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Stokes State Forest
photo of: stokes state forest
Photo by Maureen E. Woods

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Stokes
State Forest

Location:
Sussex County

Mailing Address:

1 Coursen Road
Branchville, NJ 07826
(973) 948-3820

GPS Coordinates
DMS 41° 11’ 04.03” N 74° 47' 50.33" W

Size: 16,067 acres

Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
N/A
walk-in/bicycle
Link to the Related Fees page 

Directions:
Take Route 206, four miles north of Branchville.

Facilities & Activities:
  • Sunrise Mountain scenic overlook
  • Tillman Ravine Natural Area
  • Camping
  • Fishing (lakes,
    ponds, and the Flatbrook)
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Boating/canoeing:
    cartop launch
  • Swimming: (Stony Lake), bathhouse
  • Winter sports:
    ice skating, cross- country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing
  • FAQ's

Trails:

 

 

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.

 

Keep Your Forest Clean

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.

Park Hours

Stokes State Forest opens daily at 8:15 am. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm.

Park Advisory

Reminder: Friday, July 3 is a state and federal holiday, therefore the weekend parking rate applies for entrance to the park. Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Sunrise Mountain

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.

Tillman Ravine Natural Area (525 acres)

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.


Camping

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

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

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 $30.00 per night, site capacity 30 people.
Group Campsite G $65.00 per night, site Capacity 65 people.
Group Campsite H $10.00 per night, site capacity 10 people.
Group Campsite I $45.00 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.

Haskins Group Camping Area(Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Lake Ocquittunk Camping Area(Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Shotwell Camping Area(Low resolution for viewing purposes)

Stokes Camping Area map(PDF file 168kb)

Fishing/Hunting

Both Fishing and Hunting at Stokes State Forest are subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Picnicking

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 in not reservable:

$55.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
$80.00 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee

• 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.

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.

 

 

 

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Questions regarding our parks and forests can be directed to
Michele Buckley of the State Park Service.

 

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Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2004
Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: June 29, 2009

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