Warren County NJ Towns: A Friendly Guide to the Map

Warren County, NJ is made up of 22 municipalities stretched between the Delaware River and the Highlands, from small river towns to farm country and mountain ridges. Here is a friendly introduction to the places that make up the county, and what each one is known for.

Warren County was created from part of Sussex County on November 20, 1824, with Belvidere named the county seat. The 2020 census counted 109,632 residents. Phillipsburg is the most populous municipality, while Hardwick Township is the largest by area and the smallest by population.

Belvidere: The County Seat

• Where: Belvidere, on the Delaware River

Belvidere has served as the county seat since 1824, and its Victorian homes and historic district make it one of the most picturesque small towns in New Jersey. It hosts the Belvidere Tree Lighting and Winter Festival each December, set for Saturday, December 5 in 2026. Neighboring White Township wraps around farmland and Route 46 classics like Hot Dog Johnny’s in Buttzville.

Town of Belvidere

Phillipsburg and the South County

• Where: Phillipsburg, Alpha, Lopatcong, Pohatcong, Greenwich and Harmony

Phillipsburg grew into a transportation hub as the Delaware River end of the Morris Canal, with canal operations starting in 1831, followed by the railroads. Today it is home base for the Delaware River Railroad Excursions and its Polar Express. The surrounding townships hold vineyards like Alba, Villa Milagro and Little Ridge, plus Merrill Creek Reservoir in Harmony.

Town of Phillipsburg

Hackettstown: The Busy Northeast Corner

• Where: Hackettstown, with Allamuchy, Independence and Liberty nearby

Hackettstown is home to the U.S. headquarters of Mars Wrigley and to Centenary University, whose Centenary Stage Company draws audiences year round. Its downtown has grown into a craft drinks hub, and the Hometown Holiday celebration runs December 4 to 9, 2026. Next door, Allamuchy is home to historic Rutherfurd Hall.

Town of Hackettstown

Washington Borough and Township

• Where: Washington Borough, Washington Township, Franklin and Mansfield

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Washington Borough became a center for musical instrument makers, especially organs, and a busy downtown grew around those businesses. Many of its Victorian buildings still line the streets today. The surrounding townships include working farms, Christmas tree farms and the Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park.

Borough of Washington

Hope: A Moravian Village

• Where: Hope Township

Hope is one of the earliest planned communities in the United States, established by German Moravians in 1769 and renamed Hope by drawing lots in 1775. Its stone buildings host the Hope Christmas Craft Market, which marks its 49th year on December 5 and 6, 2026. Jenny Jump State Forest rises just outside the village.

Hope Township

Oxford: Iron and Industry

• Where: Oxford Township

Oxford Furnace was one of the earliest iron furnaces in colonial New Jersey and is recognized as the site of America’s first successful use of the hot blast, which cut production time. Much of the furnace still stands in town. Oxford Mountain Natural Resource Area offers a challenging hike right above it.

Oxford Township

Blairstown and the Ridge Country

• Where: Blairstown, Hardwick, Knowlton, Frelinghuysen and Columbia

The northwest corner of the county runs up to the Kittatinny Ridge and the Delaware Water Gap. Blairstown’s Main Street holds Roy’s Hall, a 1913 former movie theater turned arts venue, and the Blairstown Diner from Friday the 13th. Hardwick and Knowlton hold Mount Tammany, Millbrook Village and White Lake.

Blairstown Township

Each town keeps its own calendar of events, meetings and community news, so the official websites linked above are the best place to check for local updates.

More in Warren County: explore each town through our events calendar, holiday guides and Eat and Drink picks.