Tent campsites near Cedar Grove, New Jersey range from primitive sites requiring 2-4 mile hikes to more accessible options with water access. Northern New Jersey's camping areas sit at elevations between 400-1,300 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valley and ridge campsites. Summer nights typically remain in the 60s while daytime temperatures reach the mid-80s.
What to do
Swimming in reservoir waters: Round Valley State Park Campground offers crystal clear water perfect for swimming during summer months. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet. A camper noted, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Kayaking and canoeing: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors can rent canoes to explore the peaceful lake. The center provides equipment rentals from May through September. According to a visitor, "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Hiking interconnected trail systems: Most campgrounds in the region connect to extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. The Cushetunk Mountain trail at Round Valley offers moderate elevation gain with lake views. One hiker commented, "The hike up in the cushetunk mountain is really nice as well. If you're looking for a getaway without doing backcountry planning this is the place."
What campers like
Proximity to NYC with natural isolation: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides camping with ocean access just a short distance from urban areas. The campground features fire rings and picnic tables at each site. As one reviewer stated, "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base. With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring."
Cabin alternatives for non-tent campers: Sebago Cabin Camp offers rustic cabins with basic amenities for those seeking shelter without full RV hookups. Cabins typically include cots, electricity and refrigerators, with outside cooking facilities. A camper described, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge."
Well-maintained facilities: Several campgrounds feature clean bathrooms and shower facilities, particularly at established sites. Weekend activities often include ranger-led programs and community events. One visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most wilderness campsites have no cell service, while established campgrounds offer spotty coverage. A Sebago Cabin Camp visitor remarked, "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Challenging access to primitive sites: Croton Point Park and other primitive sites require significant hiking or boat access. One camper at Round Valley explained, "Some of the sites are at least 3 miles to get to unless you take a boat across. Beautiful peaceful and primitive."
Wildlife concerns: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. Raccoons are particularly bold at some campgrounds. A Croton Point Park visitor warned, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Reservations typically open 6-12 months in advance depending on the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playgrounds: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers family-friendly activities including disc golf and hiking trails suitable for children. The campground has fire pits and is budget-friendly. A visitor noted, "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water."
Consider cabins for first-time campers: Cabin options provide shelter security for families new to camping. Sebago's cabins include indoor sleeping spaces with outdoor cooking areas, creating a hybrid camping experience. A reviewer mentioned, "It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside."
Look for ranger programs: Many parks offer weekend educational activities led by rangers. These typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and focus on local wildlife and ecology. At Sandy Hook, a visitor observed, "There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York City and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Cedar Grove offer only partial hookups, with few providing sewer connections. Water and electric are more common, but amp service varies by location.
Consider size restrictions: Many roads leading to campgrounds have tight turns and low clearances. Most sites accommodate smaller RVs under 30 feet. For larger RVs, Croton Point Park offers some back-to-back full hookup sites, though they're close together.
Prepare for variable pad conditions: While some sites feature level gravel pads, others have loosely defined parking areas. One RVer at Croton Point Park reported, "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
