Shotwell - Stokes State Forest

The gravel crunch under tires signals arrival at Shotwell, tucked along Shotwell Road in Sandyston, NJ. Early evening air carries the faint crackle of distant fire rings and quiet voices from nearby sites, a reminder that this is a shared outdoor haven. The wooded canopy filters last light, casting long shadows across the sturdy tent platforms and lean-to shelters. Despite the close quarters, a peaceful rhythm settles as the forest hums with cicadas and the occasional rustle of nocturnal wildlife.

Mornings here often begin with a walk toward Buttermilk Falls, just a short drive away, where water cascades over mossy rocks, inviting a moment of cool refreshment. Trails weave through Stokes State Forest, revealing hardwood groves and glimpses of deer darting between trees. Birdsong punctuates the quiet, and the scent of pine mingles with damp earth. Closer to camp, campers gather firewood—available for purchase at the front office—to stoke their evening fires. The nearby bathrooms offer hot and cold potable water, a welcome convenience after a day on the trails.

Shotwell’s campsites come with large wooden decks, elevating tents above the gravelly, firm ground, which calls for a durable ground mat beneath sleeping bags. Fire pits with grills invite cookouts beneath the stars, while the lean-tos offer an upgrade from traditional tent camping. These enclosed shelters, resembling spacious woodsheds, come outfitted with wood-burning stoves that provide warmth and a rustic cooking option using coals inside the stove. Each lean-to includes a picnic table and an outdoor fire ring, with parking spots varying in size. Though the driveway leading to these shelters demands careful navigation due to potholes, the payoff is a cozy, lockable refuge with nearby flush toilets stocked with essentials. For hot showers, a short five-minute drive to Campground Z is necessary, rewarding visitors with a chance to wash away trail dust and campfire smoke.

Campers often return to Shotwell for the blend of simple comforts and forest immersion. The chorus of night sounds, the crackling fires, and the shared smiles around glowing embers create a sense of community that lingers long after tents fold and shelters lock. Here, the balance between rustic and accessible camping keeps the forest’s stories alive, one visit at a time.