Bloomingdale, New Jersey camping options range from rustic tent platforms to full-service RV sites across elevations from 400 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night during spring and fall camping seasons, with morning fog common in valley campgrounds. Steep terrain at some sites requires specific equipment considerations for comfortable camping.
What to do
Hiking Stokes State Forest: Access to the Appalachian Trail and over 63 miles of marked trails within the forest boundaries. "We took a 5 mile hike up to the fire tower," noted one visitor to Stokes State Forest. Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging rock scrambles with significant elevation changes.
Boating on Panther Lake: Rent boats for fishing or paddling at the campground marina. A visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort mentioned "the lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Swimming in Greenwood Lake: Public beach access with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Water temperatures range from 65°F in early summer to 80°F in August. Beaver Pond visitors note "Lake Welch and Harriman State Park combines a beautiful area. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides spacious camping areas. A camper observed, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station." Another noted, "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Clean facilities: Beaver Pond Campground receives praise for well-maintained amenities. "The grounds are clean and what you'd expect from a campground," said one visitor. Another pointed out the "public bath houses, a laundry facility, playground for the kids and camp-sinks with access to water."
Accessibility from urban areas: Multiple campgrounds sit within a 45-60 minute drive from New York City. A camper at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center highlighted this advantage: "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)."
What you should know
Bear awareness: Active black bear populations require proper food storage. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," noted a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Bears are most active during dawn and dusk hours, particularly in spring and fall.
Limited cell service: Stonetown Circular Trail primitive sites have no connectivity. The sites require moderate to challenging hikes with "a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
Seasonal facility changes: Most campgrounds reduce services between November and March. Bathroom facilities at Wawayanda State Park change seasonally, with a camper noting "Primitive bathrooms need ventilation. Clean enough, but hold your breath. Ticks and bears." Winter camping requires additional preparation as water sources may be turned off.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent options: Camp Glen Gray offers raised sleeping areas ideal for families with young children. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports one regular visitor.
Summer programming: Scheduled activities for kids run from June through August. "There is an arcade room (fun for kids but kind of an odd thing to have at a campsite in my opinion) and a covered sitting area also next to the welcome center," noted a visitor to Panther Lake.
Family-friendly weekday visits: Weekends see higher capacity and noise levels at most campgrounds. A Beaver Pond visitor advised, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups with restrictions. At Mahlon Dickerson, a visitor noted, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "Very clean and quiet. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," reported one RVer about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Seasonal site access: Some campgrounds restrict certain areas during wet seasons. A Panther Lake visitor warned, "Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass."
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