Dispersed camping near Butler, New Jersey primarily consists of primitive sites with minimal facilities across state forests and wildlife management areas. The region features deciduous forest terrain ranging from 400-1,500 feet elevation, with seasonal temperature variations affecting camping conditions. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer humidity creates challenging camping conditions that require appropriate preparation.
What to do
Hiking trail connections: At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, numerous trail options provide access to the Delaware State Forest. Jason R. mentions, "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh." Most trails require modest fitness levels and sturdy footwear due to rocky terrain.
Lake exploration: The small but accessible water features at Hickok Brook offer peaceful shoreline camping. Corey notes, "Very gorgeous but not rv friendly." Paddling is permitted, but access requires navigating rough forest roads with significant clearance.
Bird watching: The deciduous forests surrounding these camping areas host over 30 bird species during migration seasons. Morning hours yield the best viewing opportunities before typical activity peaks around 9am. Many campers report seeing woodpeckers, warblers, and raptors during spring and fall seasons.
What campers like
Isolation: Most dispersed camping areas provide genuine solitude despite proximity to urban areas. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, Dawn M. appreciates that "it's quiet and off the beaten path." Sites accommodate typically 1-3 tents and receive minimal visitation during weekdays.
Simplicity: These primitive sites attract visitors seeking minimal infrastructure. Benjamin H. describes Thunder Swamp Trailhead as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me." This straightforward setup appeals to experienced campers prepared for self-sufficient overnight stays.
Hammock camping: Several sites feature adequate tree spacing for hammock setups. Katharine T. notes that the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 has "Good trees for hammocking." Most sites require 20-foot tree-safe straps due to average tree diameter and spacing.
What you should know
Permit variations: Regulatory requirements differ significantly between states. For Hickok Brook, Gregg T. advises, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county." Pennsylvania sites typically require free permits available through state forest offices or online registration systems.
Limited parking: Most dispersed areas feature constrained vehicle capacity. Dawn M. indicates Hemlock Ridge MUA "parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Weekends often reach capacity by mid-morning, particularly during summer months.
Wildlife considerations: Bears remain active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Katharine T. mentions that Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 is "well maintained w bear boxes provided." Sites without bear boxes require hanging food 12 feet high and 6 feet from tree trunks.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: When camping with children, prioritize locations with some flat terrain. Katharine T. reports that at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." Sites with natural boundaries help maintain child supervision.
Bug preparation: Insect activity intensifies during summer months. Cory D. warns that at Hemlock Ridge MUA, "Bugs are relentless." Bring EPA-approved repellents containing 20-30% DEET or picaridin for effectiveness against ticks and mosquitoes, particularly from May through September.
Water planning: No reliable water sources exist at most sites. According to Katharine T., at Appalachian Trail campsite, the "nearest [water] is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 mile round trip." Family groups should calculate 1-2 gallons per person per day depending on temperature and activity levels.
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Most dispersed sites near Butler present serious challenges for recreational vehicles. Corey shares about Hickok Brook: "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere."
Alternative options: RV camping requires travel to developed campgrounds beyond the immediate Butler area. Small trailers under 18 feet may access some forest roads during dry conditions, but most dispersed sites restrict access to high-clearance vehicles or walk-in tent camping only.
Emergency preparation: Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the region. Dawn M. notes at Hemlock Ridge MUA there's "barely even a signal here." RVers should download offline maps and bring physical backups since GPS navigation becomes unreliable on forest roads.
