Best Campgrounds near Manchester, NJ

Campgrounds near Manchester, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts, with options for tent, RV, and cabin camping throughout the region. Round Valley State Park Campground offers boat-in and hike-in camping from April through October, while Panther Lake Camping Resort provides full-service amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a camp store. The area features several state forests and recreation areas within driving distance, including Spruce Run Recreation Area, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, and Jenny Jump State Forest, which accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to RV camping with hookups.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most state park facilities operating from April 1 through October 31. Private campgrounds like Great Divide Campground and Panther Lake typically extend their seasons slightly longer, from early April to early November. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. The region experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters that limit camping options. Water access is a significant feature at several campgrounds, including Round Valley and Spruce Run, though water activities may be restricted at certain times. As one camper noted about Round Valley, "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area borders the western edge of the region, providing additional camping opportunities with boat-in sites along the Delaware River. Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion available despite proximity to urban areas. Several reviewers highlighted the wooded settings and privacy of sites at campgrounds like Camp Taylor and Stephens State Park. Facilities vary widely across the region, from primitive sites with pit toilets to fully-developed campgrounds with shower facilities and camp stores. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation described it as "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." Many campgrounds in the area offer hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and seasonal programming, making them popular destinations for both weekend getaways and longer stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Manchester, New Jersey (170)

    1. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

    "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

    2. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "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."

    3. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "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 $$"

    4. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."

    "The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."

    5. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

    "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

    6. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    7. Stephens State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hackettstown, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 852-3790

    "There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup).  ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "

    "Was a bit hard to locate the office to check in but finally found it. The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean."

    8. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    26 miles
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

    9. Driftstone Campground

    15 Reviews
    Mount Bethel, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 897-6859

    $62 - $70 / night

    "Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."

    "Driftstone is a gem of a campground at a great location on the Delaware. Easy access to Delaware Gap Recreation Area. Sites are pretty spacious with water and electric hookups."

    10. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 170 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Manchester, NJ

1008 Reviews of 170 Manchester Campgrounds


  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.


Guide to Manchester

Camping sites near Manchester, New Jersey offer varying levels of privacy and seasonal conditions that impact visitor experiences. The region's elevation ranges from 100 to 1,000 feet above sea level, creating diverse woodland environments across different state forest areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during July and August, while spring and fall camping periods often see 40-70°F temperature swings between day and night.

What to do

Paddling activities: Round Valley State Park Campground provides water-based recreation on its 2,350-acre reservoir. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views," according to T K., who particularly appreciated the lakeside camping experience. The reservoir's clear water makes it popular for kayaking.

Wolf encounters: At Camp Taylor Campground, visitors can access the Lakota Wolf Preserve directly from the grounds. "There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," notes Julie F., adding to the unique camping atmosphere. The preserve offers discounted tours for campers with scheduled departures twice daily on weekends.

Mountain hiking: From several campgrounds, hikers can access Mt. Tammany and surrounding trails in the Delaware Water Gap. "Hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)," reports Dina S., who stayed at Camp Taylor Campground. Trails range from moderate to difficult with elevation gains of 800-1,200 feet.

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers numerous sites with reservoir views. "I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," explains Ruette W., highlighting the practical waterfront access. These sites fill quickly during summer weekends.

Privacy levels: Worthington State Forest Campground provides well-spaced sites, particularly appreciated by those seeking seclusion. "The spots are huge, and mostly private. When we go camping we don't want to be right up against our neighbors and at worthington we pretty much had our own little island," notes Fransheska A., describing the campsite layout. Sites along the river offer the most privacy.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. At Driftstone Campground, one camper noted, "The bathrooms are super clean and had the nicest showers I have ever seen at a campground." Several state parks have upgraded their facilities in recent years, with most offering flush toilets and hot showers during peak season.

What you should know

Noise considerations: Several campgrounds report varying noise levels depending on location and time of visit. At Spruce Run, Douglas P. observed, "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!" Weekend visitors should prepare for potentially higher noise levels.

Primitive camping requirements: Jenny Jump State Forest offers more rustic experiences with basic amenities. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)," reports Seth K., noting both the seclusion and occasional noise from nearby roads.

Wildlife precautions: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife sightings including bears and skunks. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, Colleen C. mentioned, "Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans." Proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds in the region.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers both lake and pool swimming facilities. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," reports Ethan K., highlighting options for water recreation. Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Jojo P. noted at Driftstone Campground: "Great people, lots of fun activities, clean facilities and beautiful views." Families should consider campsite proximity to playgrounds—closer sites provide convenience but may experience more foot traffic and noise.

Camp store supplies: Several campgrounds maintain stores with varying inventory levels. According to Ethan K., Panther Lake's "welcome center has a store where you can buy essentials you may have forgotten and then some (cold drinks, milk, cups, pans, condiments, ice cream, etc.)." Store hours typically run 8am-8pm during summer but may be limited in shoulder seasons.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers appreciate the paved sites but note terrain variations. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," reports Jeff W., though others mention that some areas require additional leveling equipment. RVs over 30 feet should check site specifications before booking.

Water access considerations: Several campgrounds have specific logistics for RV water hookups. As noted by antruze at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation: "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." Many RVers recommend bringing extension hoses of at least 50 feet.

Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. Laura M. observed at Stephens State Park Campground: "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Manchester, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Manchester, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near Manchester, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Manchester, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manchester, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Manchester, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Manchester, NJ.

What parks are near Manchester, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Manchester, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.