Best Dispersed Camping near Blairstown, NJ

Dispersed camping near Blairstown, New Jersey centers primarily on Appalachian Trail backcountry sites and nearby public lands. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, located at Old Mine Road in Columbia, serves as one of the few officially recognized primitive camping areas in Worthington State Forest. Additional dispersed options include Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania and Hickok Brook in New York, both within reasonable driving distance from Blairstown. Bake Oven Knob in Pennsylvania also provides primitive camping opportunities for those willing to travel slightly farther.

Access to these primitive sites varies considerably, with some requiring hike-in or walk-in approaches while others permit drive-in access. Most areas have minimal or no amenities. The Appalachian Trail site features bear boxes but lacks water sources, with the nearest water available at Sunfish Pond or Dunnfield Creek. Thunder Swamp Trailhead consists of a gravel parking lot where overnight stays are possible. According to one visitor, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble." Several locations prohibit fires, and some require permits, particularly on New York state land. A camper noted about Hickok Brook: "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

These backcountry areas offer varied terrain and camping conditions. The Appalachian Trail site provides "plenty of space" with "secluded spots" and "good trees for hammocking," though one camper observed it's "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping." Access roads to some sites can be challenging. At Hickok Brook, a visitor reported, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Bake Oven Knob serves dual purposes as both an overnight spot and hiking destination, with one camper noting, "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky." Most locations lack facilities, requiring campers to bring all supplies and practice proper waste management techniques. These primitive sites generally remain quiet and offer opportunities for hikers to experience the natural landscape of the Delaware Water Gap region.