142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Boonton, New Jersey include several established sites within a 30-mile radius, primarily in the surrounding highlands and forest regions. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers a highly-rated camping experience with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options within wooded settings. Additional options include Panther Lake Camping Resort in Andover and Camp Glen Gray, providing varied accommodation types from primitive tent camping to glamping facilities. The region features a mix of county parks, state forests, and private campgrounds that accommodate different camping styles, with most developed sites providing electrical hookups and water access. Campers looking for the best campgrounds near Boonton will find numerous options with scenic natural surroundings and access to hiking trails.
Access to campgrounds in the area varies seasonally, with many locations operating from April through October. Several campgrounds provide water and electrical hookups, though some primitive sites like Stonetown Circular Trail require hiking access and offer no amenities. Winter camping options are limited, with Stokes State Forest being one of the few year-round options in the region. Reservation requirements are common, especially during summer weekends. Many campgrounds feature clean shower facilities and restrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations. As one visitor noted about Mahlon Dickerson, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that."
Tent and RV sites throughout the region receive consistently positive reviews for their spaciousness and natural settings. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out with campers highlighting its "large, wooded campsites" and peaceful atmosphere despite being relatively close to urban areas. A visitor described it as "a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks" with "paved and mostly level" sites. Hikers appreciate access to trail networks directly from campgrounds, with several sites offering platforms for tent setup. Bear activity is mentioned in some reviews, requiring proper food storage. For those seeking primitive experiences, Stonetown Circular Trail provides backcountry sites with mountain views, though a reviewer cautions about the "fairly difficult rock scramble" required to reach the campsite, advising visitors to "pack light."
"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."
"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."
"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 $$"
"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."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
RangerWe booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
Camping sites near Boonton, New Jersey offer diverse terrain across the Highlands region with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,400 feet. Most locations experience seasonal temperature swings with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. The region's geology features distinctive rock formations and abundant wildlife, with black bear activity commonly reported at multiple campgrounds.
Fishing at Round Valley State Park: The 2,350-acre reservoir provides excellent trout fishing opportunities. A visitor noted the "beautiful views" and "crystal clear" water that makes for prime fishing conditions. The reservoir reaches depths of 180 feet in the center.
Kayaking at Swartswood State Park: The lake offers peaceful paddling with convenient access points. As one camper mentioned, "Probally our go-to campground in NJ. The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious."
Hiking at Stokes State Forest: Access 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles, including 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A camper highlighted that "there are trail heads near the campsites and longer trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail within a short 10-15 minute drive."
Mountain scrambling at Stonetown Circular Trail: This 11-mile loop offers primitive camping spots with rewarding summit views. A hiker warns about the "fairly difficult rock scramble" and advises to "pack light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
Solitude at Round Valley: The paddle-in or hike-in sites provide exceptional privacy. A reviewer appreciated that "you still feel a little isolated. With no roads to the campgrounds it takes some effort to get there and it's a beautiful place."
Platform campsites at Beaver Pond Campground: Many sites feature raised wooden platforms that elevate tents off potentially wet ground. One camper noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Affordability at Beaver Pond: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value. A camper reported, "Camping for just $15. This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours."
Diverse sleeping options at Camp Glen Gray: Beyond standard tent sites, campers enjoy "Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites" with varying levels of amenities. A regular visitor mentioned, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails."
Bear activity is common: Multiple campgrounds report bears visiting campsites. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, one visitor noted, "We had a great time. Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans."
Seasonal limitations affect availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Stokes State Forest is one of few year-round options with winter facilities.
Varying privacy levels at Swartswood State Park: Site location greatly impacts experience. A camper observed, "Sites in the 30s got pretty loud. Starting there, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded."
Alcohol restrictions vary by campground: Some sites prohibit alcohol while others allow it. At Mahlon Dickerson, a camper noted, "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter."
Off-peak visits offer quieter experiences: Weekday and shoulder season camping provides more solitude. A ranger at Beaver Pond mentioned that "during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Select shaded sites for summer comfort: The region's terrain offers varying levels of tree cover. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, a visitor recommended to "get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around."
Kid-friendly amenities at Great Divide Campground: Families appreciate structured activities. A visitor shared that the campground has a "big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Water safety preparation: Lakes in the region have varying swimming regulations. At Round Valley, despite the "beautiful and quaint" setting, swimming is restricted in many areas of the reservoir.
Urban access at Liberty Harbor RV Park: Located at the edge of Jersey City, this park offers unprecedented NYC access. A visitor highlighted the "excellent access to the City" noting it's "right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City."
Water hookup planning at Great Divide Campground: Sites have varying access to utilities. One RVer advised, "If you have a big crew then there are plenty of joint spots. It was just two of us and two dogs so we would like a little more privacy."
Level site selection: Terrain throughout the region can be uneven. At Great Divide Campground, campers mentioned, "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
Dump station tips: Facility availability varies widely. A Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor noted they have a "convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump" but no sewer hookups at individual sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Boonton, NJ?
The Boonton area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is a perfect basecamp with wooded, large, and paved campsites featuring water and electric hookups. For those seeking a state park experience, Stephens State Park Campground is another nearby option. Other campgrounds within reasonable driving distance include High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and Great Divide Campground. Many of these locations provide convenient access to hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities while still being close to local amenities.
What amenities do camping sites near Boonton offer?
Camping sites near Boonton provide various amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. High Point State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside campsites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your site, plus swimming opportunities. Great Divide Campground provides more developed facilities, including a small lake, a pond, and wooded surroundings. Many campgrounds in the region feature water and electric hookups, dump stations, restroom facilities, and access to recreational activities. Some sites are suitable for RVs with paved, level spots, while others cater more to tent camping with more rustic amenities.
When is the best season for camping in Boonton?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions around Boonton, with summer (June-August) providing warm temperatures ideal for swimming and water activities. Stokes State Forest is particularly beautiful during late spring when the forest comes alive with greenery and wildlife. Turkey Swamp Park is excellent for early fall camping when the foliage begins to change. Popular campgrounds can become crowded during summer weekends and holidays, so consider weekday visits during peak season or spring/fall shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months.
Keep Exploring
