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Camping near Hackettstown, NJ

195 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    The northwestern region of New Jersey surrounding Hackettstown features diverse camping opportunities within the scenic Skylands region. Campgrounds near Hackettstown range from primitive boat-in sites along the Delaware River to fully developed campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and camp stores. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access several state parks and forests including Jenny Jump State Forest, Stephens State Park, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Worthington State Forest Campground offers tent and RV sites along the Delaware River, while private options like Great Divide Campground in Newton provide more amenities including full hookups, swimming areas, and weekend entertainment. Camp Taylor Campground near Columbia is notable for its proximity to the Lakota Wolf Preserve.

    Camping regulations and amenities vary significantly by location, with most state parks operating from April through October. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when New York and New Jersey residents seek outdoor escapes. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds while still being in short driving distance of restaurants and grocery stores." Bear activity necessitates proper food storage throughout the region, and some campgrounds prohibit pets or alcohol. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the Delaware Water Gap region where boat-in sites offer the most seclusion.

    Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with lakeside sites at High Point State Park and riverside locations in the Delaware Water Gap being particularly sought after. "Having an entire island to yourself is a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else," reported one camper at Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears spotted near campsites. Hikers appreciate the proximity to trail networks, including sections of the Appalachian Trail that pass through the region. Hackettstown area campgrounds offer excellent access points for exploring New Jersey's natural beauty, with many sites serving as perfect baseplaces for day hikes and outdoor adventures. Weekend crowding can be an issue at more popular locations, with several reviewers recommending midweek visits for a quieter experience. The region's varied terrain offers everything from flat, grassy sites to more challenging rocky or sloped areas that may require careful tent placement.

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    Best Campgrounds near Hackettstown (195)

      1. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

      4.5(39)17mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents

      "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

      "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

      2. Jenny Jump State Forest

      4.6(14)6mi from HackettstownTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

      "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

      3. Great Divide Campground

      4.7(16)10mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."

      "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

      4. Panther Lake Camping Resort

      3.5(17)9mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

      "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."

      5. Camp Taylor Campground

      4.4(24)15mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

      "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

      from $33 - $42 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Round Valley State Park Campground

      4.6(25)16mi from HackettstownTents, Glamping

      "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

      "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

      7. Driftstone Campground

      4.9(15)12mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents

      "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."

      "Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."

      from $64 - $74 / night

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      8. Spruce Run Recreation Area

      4.2(15)14mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."

      "The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."

      9. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)17mi from HackettstownRVs, 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."

      10. Swartswood State Park Campground

      4.3(14)15mi from HackettstownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."

      "The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."

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    Recent Reviews near Hackettstown, NJ

    1080 Reviews of 195 Hackettstown Campgrounds


    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 8, 2026

      Ringing Rocks Family Campground

      incredible find

      i stumbled on this searching for something almost immediately off the interstate, but with little-to-no booking available for a reasonable price elsewhere local. we detoured about 25 minutes to get here, and it is just incredible. the scenery is gorgeous, they have a camp store with oodles of stuff, there’s a huge playground, and the camping areas are dispersed well and offer beautiful scenic privacy. i wish i could make this place my home. amenities are well taken care of, they have showers in the bathroom, as well as an on-site laundry facility. they have complimentary wifi, which i appreciate with AT&T. signal is slim to none without it. overall, 5/5 stars from my family.

    • 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.

    • J
      Jul. 4, 2026

      Quakerwoods Campground

      Great place. Friendliest people

      The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 3, 2026

      The Pines Campground — Promised Land State Park

      Good place

      We had a great campsite 038, mainly because we booked the site right next to the restroom and hoped no one would reserve the one closest to it, which ended up being the case. The neighboring campsite on the other side also became vacant, so we had plenty of privacy. Otherwise, the sites would have felt a bit cramped. The beach is about a 5-minute walk through the woods. I highly recommend taking a walk there after dark to look at the stars. It’s absolutely worth it. Shower location only near the beach and be ready to pay for it with quarters The restroom is very close from our site and clean, but it’s surrounded by trees, so it’s well hidden and never felt like a disturbance. Our site was much more secluded than most of the others. I would also recommend site 032, as it seemed even more private. Verizon barely had any service, except early in the morning and late in the evening. T-Mobile worked much better. Overall, it’s a nice campground with a beautiful lake. We really enjoyed spending time kayaking, and if you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one there

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Nicole H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Tobyhanna State Park Campground

      Great fishing

      The foliage and trees helps it feel private although there’s someone on both sides and across from you, luckily we were alone for the weekend bc it wasn’t fully booked. Bathrooms and showers were very clean and had potable. Each campground has lake access but it’s very critter heavy so I recommend the main fishing dock area. Caught a bullhead catfish around 11 pm 8 in. Recommend small rods under 6 ft. Staff was very friendly and super easy to extend our stay another day. $50 2 nights out of state res.

    • D
      Jun. 19, 2026

      Hemlock Campground & Cottages

      Hemlock Campground

      Exceptional, clean bathrooms. Best I’ve seen. WiFi good, campsite reasonably level. Nestled in the trees, relaxing.


    Guide to Hackettstown

    Camping options near Hackettstown, New Jersey range from small county parks to larger recreation areas, all situated within the highland region of northern New Jersey where elevations reach up to 1,600 feet. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most sites requiring reservations at least 48 hours in advance. Temperature swings between day and night can be significant, often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months.

    What to do

    Kayaking and boating: at Spruce Run Recreation Area Campers can rent kayaks or bring their own watercraft to explore the 1,290-acre reservoir. "I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby," notes one visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area.

    Wildlife viewing: at Wolf Preserve The Lakota Wolf Preserve near Camp Taylor offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. "We especially enjoied seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definetly a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)," writes a camper who stayed at Worthington State Forest Campground. Tours run twice daily on weekends.

    Mountain hiking: with elevation gains of 1,200+ feet The region offers challenging terrain for hikers seeking elevation. "We hiked to the point at Mt Tammany for a great view of the river," shares a visitor at Camp Taylor Campground, where "miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr" provide multiple route options.

    What campers like

    Secluded forest sites: among mature trees Many campers praise the wooded sites available at certain campgrounds. At Jenny Jump State Forest, visitors note "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views."

    Clean facilities: with hot showers Well-maintained bathrooms make a difference to many campers. "The bathrooms were absolutely spotless. Showers were excellent with great water pressure and plenty of hot water," notes a visitor at Driftstone on the Delaware. Another camper mentions "bathrooms were clean and well maintained" at Camp Taylor.

    Lake and pond swimming: in designated areas Swimming options range from natural lakes to constructed swimming areas. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing," writes a visitor to Swartswood State Park. At Great Divide Campground, "the lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days."

    What you should know

    Bear activity: requiring proper food storage Black bears are active throughout the region. "We heard about some bear incidents here recently but we didn't encounter any or any evidence of them," notes one visitor to Worthington State Forest. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "there are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

    Weekend noise levels: at popular campgrounds Many campgrounds become busy and noisy on weekends. "The park was incredibly noisy at night and there is little to no privacy between campsites," writes a camper at Swartswood State Park. Similarly, at Spruce Run, a visitor notes it "gets packed but lots to do."

    Cell service limitations: in valley areas Connectivity varies widely based on location and carrier. At Great Divide Campground, "the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," while at Camp Taylor, some visitors enjoy the disconnect from technology.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: for younger children Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," notes a visitor to Camp Taylor. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, families appreciate the "nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."

    Water activities: beyond swimming Many sites offer multiple water recreation options. "There is a swimming pond with paddleboat and kayak rentals," mentions a Camp Taylor visitor. At Panther Lake, "we have stayed here a few times before and always had a great time. This was a last minute trip so our site was ok. the W loop is by far our favorite!!!!"

    Weekend activities: scheduled by campgrounds Organized events keep children engaged. "Lots of weekend activities," notes a Great Divide visitor. Another camper at Panther Lake mentions "lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: based on length and utilities RV campers should research site specifications before booking. At Driftstone on the Delaware, "the sites are all large, and easy to get in and out of. Sites include water, electric and cable." A visitor adds, "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill."

    Tree clearance: for larger vehicles Overhead branches can damage RVs. At Spruce Run, "the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs." At Great Divide, sites vary in accessibility for larger units.

    Hookup options: vary by campground Available utilities differ widely. "No full hooks," notes a camper at Swartswood State Park. At Mahlon Dickerson, "water and electric hookups and a dump station" are available but site locations may require planning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the best camping sites in Hackettstown, NJ?

    The Hackettstown area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Stephens State Park Campground is the closest to town, featuring lovely wooded sites along the Musconetcong River, though some sites may be challenging for larger RVs. For a more upscale experience, Great Divide Campground near Newton provides scenic camping with amenities like a small lake and pond, surrounded by peaceful woods. Both locations offer easy access to local attractions while providing the natural setting campers seek in the region.

    What RV rental options are available in Hackettstown, New Jersey?

    While Hackettstown itself has limited RV rental facilities, the surrounding area offers several options. Many campers visiting the region stay at High Point State Park Campground, which accommodates RVs and provides beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking trails. For those needing rentals, check nearby cities like Newton or Morristown for RV rental companies. Another option is to reserve a site at Spruce Run Recreation Area near Clinton, which is big-rig friendly and offers water and toilet facilities. Most rentals require advance booking, especially during peak camping season.

    Which parks in Hackettstown, NJ allow camping?

    Within the Hackettstown region, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is a standout option located in the Skylands of New Jersey. This park features paved, mostly level campsites that are spacious and wooded, with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. Another excellent choice is Stokes State Forest, which offers multiple camping areas including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area (27 sites suitable for tents or small trailers) and other campgrounds with varying amenities. The forest provides a remote feel while still being within driving distance of conveniences.