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Best Dispersed Camping near Andover, NJ

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Andover, New Jersey centers primarily around three primitive sites in the surrounding tri-state area. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, New Jersey provides hike-in access for backpackers traversing the Appalachian Trail through Worthington State Forest. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania allows drive-in access for primitive camping, while Hickok Brook in New York offers walk-in and hike-in camping opportunities. These areas maintain minimal development and require campers to be self-sufficient with no established facilities.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. The Appalachian Trail campsite requires hiking in with no vehicle access and prohibits fires, alcohol, and pets. Thunder Swamp Trailhead permits drive-in access but requires camping permits. Hickok Brook features rough roads with large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles, though motorized access stops at designated points. None of these sites provide drinking water, and campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Most areas follow standard public land camping regulations with typical 14-day stay limits.

These primitive camping areas offer distinct experiences based on their locations. The Appalachian Trail site provides strategic overnight options for through-hikers. "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," notes one backpacker, though hammock camping works well. Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites with natural beauty but challenging conditions. "Very gorgeous but not RV friendly," reports a visitor, while another mentions "there are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping." Thunder Swamp Trailhead serves as a convenient base for extensive hiking networks, with one camper noting it was "chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking." All sites require proper backcountry preparation, including water planning and weather awareness.

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Detours Nearby

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Moon Valley Campground

Moon Valley Campground

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Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Andover, New Jersey (4)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    18 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "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!"

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    21 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    36 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    4. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Andover, NJ

7 Photos of 4 Andover Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Andover, NJ

4 Reviews of 4 Andover Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    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.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Andover

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Andover, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the tranquility and adventure that comes with camping in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Andover, New Jersey

  • When visiting the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, remember that a permit is required, so plan ahead to ensure a smooth experience.

Activities While Free Camping Near Andover

  • For those who enjoy hiking, the Hickok Brook area provides a peaceful setting with limited spots, making it an ideal location for a quiet retreat while exploring the surrounding trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Andover, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Andover, NJ is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Andover, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Andover, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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