Best Campgrounds near Bloomingdale, NJ

The Skylands region surrounding Bloomingdale, New Jersey features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Camp Glen Gray. These areas provide a mix of camping experiences from developed sites with hookups to more primitive options. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tent camping, while several also offer cabin rentals and RV sites with electric and water hookups. The forested terrain creates natural buffers between many campsites, with some properties featuring lake or pond access for recreation.

Camping facilities vary significantly across the region, with state parks like Wawayanda offering more rustic experiences compared to private campgrounds with full amenities. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campground 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," noted one visitor. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some remain open year-round with limited services during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer and fall foliage season. The region experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping.

Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw throughout the area. Several campgrounds feature lake access, including sites at Wawayanda State Park and Panther Lake Camping Resort. Campers frequently mention the natural beauty and hiking opportunities as highlights of their stays. A visitor to Stokes State Forest commented that it is "nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Wildlife viewing is common, with deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals frequently spotted. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have restrictions on alcohol consumption. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between ridges and mountains.

Best Camping Sites Near Bloomingdale, New Jersey (145)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    2. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    3. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

    "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

    4. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

    5. Wawayanda State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Milford, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 853-4462

    "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."

    "Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."

    6. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    4 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

    7. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "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."

    8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    6 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

    9. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    26 miles
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."

    10. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

    "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"

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Recent Reviews near Bloomingdale, NJ

890 Reviews of 145 Bloomingdale Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Janine D.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kittatinny Campground

    Not worth the money or time

    If we could rate this a 0 we would.  We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced.  I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun.  We arrived at about 8:00 in the evening with several camps blaring different genre of music, not a problem, considering we still like it as loud as possible sometimes, but it didn't end at quiet time, it continue until well over midnight.  The campsites are so close together it was like being packed into a sardine can.  The campsite across the pathway didn't have their dog on a lead and we woke up with a pile of dog excrement next to our trailer, that was a howdy-do morning for ya.  We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup, but we were told that we couldn't launch from this location.  (What kind of crap is that)  This location was a receiving location only and "absolutely no launching" was allowed.  If you are looking for a party spot to come with your friends, this is definitely the place for you!  If your looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place.  The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend, will not be going back!


Guide to Bloomingdale

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bloomingdale, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bloomingdale, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Bloomingdale, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bloomingdale, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bloomingdale, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bloomingdale, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Bloomingdale, NJ.

What parks are near Bloomingdale, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Bloomingdale, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.