Best Campgrounds near Brookside, NJ
Camping options around Brookside, New Jersey range from state forests to private resorts, all within a short drive of town. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Panther Lake Camping Resort offer cabin camping alongside tent and RV sites, while Jenny Jump State Forest and Stephens State Park provide more rustic camping experiences. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds with options for glamping, yurts, and traditional camping, particularly in the northwestern portion of New Jersey near the Delaware Water Gap and along various lakes and waterways.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability. Many state parks require advance reservations, especially for summer weekends and holidays. A review noted that "the campground was wonderful. Our site was plenty big enough for a large tent and a hammock. We could have easily fit another large tent." Panther Lake Camping Resort and Great Divide Campground both offer full hookups for RVs, while state forest campgrounds typically provide more basic amenities. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning poor connectivity, particularly at Panther Lake where "there's no wifi or phone signal anywhere other than near the entrance."
Water access stands out as a significant draw for campers in the Brookside area. Stephens State Park Campground features proximity to fishing streams, with one camper highlighting that "the river is just a small walk down the hill... You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation." Panther Lake's beach and boating opportunities receive frequent mention in positive reviews. For RV travelers, site sizes vary considerably between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering smaller sites with fewer hookups compared to private resorts. The area's campgrounds balance natural settings with accessibility, most being within 15-30 minutes of shopping and dining options while still providing forest or lakeside environments.