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Best Campgrounds near Manchester, NJ

1,000 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Manchester, New Jersey (169)

    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, NJ
    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)."

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Recent Reviews near Manchester, NJ

1000 Reviews of 169 Manchester Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Janine D.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kittatinny Campground

    Not worth the money or time

    If we could rate this a 0 we would.  We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced.  I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun.  We arrived at about 8:00 in the evening with several camps blaring different genre of music, not a problem, considering we still like it as loud as possible sometimes, but it didn't end at quiet time, it continue until well over midnight.  The campsites are so close together it was like being packed into a sardine can.  The campsite across the pathway didn't have their dog on a lead and we woke up with a pile of dog excrement next to our trailer, that was a howdy-do morning for ya.  We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup, but we were told that we couldn't launch from this location.  (What kind of crap is that)  This location was a receiving location only and "absolutely no launching" was allowed.  If you are looking for a party spot to come with your friends, this is definitely the place for you!  If your looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place.  The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend, will not be going back!

Guide to Manchester

Camping near Manchester, New Jersey, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hickory Run State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We took the short drive to Hawk Falls Trail and also completed the Orchard Trail Loop."
  • Fishing: Enjoy a peaceful day by the water at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park. A camper shared, "There’s a small unguarded beach that allows swimming which was very nice."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Stokes State Forest, you can spot various animals. One reviewer noted, "We didn’t see any bear, but saw lots of bear scat, and passed a super chill doe and her two fawns casually grazing next to the trail."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park said, "The bathrooms with showers were just what we needed and easy to walk to."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the generous spacing between sites. A reviewer at Tobyhanna State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are generously sized, good spacing between sites and heavily treed."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground are great for families. One parent shared, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."

What you should know:

  • Noise Regulations: Be mindful of noise levels, especially in family-friendly campgrounds. A camper at High Point State Park Campground faced eviction due to noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Tobyhanna State Park Campground mentioned, "Because of bears and other animals, we couldn't keep any food at our site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Camp Taylor Campground that offer activities for kids. One family said, "The camping site we originally had booked was rather small, but the front desk was cordial and able to accommodate us by moving us to a bigger site."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone engaged. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park suggested, "Take a hike around Conservation Island. It’s very flat and an easy walk/hike."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A parent at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "The camp store had a few necessities and importantly for us, frozen treats."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground noted, "Many around the inside of loops would have been pretty tight."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups like Tobyhanna State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Mix of electric and non-electric sites."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have rugged terrain. A reviewer at High Point State Park Campground said, "The sites were pretty overgrown and rugged."

Whether you're looking for Chester, NJ camping sites or just a weekend getaway, these campgrounds near Manchester have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Manchester, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Manchester, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 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.

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