Great Place Camp in NJ

Looking for a great place to go camping & hiking in New Jersey? The Mountain Farm/Teetertown Preserve right outside of Califon New Jersey is a great spot!

GENERAL INFORMATION: (Download Information)

  • PARK AREA ACTIVITIES: Several good field and forest trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.  These trails, along with a dirt road (Hollow Brook Rd.) provide access through the deep-cut Teetertown Ravine, which traces the path of a natural trout production stream through the park.  As a companion to a Geology Study Trail, a Geology Brochure, explaining the geological significance of the ravine, is available. Four secluded picnic sites, with BBQ grills & tables are located near the Visitor Center.  A 4+ acre Activity Field, adjacent to the group camping area, is ideal for large-scale field sports and skills activities.  It is also used for tenting, campfires, and flag ceremonies during camporees.  Two ponds are also near the camping area.  NJ State Fishing Licenses are required for those over 16-yrs. of age & over; a catch & release rule applies for Large-mouth Bass & Sunfish: Rainbow Trout can be kept, per daily State Limits (w/Trout Stamp on NJ License).  A pond-side BBQ & picnic area is available on a non-reservable (first come-first served) basis. 

  • WEEKEND CAMPING FACILITIES, RULES, & PARK ACTIVITIES At the Mountain Farm Section-Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve, in Lebanon Twp.
    • GROUP CAMPING FACILITIES – Sites available April 15th – November 15th. Winter Camping available by Special Permit.
      • North End Field: (mowed lawn area), has 2 tent sites (A & B), 3 fire rings, 6 picnic tables each; Max. 80
      • 1 Woodland Tent Site: 3 fire rings, 1 raised BBQ (charcoal) grill, 3 picnic tables; Max. 40
      • 1 Woodland Lean-to Site: 2 fire rings, 1 raised BBQ (charcoal) grill, 3 picnic tables; 4 – 10′ x 20′ buildings (3 of them with a completely open front, & 1 with a 12′ wide x 10’ deep open area & an 8′ wide x 10’ deep bear-resistant enclosed room, with a counter top, Dutch door & sliding rear window); open-spring bunks sleep 42 campers.
    • PUBLIC CAMP SITES-Sites available April 15th – November 15th.
      • Meadowview: 1 fire ring, 1 picnic table, 6 people per site.
      • Ridgeline B:  1 fire ring, 1 picnic table, 6 people per site.
      • Ridgeline C:  1 fire ring, 1 picnic table, 6 people per site.
      • Hilltop A:   (handicap accessible site, permit parking for 1 vehicle allowed at site) 1 fire ring, 1 picnic table, 6 people per site.
      • Hilltop B:   1 fire ring, 1 picnic table, 6 people per site.
      • Hilltop C:   1 fire ring, 1 picnic,  6 people per site.
  • SERVICES & POLICIES 
    Chemical toilets (porta-potties) are available in the group camping area.  As the water source is ½ to ¾ -mile from campsites, we urge groups to bring FULL water containers.   You may also fill them at the barn adjacent to the Visitor Center after check-in and before driving to the group parking lot. US Flags for use in group campsites are available, upon request.  We urge groups to please bring tinder & kindling to start camp and cooking fires, to save forest habitat.  Cut firewood is available in all campsites.
  • CAMPING RULES
    • Camping groups must check in at the Park Visitor Center, AT THE HOUR OF THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT ONLY, before parking or campsite set-up is allowed!  Group leaders should tell drivers who will arrive after check-in, or for camper pick-up, to go directly to the group camping parking lot.  Overnight vehicles are restricted to approved parking areas.  Only County vehicles are permitted in campsite areas.
    • The earliest check-in is after 2:00 P.M. on Fridays.  
    • Campsites must be vacated by noon on the day of check-out.
    • Camping is by reservation (w/receipt of fee), and in designated campsites ONLY.
    • Report injuries, to Park Ranger (908-507-5236) or Park Employee IMMEDIATELY!
    • Remove all garbage from campsite to blue park dumpster, behind barn adjacent to the Visitor Center or take it with you when you leave.
    • Water is available at the barn adjacent to the Visitor Center.
    • A NJ Forest Fire Service ground fire permit must be obtained at check-in for all cooking and campfires.
    • Alcohol, firearms, fireworks, amplified electronic devices & ATV’s are prohibited.
    • Swimming, boating, skating, & model boating on the park ponds is prohibited.
    • Group & Public campers are restricted to campsites during quiet time: 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
    • Campsite/park furnishings (tables, benches, bunk beds, etc.) may NOT be moved.
    • Do not mar or deface park buildings/equipment.  Nails & hooks may not be driven into buildings or trees.
    • ALL Hunterdon County Park Regulations are enforced.
DIRECTIONS
  • Location: Teetertown Ravine is located in Lebanon Township. There are two parking areas at the Mountain Farm Section, and pull offs for parking along Hollow Brook Road. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Gates at the Mountain Farm Section are open from 9 a.m. to sunset.
  • Directions from the junction of Route 78 and Route 31 in Clinton:

    • To Mountain Farm Section Parking Area: Proceed north on Route 31 for 1.7 miles to Route 513 north. Turn right and follow Route 513 through High Bridge toward Califon for about 6.5 miles. Just past the A&P, turn left onto Sliker Road. After about 1.5 miles on Sliker Road, turn right onto Pleasant Grove Road and travel another 0.6 mile. The driveway for Mountain Farm will be on the right hand side.
    • To Teetertown Ravine Parking Area: Follow directions above, EXCEPT…after about 1.3 miles on Sliker Road, turn right onto Teetertown Road. Follow the left fork of the road about 1 mile to the stop sign at Hollow Brook Road. Turn left and proceed 0.1 mile up the ravine. There are vehicle pull-offs near the trailheads.
    • Visitor Center: Located near the main parking area, the Visitor Center can provide information and assistance to the public. Hours for the center are Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM. 
NOTE – Alcohol is NOT permitted in the campsites. I forgot my coffee mug & grabbed and old can from my truck to enjoy my campfire coffee.

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Out & about in the New Jersey Wilderness