Camping near Allendale, New Jersey offers options ranging from primitive sites to platform camping within a 30-mile radius. The region sits within the Ramapo Mountains and surrounding Highlands where elevations range from 200 to 1,000 feet. Fall camping brings vibrant foliage displays, while summer visitors often contend with humidity levels between 65-85% in July and August.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Stonetown Circular Trail features two primitive camping sites along its 11-mile loop. The second site is approximately 4 miles into the hike "right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'. This is a pretty spread out site with plenty of level space to set up multiple tents."
Water activities: Many campgrounds near Allendale provide lake access for swimming and boating. Sebago Cabin Camp features "a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." Some campers recommend visiting nearby Lake Welch as "phenomenal for easy nearly-beach like camping."
Winter recreation: Several campsites stay open year-round or offer winter activities. Campgaw Mountain Reservation operates a ski area in winter months. The campground itself has "super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps" and offers disc golf when snow isn't covering the ground.
What campers like
Platform camping: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for tent setup. At Beaver Pond Campground, "the biggest positive is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Wildlife sightings: Black bears inhabit the forests surrounding Allendale. One camper at Beaver Pond noted: "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Camp amenities: Basic facilities at many campgrounds make extended stays comfortable. Beaver Pond provides "free hot showers in the bathrooms, with plenty of room to change" and "a communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
What you should know
Off-season advantages: Camping during shoulder seasons offers more solitude. One visitor to Beaver Pond mentioned: "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is "super easy to book. Easy to find on a gps and even if you lose service there are signs marking the reservation campground!"
Noise levels: Sound experiences vary widely between campgrounds. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, "the sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps. If you like being woken up by folks walking their dog at 7 AM, this is the spot for you."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly campgrounds: Seek out camps with specific youth amenities. Croton Point Park offers "a playground within sight of our camper" making it easier to supervise children while setting up camp or preparing meals.
Educational opportunities: Some camps near Allendale provide structured activities. At Harriman State Park's Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Outdoor Center, "the lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Croton Point Park, one camper noted the "site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps." However, another campground reported "your phone will have signal," allowing families to stay connected when needed.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds accommodate modest-sized RVs. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is "easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill." Sites are "paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Hookup logistics: Water and electric availability differs between campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson, "website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Reservation timing: Booking patterns impact RV camping experiences. One visitor noted Mahlon Dickerson is "quiet and spacious" with police patrols ensuring security. Weekends tend to fill faster than weekdays across most campgrounds near Allendale, particularly during summer months.
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