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Camping near Allendale, NJ

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping options near Allendale, New Jersey range from developed campgrounds to primitive sites within an hour's drive. The region includes several established campgrounds like Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park and Camp Glen Gray in New Jersey, offering accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Harriman State Park, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Allendale, features multiple camping areas including Sebago Cabin Camp and the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. Primitive camping is available at sites like Stonetown Circular Trail, while family-friendly developed campgrounds can be found at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Campgaw Mountain Reservation.

    Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many sites operating from April through October. Campgaw Mountain Reservation requires permits for camping, while other areas like Mahlon Dickerson offer reservable sites with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. A visitor noted that "Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large." Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via drive-in routes, though some primitive sites require hiking in. Weather conditions vary significantly between seasons, with summer being the most popular camping period. Cell phone reception can be limited at more remote locations, particularly in the mountainous areas west of Allendale.

    Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Several campgrounds feature lake access, including sites at Round Valley State Park. According to one camper, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's campgrounds, with visitors reporting sightings of deer, various bird species, and small mammals. Campgrounds in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, though slightly farther from Allendale, provide riverside camping with excellent hiking access. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with more remote sites offering greater solitude compared to those near highways or urban areas. Most developed campground areas enforce quiet hours to ensure a peaceful experience.

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    Best Campgrounds near Allendale (123)

      1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

      4.2(40)14mi from Allendale129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

      "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

      from $17 - $20 / night

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      2. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)10mi from Allendale40 sitesTents, Cabins

      "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

      "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

      from $74 - $130 / night

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      3. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

      5.0(6)12mi from AllendaleTents, Cabins

      "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

      "Beautiful lakes all over the place. The AMC camp in Harriman is fantastic too! Those are reserved and paid cabins and platforms."

      4. Camp Glen Gray

      5.0(2)6mi from AllendaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

      "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

      from $5 - $200 / night

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      5. Croton Point Park

      3.7(10)17mi from AllendaleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

      "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

      from $30 - $60 / night

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      6. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)23mi from AllendaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."

      "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

      7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      3.0(1)3mi from AllendaleTents

      8. Liberty Harbor RV Park

      3.8(16)23mi from Allendale1 siteRVs

      "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."

      "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."

      from $145 - $180 / night

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      9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

      4.0(1)9mi from AllendaleTents

      "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

      10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

      4.0(1)10mi from AllendaleTents

      "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

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    Recent Reviews near Allendale, NJ

    783 Reviews of 123 Allendale Campgrounds


    • S G.
      Jul. 5, 2026

      Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      Primitive

      The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.

    • Frank J.
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Swartswood State Park Campground

      The campground is open

      The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

      Not park and camp available

      The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.

    • Greg Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Sussex County Fair Grounds

      Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026

      We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 25, 2026

      Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

      Charming mossy woods on a ridge

      Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.

    • RETIRED R.
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

      All kinds

      There are a lot of sites here. Some in sun some in full shade. Pull through sites have trees and bushes between sites. We are over by cabins in a large gravel site.

    • K
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Clean and basic

      Basic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!

    • Matthew M.
      Jun. 17, 2026

      West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

      Rest up and Recon the Museum 2026

      Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)


    Guide to Allendale

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Allendale, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Allendale, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Allendale, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Allendale, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Allendale, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Allendale, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Allendale, NJ.

    What parks are near Allendale, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Allendale, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.