AMC Mohican Outdoor Center

The pond is great for swimming and is free and open to the public. I’ve gone here multiple times with friends and it’s been so fun.
However, I backpacked 11 miles to the outdoor center from the PA/​NJ border via the Appalachian Trail a few weeks back and had an unpleasant experience. My friend was badly injured and needed to stop for the night, so we decided to camp at the outdoor center (it was her first time camping). $ 19 each for the privilege to set up our tents on their property is RIDICULOUS. I can find for-​profit campgrounds that are cheaper than that. I was seriously shocked. Plus the water-​lines weren’t even running yet by the tent platforms. The ladies behind the counter were not welcoming when we arrived (I had to seek them out after sitting around the common room for 15 minutes), and the assistant seemed to have no idea what she was doing. When she asked if I was an AMC member, I replied that I was, but I wasn’t sure if my membership had expired (I bought it around that time one year previously). The only way she would have been able to tell if my membership was still active would to be to call someone — she basically looked at me and was annoyed that I was asking her to call to find out! Maybe I was cranky because I had just backpacked 11 miles, but her customer service skills were severely lacking. The only reason I agreed to the price was because it was supposed to thunderstorm and I wanted to sleep under an awning and my friend felt more comfortable camping around people.
Long story short, come to swim, kayak — and I hear they have really cool programs throughout the year, etc — but save yourself the money and attitude behind the counter and just camp on the Appalachian Trail by the side of the road. I would love to attend some of their programs, but I’m just so turned off to that place at the moment.

I went camping with friends and stayed at the platforms and brought my tent and food.
They used to allow ground fires near the platforms but they changed their policy.
Kayaking and canoeing in The Catfish pond is very easy and relaxing. The water is clear and at this time of the year it’s also warm.
The crew at the information center is extremely nice and helpful.
Overall we had a great time.

What a place!
I had heard about this place a few years ago. I visited for the first time earlier this summer. The last two weeks I parked here to hike (free). After my 7 mile hike today, I wandered around.
It is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). (
). The Appalachian Trail goes right through the property.
This weekend they are having yoga. Next week, they have a weekend for canoe instruction. The gentleman in charge told me they sleep 10,000 per year. Tonight, the place is filled to capacity. A pretty good feat considering how big it is and all the cabins available.
They have a full serve kitchen for breakfast and dinner.
Catfish Pond is also on the property where you can go kayaking and canoeing, (and swimming).
This morning, I arrived at 8:00. It was cold (50 degrees). I need to bring gloves the next time.
For me, it is like entering a Cathedral and Genesis is transformed before you. I usually hike alone. I bring bear spray (insurance) (helps deter nasty humans too (woman with dogs)). On the way back today, I stopped off and bought bear bells. Bears are just as interested in not meeting you too. The bells let them know someone is around.
The solitude is wondrous and the silence deafening.
I hiked seven miles (3.5 each way) between Camp Road and Milbrook Road. Drop dead views as the trail goes along the top of the ridge a good part of the way. The Catfish Fire Tower is also along this portion.
They have a supply store, as there are many thru-​hikers. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is more than 2100 miles long and goes through 14 states. The NJ portion is 72 miles. If you walk from exit 1 of Route 80, it is 11 miles in.
I take exit 12 (Blairstown) off Route 80.

Usually at this time of year in early January, I seek out some alone time, and usually I take a a cabin winter retreat, up at Stokes State Forest. But this time I needed to work on some writing (read: i needed electricity for my laptop) (and lights for working late or very early) and just didn’t feel up to the work of making a fire, dragging a mattress with me, etc etc. in other words, i wanted a cheap motel, somewhere near the forest.
WELL lucky me, i finally googled «hotel NJ» and dragged the mouse pointer over to the NJ wilderness that i love so much, and up popped this place! i had been here before about ten years ago, when it was under reconstruction. Here, I will let you read about it yourself:
so you can make up your own mind if it’s for you.
WHAT I FOUND: a bright sunny clean cabin that had 6 bunks in 2 bedrooms, a bathroom with a stall shower and HOT water, a kitchen with an electric stove, oven, sink, coffee maker, and microwave. and HEAT! i wasn’t using the wifi so i am not sure where you can pick it up. I happened to have the place all to myself for 3 consecutive nights. Lucky me again, plus there was a meteor shower happening, and the light show was quite a surprise.
The center is in a narrow valley on a large natural beaver pond, and if you love nature, this is the place. The AMC runs programs all year round, the Appalachian trail runs right through it and this leg of the trail is rocky, mossy, and very picturesque. The trails here are some of the prettiest I have ever walked on. They also rent out canoes and kayaks. The well water tastes great! I will be back! with friends!

Fun Times! Rent a kayak bring a tent swim grill build fires look at the beauty of nature… Live bands on Friday. Family FUN ALL AROUND! I like this place alot… A beautiful well kept campground right next to a lake… Very peaceful with very reasonable rates for tent sights and cabins… There’s so much to do you’d have to check it out to know for sure… Oh and to top it all off its right next the Appalachian trail. Camping at its finest!