Best Campgrounds near Allendale, NJ
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.
