Some of the most
rugged terrain and splendid views of northern New Jersey are
found in Worthington State Forest. A rocky and sometimes steep
trail follows Dunnfield Creek from the Delaware River to Mount
Tammany or hikers may choose to follow the trail to Sunfish
Pond, one of the most popular sites in the area. Millions
of years in the making, the pond was carved out by glacial
forces during the last ice age and is one of fourteen rock-basin
lakes between the Delaware Water Gap and the end of Kittatinny
Ridge. A trail circles the pond, with many boulders and openings
for resting and observation.
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep the parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Please bring a biodegradable bag with you when visiting to take your trash home. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Visit https://njparksandforests.org/sps_covid.html and follow www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks for the most recent information on park operations — some amenities may not be available due to COVID-19.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Office Hours: daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Worthington State Forest Map
Interpretive programs are offered seasonally
from April to October in the campground. Programs are also
offered year round for schools and organized groups. Please
contact the office for special dates and times of events.
There are over 26 miles of trails within the park including
5 miles of canoe trails on the Delaware River and over 7 miles
of the Appalachian Trail. All trails within the park are hiking
only. A demanding climb to the top of Mt. Tammany at 1527 ft.
above sea level rewards the park visitor with a panoramic view
of the Delaware Water Gap. A new interpretive trail, the Rockcores
Trail, has been developed and offers some natural and historic
information to the park visitor.
The Appalachian
Trail passes through Worthington to Stokes
State Forest and High Point State
Park. One of the earliest roads in the region - the Old
Mine Road - skirts the forest along the Delaware River. The
road was used for transporting copper and slate from the mines
and quarries in the area, and is believed to have originally
been a well-defined Indian trail. The trail was also used
by fur traders and Dutch settlers.
Dunnfield
Creek Natural Area (1,085 acres) |
Hikers, fishermen, bird watchers and other
naturalists can follow this moderate trail through a mature
hemlock and mixed hardwood ravine along Dunnfield Creek. This
area is designated a Wild Trout Stream and supports a healthy
population of native brook trout, the state fish of New Jersey.
Sunfish
Pond Natural Area (258 acres) |
This impressive glacial lake, surrounded
by a chestnut oak forest is reached by a steep and rocky climb
along the Appalachian Trail. No swimming or camping is permitted
at this area, however, 1/4 mile south of the pond along the
Appalachian Trail is a backpacking wilderness camping area.
This camping area is monitored by a caretaker who teaches
Leave No Trace techniques, precautions on Living in Bear Country
and enforces the No Fire regulation.
Reserve a campsite at camping.nj.gov. Please note tent and trailer family campsites are available to reserve until December 15, 2020. Cabins, group cabins, shelters, lean-tos, group lean-tos, wilderness campsites, group campsites, primitive campsites, and primitive group campsites remain closed until further notice.
Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
A non-refundable service fee of $5.00 will be charged to the customer for each reservation.
Changes to the reservation that occur prior to the Start/Check in date will incur a non refundable fee of $5.00.
Changes made after the start/check-in date will be chargerd a service fee according to the following:
- If the total fee is greater then or equal to $50.00 then a fee of $5.00 will be charged.
- If the total fee is less then $50.00 then the fee of $2.00 will be charged.
Campsites: 69 tent and trailer
sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Open April 1 through
December 31. Campsites 1-77 have modern toilets and showers. Fee: NJ Resident $20 per night; Non Resident $25 per night. Campsites 1-23 are designated Tent Camping only. No trailers or camper vans are permitted.
Group campsites: Three group
sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and modern
toilets. Open April 1 to December 31. Each campsite accommodates up to 35 people. Fee: NJ Resident $70 per night; Non Resident $140 per night.
Click to view some of our campsites
Campground
Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High
resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:889 KB
Special Use Permit Application |
Special Use Permit Application Package
A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents. A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.
Excellent fishing can be found along the banks of the Delaware River in Worthington State Forest The river has abundant populations of Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish and the spring run of American Shad is always a highlight to the fishing season at Worthington. Please refer to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
There is a boat ramp available at Worthington State Forest. Boating is open seven days a week year round. Worthington is an excellent place to launch canoes and kayaks for a trip on the river. If you do not have your own boat there are many local outfitters that rent canoes and kayaks for river trips. Stop at the Forest Office for more information about the river.
State Park Service areas open to hunting
Tree Stands and Blinds Policy
Abundant populations of deer, turkey and small game offer many
hunting opportunities for the public. Hunting is subject to
New Jersey Division
of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
A small family picnic area has been added to the area and offers
a peaceful, picturesque setting under a hemlock grove near the
Delaware River. Limited space is available.
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