Source: dep.nj.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Stokes 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 Stokes 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 Stokes State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
