Campgrounds near Butler, New Jersey feature a range of mixed-use facilities within the forested landscapes of northern New Jersey. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides spacious, wooded campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs, along with tent platforms for primitive camping experiences. Camp Glen Gray offers rustic cabins and tent sites surrounded by hiking trails, while more primitive options exist along the Stonetown Circular Trail where free dispersed camping is available. Most established sites are within 20-30 minutes of Butler, with options extending into nearby New York state parks.
The camping season generally runs from April through October, with several campgrounds like Wawayanda State Park operating from April 1 to October 31. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly on summer weekends. "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," noted one Mahlon Dickerson visitor. Bear activity is common in the region, so proper food storage is essential at all campsites. Winter camping options are limited, with only select parks like Stokes State Forest offering year-round availability. Roads to campgrounds are generally paved and accessible by standard vehicles, though some primitive sites require hiking in with equipment.
Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural settings of area campgrounds. The primitive sites along Stonetown Circular Trail receive positive reviews for their secluded locations, with one site offering mountain views and another situated beside a flowing stream. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation earns high marks for its clean facilities and spacious sites, with reviews highlighting the "large, wooded campsites" and "miles of hiking trails." Families should note that some campgrounds have limited recreational activities for children. Several developed campgrounds provide access to lakes and ponds, with hiking opportunities directly from campsites. While most campgrounds prohibit alcohol, Camp Glen Gray is an exception that allows it, according to campground data.
"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."
$21 - $24 / 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."
$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"
"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 $$"
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
TravelerStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
GuideThis is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
RangerThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
ScoutI stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Camping near Butler, New Jersey offers options in the forested highlands region where elevations range from 400 to 1,400 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs April through October, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Most campsites in the area require preparation for rocky terrain as the geology of northern New Jersey features exposed bedrock throughout many camping areas.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1, campers access mountaintop views after a challenging rock scramble. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," notes one reviewer who recommends packing light due to the difficult ascent.
Kayaking and paddling: Visitors to Panther Lake Camping Resort can enjoy water activities on the private lake. Boat rentals are available on-site, and the lake is suitable for beginners. "Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach," reports one camper who appreciated the accessible water recreation options.
Winter camping: While most campgrounds close seasonally, Stokes State Forest remains open year-round with winter cabin rentals. "We stayed in Cabin #008. The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin," explains a winter visitor who recommends bringing "six bundles of wood for a Friday to Sunday morning" stay.
Privacy between sites: Campers at Great Divide Campground consistently praise the spaciousness. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have," advises one camper who valued the solitude.
Budget-friendly options: Several primitive camping sites in the area offer free dispersed camping. "This is a second primitive site along the trail. This is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'," notes a backpacker who enjoyed the Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2 location.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers mention the well-maintained restrooms and showers. "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," reports a visitor to Stokes State Forest who appreciated the sanitation standards.
Bears are active: Multiple campgrounds post warnings about bears. "Bear activity is common in the region, so proper food storage is essential at all campsites," cautions a ranger, while a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground recalls: "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Alcohol policies vary: Rules about alcohol consumption differ between sites. While Camp Glen Gray permits alcohol, most state park campgrounds prohibit it. One visitor to Beaver Pond noted: "They have a great time with family and friends. The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping."
Cell service limitations: Reception is inconsistent throughout the region. "It is like a black hole of signals there," warns a camper at Panther Lake, while another visitor to Sebago Cabins celebrates: "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Water activities for children: Sebago Cabins offers family-friendly swimming options. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," notes a visitor who found it ideal for families who want both indoor and outdoor sleeping arrangements.
Scheduled activities: Several campgrounds organize children's programming. "They have scheduled activities for kids," mentions a Great Divide visitor, while another camper at Sebago Cabins adds: "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes a parent who visited Beaver Pond Campground, appreciating the convenience for families with young children.
Limited hookup availability: Most campsites near Butler offer partial hookups at best. "Very clean and quiet. 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," explains a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Site dimensions: RVers should verify campsite sizes before booking. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," reports one Mahlon Dickerson camper, while another notes that the campground has "large, wooded campsites with electric and water."
Seasonal considerations: The camping season for RVs typically runs April through October. "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," shares a visitor who found Mahlon Dickerson ideal for an RV stay, noting its convenience to nearby shopping within "a 15 minute drive to a large mall."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prices for camping at Butler?
Camping prices near Butler vary by location and amenities. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers sites with water and electric hookups at approximately $25-35 per night for county residents and slightly higher for non-residents. The more upscale Great Divide Campground near Newton has higher rates, typically ranging from $45-75 per night depending on hookups and season, with premium lakeside sites commanding higher prices. Most state parks in the area charge $20-30 per night for basic sites, with additional fees for amenities like electricity.
Where can I find camping near Butler?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of Butler. High Point State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your campsite. Stokes State Forest provides multiple camping areas including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 sites suitable for tents or small trailers. For those seeking water activities, Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely setting, though some sites prohibit pets and larger RVs may have difficulty navigating the campground.
What camping is available near Butler, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Butler, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Butler, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Butler, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Butler, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Butler, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Butler, NJ.
What parks are near Butler, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Butler, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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