High Point State Park

High Point State Park is beautiful and scenic. Visit this place during sunrise or sunset and you will be mesmerized by the beauty. It sits right in the center of the 3 states where you can see NY, NJ and Philadelphia.

Lake Marcia is nice to relax on. However I don’t recommend camping at sawmill lake. The bathrooms are always dirty and have dirty toilets that always are covered in sh*t. The bathrooms dont even have sinks so you see people washing their filthy hands at the faucet outside (keep in mind that it is a drinking water spout!). The camp sites themselves are tiny and are impossible to set up a tent due to the gravel like ground they put on the site. Adding rain into the equation makes the uneven grounded site even worse with puddles forming everywhere.

Excellent spot.
1) The monument is worth visiting once, if you live in NJ.
2) The hike is very easy. There are good amount of trails.
3) There is a parking fee in the summer.

WINTER REVIEW
I will admit this spot is probably nicer in the spring/​summer/​fall (obviously warmer and greener) but it’s beautiful in the winter as well. I froze my butt off but had a nice afternoon here.
Pros:
–No people
–Beautiful snowy views, glistening frozen lakes
–No vehicle entrance fee
Cons:
–No people (i.e. staff) to give you directions
–Monument and interpretive center are closed for the season
–The signs here are not very good — you kind of have to wing it to figure out where to go
–Bathrooms are closed during the winter although they do mention an elusive open facility in a mysterious location so don’t consume too many liquids before coming here (unless you are a guy and can easily pee anywhere).
Check out my blog post for photographs/​additional info:

Came here in the off season (January) and loved the lack of crowds, well marked hiking hiking trails, the viewing platform (located off the scenic drive) and walking around the windy monument (which is closed in winter).
Groomed cross country skiing and ski rentals in winter, when snow is present.
Great panoramic views and photo opportunities. Seems like a great place for mountain biking.

If you’re a nature lover looking for a 2.5−3 hour moderate-​difficult hike, then the Monument trail is definitely one I recommend doing. It’s uphill quite a bit with some very steep parts involved so make sure you’re wearing a good pair of shoes if you wish to make the trek.
Once you get to the monument which is about ¹⁄₃ of the way through the hike, the view from the base is phenomenal.
However, the climb up the monument is not worth it. Seriously. Unless you are doing it for the physical benefit of climbing up a thin winding staircase– sweating uncontrollably, then don’t do it. It isn’t a lighthouse, the air conditioning is nonexistent, and there is no view at the top. The only windows leading up to the top have a thick crust of bird poop completely covering any chance for a view. But the hike is nice and not too crowded. There are some spots without shade, so it’s probably a good idea to throw on a little sunblock just in case.
Happy hiking!

I came to High Point this past weekend for a hiking trip with a few friends. I really enjoyed the trail because it was intense and the path was always different each turn. There were many times where we stumbled upon a gorgeous view. When we made it to the High Point Monument the breeze was amazing! We all had the «pleasure» of climbing the monument which was quite possibly the most underwhelming experience EVER. Spoiler Alert: You’ll be amazed by what you see, like really amazed, because there is nothing at the top but a tiny stuffy room with the windows closed. Regardless it made for a funny situation and overall good calorie burn.
I didn’t get to hang by the lake for too long, but it sure was a beautiful site.
I would definitely do this hiking trail again!

came here for weekend camping. you need to book minimum 2 day via online. However, it’s possible to book only 1 day through phone reservation.
Campsite is ok. Not awesome.(lots of ticks! bring tick repellents or long sleeve shirts and pants). has fire ring, clean restroom and water is nearby. don’t try to get campsite close to the lake. There’s not much thing to do in the Sawmill Lake. I’d rather get campsite far from the lake. Geese make crazy noise at night.
Another lake (Lake marcia) has awesome swimming place. Lake water is fairly clean that you can see some baby trout. Has beach sand which is great for kids and all kinds of family. Restroom is nearby and they have even cafeteria selling burger and fries! Some grills are there, too. but seems very competitive to get grills close to the lake. They charge for $ 10 for admission fee per vehicle but as a camper, you can get waived the fee also.
A&P, walmart, shoplite is not that far. but I will get what I need on the way to the park.
Staffs are friendly and I will visit this definitely soon!

Never been a fan of NJ and this just cemented my feelings. I am trying to stop at the highest point in all 50 states. After a tour of New England visiting the high points of Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire I stopped here to go into the park. I was stopped because they were full. Worst part is nobody knew when it would reopen and I spent the time watching cars pull out. Nobody was friendly about it and nobody could give a good answer. The kept telling you to go talk to someone else. This place is a joke and a disappointment. Staff is not helpful and doesn’t care.

I’m surprised to see this park has so little reviews, it is pretty long trek for a hike but its definitely worth it in my opinion. I’ve been to this park twice now, first time was on 4^th of July last year where it was so crowded that the other car of our group wasn’t even allowed in after arriving here about 12pm.
I went again last weekend and it was very quiet with only half dozen or so cars parked around the monument area. So I would definitely suggest come early if you’re visiting in the summer during busy season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day they charge entrance fee of $ 20 per car I believe and $ 10 if you’re NJ resident on weekends. They do open the monument and beach area during the summer season though so at least you get access to shoe for paying entry fees. Half that amount on weekdays but I would think most of us would be visiting this on a weekend for a day trip.
I would say you can definitely spend at least 2 – 3 hours here if you’re hiking, we took the Monument route which took us in loop around the Monument but then we made a detour to visit the swamp board walk and as well a 30 min hike to the other lake. If you’re not into hiking there are definitely plenty of picnic tables and grills for an outdoor BBQ. 5 Stars for sure as I really enjoyed the hike and the views here.

I am a former Sussex County resident. Yes, hillbilly here. So I have been very lucky that High Point State Park has always been in my back yard.
The park encompasses the highest point in NJ, hence the name, various valleys and ridges and multiple glacial lakes. There are several trails for hiking, the most famous of which, is the Applachain trail, which runs through the park. (There is separate parking apart from the main area for this off of rt. 23 if you only want to hike this trail).
The view by the monument is phenomenal. You can see the Delaware river, Mountain Creek, Port Jervis & Sussex County farmland. Cellphone photos don’t really do it justice and I would recommend you come see for yourself. Sunset up here is pretty cool.
The park is huge and there are several areas to visit. Lake Marcia is the glacial lake in the main park that has a beach and is used for swimming in summer. I avoid this like the plague because when I was a child someone told me a monster lived in the lake. So, no lakes for me. But it’s refreshing if you aren’t afraid of lake monsters. :(
There are a couple of camping areas away from the main park. I am not sure what the fees are but I do know they vary by season. You can also picnic in a lot of spots here and take in nature.
The trails can be confusing if you do not already know your way around the park. There is not a ton of signage and you might get eaten by a bear since this is bear county. Go to REI and pick up bear repellant spray if you’re here in the fall or summer when they are active.
Also, BRING TICK REPELLANT. This park has a lot of bugs.
I still award 5 stars because NJ is kind of lacking in state parks besides beaches that are interesting. And HPSP has a lot to do for everyone.

awesome views from the ridge the monument sits on and a lot of very nice hiking trails to wander with a variety of environments … the cedar bog at the base of the mountain is a must-​see, a rather unique sort of environment. a quite nice lake near the monument. connected to other parks and protected land and to lots of hiking trails like Appalachian Trail heading to delaware river gap and beyond

This park features elevation change, the Appalachian trail, cross country skiing in the winter and lake swimming in the summer. Texas doesn’t have parks like this. We enjoyed our day out on the trails.

Pleasant state park 5 during week for nj. We walked the swamp trail. Great views from monument area.

I love this place! I love swimming in the lake and they have great hiking paths. I spend most of my free weekends here.

–ticks!!!
— $ 20 to park
will I go back… eh… NO

Go several times a year for several years now. Part of the 14 state, 2100 mile Appalachian Trail goes through the park. Great swimming at the lake. Rangers in the office are always helpful and kind.
Oh, and the views!

I can’t really see myself giving places of nature and enjoyment less then five stars however, I do have to hate on this place a little bit since their signage sucks. Definitely need to come prepared with a little knowledge and potentially your own maps. This takes you to the highest point in NJ — hence High Point State Park. In a super scenic area of NJ this trip was definitely a great destination so don’t let the confusing trails and lack of assistance deter you. This park is where the Appalachian Trail runs in NJ which is just super cool since we got on it for a few miles. We hiked up to High Point Monument — and took the stairs up — which I might say is not for the weak at heart. All was really great and a great way to spend a few hours but lets be honest here, nothing mind blowing. Some great views of NJ, NY and PA.
The huge lake serves as a busy beach in the summer for what sounded like a 100 kids taking full advantage of the refreshing refuge from the blazing sun. Yikes. Overall, a great park and definitely a great add to the hiking/​nature list if you are trying to get your explore NJ on.

I am a big fan of state parks, and High Point is definitely one of my favorites. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails within the park (including a section of the Appalachian trail) and all are very well maintained and quite scenic. In fall, the views from atop the monument are quite breathtaking as you can see the variety of fall foliage for miles around. From the monument, you can actually see parts of three states – NJ, New York, and Pennsylvania so the view from up there is pretty phenomenal anytime of the year. Just be sure not to get blown away while on top of the monument as it can get quite windy! I know that it was possible to climb up within the tower in the past, but this has since been disallowed. That’s kind of a bummer, but probably for the best as I had heard the stairs within the monument were in disarray.
In the summer, there’s swimming at Lake Marcia complete with lifeguards, a small concession stand, and geese. The beach is small and can get quite crowded at times, but generally it isn’t too bad. The sand here isn’t exactly «beach» sand but it serves it’s purpose. However, the lake here may not be for shore snobs, and you’re definitely not going to see too many fake tans, blowouts, or unnaturally bulging biceps here. But that’s a good thing!
You can also camp, fish, and mountain bike here. In the winter, there’s even cross-​country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobile trails. So there literally is something to do every season!
High Point State Park is a state park done right, and a great resource for northern NJ and NY’ers. So go on and get your nature on!

This is a great NJ state park at the highest point in NJ. hence the name! There’s a nice lake for swimming, with good bathroom and changing facilities. There’s also a monument (obelisk shaped tower) that’s sometimes open. If you climb the stairs all the way up the monument, you’ll be treated to wonderful views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
There are a plethora of picnic tables around, and a couple of food stands as well.
They also have several hiking trails and offer cross country skiing in the winter. Admission in the summer is $ 5.00 per carload during the week and $ 10 on weekends and holidays.