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Dispersed Camping

Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 is located near Columbia, NJ, within Worthington State Forest. The terrain consists of forested areas and rolling hills. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Delaware Water Gap and Sunfish Pond, offering opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.

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Location

Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 is located in New Jersey

Detail location of campground

Directions

The camp is right after the Appalachian Trail turns East to Sunfish Pond.

Address

2 Old Mine Road
Columbia, NJ

Coordinates

41.000785 N
75.087881 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 needs a permit.

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2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 31, 2022

Perfect balance of community and space

We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

Sitena
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 by Katharine T., May 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 by Katharine T., May 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 by Katharine T., May 31, 2022
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Reviewed Jul. 12, 2017

Small but kind of your only option

I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 by Renee Z., July 12, 2017
  • Review photo of Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 by Renee Z., July 12, 2017
  • Dunnfield creek! Follow the Dunnfield creek trail from the parking lot to Sunfish pond for some variety. Better yet, do it from Sunfish pond down to the parking lot, it gets steep near the pond
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Worthington State Forest campgrounds?

Worthington State Forest campgrounds offer basic amenities including bear boxes for food storage. The designated backpacker sites, particularly along the Appalachian Trail, are minimalist with limited facilities. There's no water source directly at Campsite 2, so hikers need to carry in their own water. The sites are well-maintained but rustic, with enough trees suitable for hammock camping. Don't expect luxury amenities - these are designed for self-sufficient backpackers.

Do I need reservations for camping at Worthington State Forest?

Yes, reservations are typically required for camping at Worthington State Forest. This state forest operates a reservation system for its designated campsites, especially during peak seasons. It's advisable to secure your spot in advance as the campgrounds can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. Contact the Worthington State Forest office directly or check their official website to make reservations and confirm the current reservation policy.

What are the camping fees at Worthington State Forest?

Worthington State Forest charges camping fees that vary based on residency status and campsite type. The designated backpacker sites along the Appalachian Trail may have different fee structures than the main campground areas. For the most current and accurate fee information, contact Worthington State Forest directly or visit the New Jersey State Park Service website. Remember to factor in any additional charges for parking or day-use if you're leaving a vehicle during your stay.

What are the best hiking trails near Worthington State Forest camping areas?

The Appalachian Trail runs directly through Worthington State Forest, offering excellent hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. While camping at Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, you have immediate access to the AT for section hiking through the Delaware Water Gap. The trails in this area provide a mix of woodland paths with occasional viewpoints. The Delaware Water Gap section of the AT is particularly scenic, making it popular for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.