Dispersed camping options surrounding Brookside, New Jersey remain limited due to the densely populated nature of northern New Jersey. Most primitive camping in this region requires either a hiking component or acceptance of basic accommodations without standard amenities. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, located approximately 30 miles from Brookside, offers the most accessible options for primitive camping, though strict regulations govern these sites.
What to do
Hiking to Sunfish Pond: Access the Appalachian Trail from the Dunnfield parking area and hike approximately 3.5 miles to Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2. One camper notes, "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Well maintained with bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking."
Explore extensive trail networks: The Thunder Swamp Trail System provides over 26 miles of interconnected paths through Pennsylvania woodlands near Thunder Swamp Trailhead. A visitor reports, "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Consider urban camping alternatives: For those willing to travel further, the Gateway National Recreation Area includes camping opportunities at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY, which offers a unique urban camping experience approximately 60 miles from Brookside.
What campers like
Bear protection infrastructure: The designated backpacker sites along the Appalachian Trail provide bear boxes for food storage. As one camper explains, "There's plenty of space... We'll maintained w bear boxes provided."
Hammock-friendly terrain: Trees at the AT campsites accommodate hammock setups well. A camper mentions it was "a great place for hammocking" despite some limitations with tent placement due to sloped ground.
Privacy options: Though primitive, the AT campsite offers both community and solitude. According to a review, there's a "Perfect balance of community and space... We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."
What you should know
Water access is limited: Plan to carry all water needed for your stay. The nearest water source to the AT campsite is "Sunfish pound - easy hike about a 1 mile round trip."
Strict fire regulations: Open fires are prohibited at all dispersed sites in this region. Bring appropriate equipment for cooking without campfires.
Permit requirements: While some areas offer free camping near Brookside, New Jersey, most require either advance registration or on-site permits. Thunder Swamp Trailhead specifically requires a permit for overnight parking.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with more space: Families should consider the available terrain carefully. The AT campsite has some "small and sloped" areas that may challenge larger family tents.
Plan for no facilities: No dispersed camping options near Brookside offer toilets or potable water. Pack accordingly with sufficient water containers and portable toilet solutions when camping with children.
Consider hammocking: For families with older children, hammock camping may be preferable to tents at some sites. One camper at the AT site rated it highly because they "were in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
Tips from RVers
Overnight parking options: The Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides a "gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," according to one overnight visitor. This offers a convenient option for small RVs or vans seeking free camping near Brookside, New Jersey.
Limited amenities: No hookups, dump stations or RV-specific facilities exist at any of the dispersed camping options. Be prepared to boondock completely self-contained. As one visitor to Thunder Swamp noted, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble."
Size restrictions: Only smaller RVs or vans can reasonably use these parking areas. No sites are marked as big-rig friendly, and access roads may have limitations.
