Top Free Dispersed Camping near Manchester, NJ

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 A visitor noted, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough."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.