Best Dispersed Camping near Bernardsville, NJ
Dispersed camping options near Bernardsville, New Jersey are limited but include several primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail corridor and in nearby Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 serves as one of the few legal dispersed camping locations in the region, situated within Worthington State Forest. This site functions as a designated primitive camping area for hikers traversing the Appalachian Trail, with strict regulations regarding usage and environmental impact.
Access to the Appalachian Trail campsite requires hiking in, as no vehicle access is permitted directly to the site. The area has several notable restrictions including no alcohol, no fires, and no pets allowed. Campers must carry in all necessary water as no drinking water is available on site. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead in nearby Pennsylvania provides an alternative dispersed camping option with drive-in access, though a permit is required. Both locations lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or potable water sources, requiring visitors to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.
These primitive sites attract backpackers seeking minimal-impact camping experiences along established trail systems. The Appalachian Trail site offers hammock camping opportunities despite somewhat sloped terrain for tent placement. Reviews note the site's balance of community and seclusion, with one camper describing it as having "plenty of space" with "secluded spots" available. Bear boxes are provided for food storage, an important safety feature in this region. Water access requires planning, as the "nearest [water] is Sunfish Pond, easy hike about a mile round trip." The Thunder Swamp Trailhead area provides access to extensive hiking opportunities, with one visitor noting it was "chill for a night" with "tons of hiking" and access to marsh areas via the Saw Creek trail.
