123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
ScoutThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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 41 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.
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