Department of Environmental Protection

The breathtaking and panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain along the Appalachian Trail rewards the hiker who has trekked up the steep side of the mountain. The view encompasses the pastoral farmland of New Jersey to the east and undeveloped forests and mountain ridges to the west. For those who don’t relish the idea of climbing up the side of a mountain and following a sometimes rocky and steep trail for a few hours, there is a short drive to the pavilion at the top of the mountain.

Stokes is famous for its impressive beauty, whether it is at the top of a mountain ridge or in the cool and fragrant Tillman Ravine with its rushing stream and steep cliffs. Hikers, campers, fishermen and photographers are attracted to its wild setting.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

SOLD OUT. Keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park. Available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last. Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood. Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.

The crest of Sunrise Mountain is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest. The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive. Mountain laurel, wild blueberry, pitch pine and scrub oak are among the natural vegetation found throughout the area. The pavilion at the summit was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge.

This cool evergreen forest of eastern hemlock is ideally suited for the steep slopes carved by the rushing waters of Tillman Brook. Several trails wander through this spectacular ravine, providing views of waterfalls and ferns clinging to rock crevices. The area is home to the threatened barred owl and other endangered species.

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Campsites: 51 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Some camping areas available all year. $20 per night.

Group campsites: Nine group sites with fire rings and picnic tables; capacity varies. Open from April 1 through October 31.
Group Campsites A,B,C,D,E,F $30 per night, site capacity 30 people.
Group Campsite G $65 per night, site Capacity 65 people.
Group Campsite H $10 per night, site capacity 10 people.
Group Campsite I $45 per night, site capacity 45 people.

Lean-tos: Nine lean-tos with fire rings and picnic tables. Open year round. $30 per night.

Cabins: Ten furnished cabins each with wood stove; two single beds; one double-deck bunk; kitchen with cold and hot running water, refrigerator, electric stove; half-bath with toilet and sink. Electric lights. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are adjacent to Lake Ocquittunk. Open from April 1 through December 15. $45 per night, $315 per week.

From the Saturday before Memorial Day through and including Labor Day, cabins must be reserved for seven or fourteen consecutive nights only. From April 1st to the Friday before Memorial Day and from the day after Labor Day through October 31st, cabins may be reserved for a minimum of two consecutive nights to a maximum of fourteen consecutive nights.

Cabins 7 & 15: Accommodate eight people. Facilities are the same as listed above, except they include a shower and hot and cold running water. Cabin 7 has a fireplace and cabin 15 has a wood stove. Accommodate. people with disabilities. Located 1/2 mile from Lake Ocquittunk. Open April 1 through December 15. $85 per night, $595 per week.

Group Cabin 16: Accommodates twelve people. Facilities are the same as Cabin 15 and includes two sleeping areas and two full bathroomsand a Fireplace. Located one mile from Lake Ocquittunk. Open April 15 through November 30. $125 per night.

Stocked annually by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, the Big Flatbrook and its tributaries provide some of the best trout fishing in New Jersey. Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake also are stocked with trout. The majority of the forest is open to hunting. Both fishing and hunting at Stokes State Forest are subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Stokes State Forest offers 2 picnic areas Stony lake and Kittle Field. The Group Picnic Area at Kittle Field has a capacity of 120 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:

The Stony Lake picnic area has 45 tables with adjacent grills located next to the swimming area. This area is not reservable.

• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.

Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat

Boating

Small boats with electric motors are only permitted on the waters of Lake Ocquittunk and are subject to all applicable boating laws. There is no boat ramp.

Swimming

Swimming is permitted in Stony Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms a first-aid station and picnic facilities. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Trails

A 12.5-mile section of the Applachian Trail follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge through Stokes State Forest. This trail's designated use is restricted to hiking only for its entire length from Maine to Georgia. White blazes mark this narrow and sometimes very rocky trail. A brochure is available regarding New Jersey's portion of the trail at the park office.

Along Kittatinny Mountain are outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. Sunrise Mountain offers scenic vistas of the Kittatinny Valley to the east and the Delaware River Valley to the west.

In addition to the Applachian Trail, there are more than 33 miles of marked trails within Stokes State Forest. Trails vary in length from one half mile to four miles, and over terrains ranging from flat lowlands to rocky mountains. Many of the trails connect, offering the hiker a variety of trips from an hour to a full day.

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I rent equipment at Stokes State Forest?

Stokes does not rent any equipment. All equipment must be provided by the patron, i.e. boats, horses, bikes, etc.