Tent camping options within driving distance of Nutley, New Jersey focus primarily on wilderness experiences requiring some effort to access. The region sits at the boundary of the New York-New Jersey Highlands, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Most accessible camping areas are located within 30-70 miles of Nutley, with summer humidity levels typically 10-15% higher than in the fall season.
What to do
Urban exploration: Staten Island: Camp Gateway on Staten Island offers a unique urban camping experience with views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. "This campground is amazing. You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light," notes Phillip L. The site includes ranger-led treks exploring abandoned buildings within the park boundaries.
Kayaking: Round Valley Reservoir: Round Valley State Park Campground offers water-based recreation on a 2,350-acre reservoir. "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," shares James R. Paddlers can access primitive campsites directly from the water, avoiding the challenging hike.
Beach activities: Sandy Hook: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides camping near lifeguarded ocean beaches. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," explains Stanley S. The area features a scenic trail running parallel to the beach suitable for biking.
What campers like
Wilderness seclusion: Stonetown Circular Trail: The trail features two primitive campsites approximately 4 miles into the hike. "This is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'," explains Ethan K. The site offers multiple level tent spaces and a fire pit for water purification and cooking.
Boat-only island access: Many campers appreciate the paddle-accessible sites at Round Valley. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," says Riley K. The paddle-in access creates a natural barrier that reduces crowding even during peak season months.
NYC skyline views: Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025 offers urban tent camping with metropolitan views. "This place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY," notes Jill R., adding that "when it comes to sleeping near the city on a budget, this place will most likely work."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout northern New Jersey camping areas. Food storage regulations vary by park, with some requiring bear-resistant containers while others provide communal storage options.
Limited facilities: Many tent camping areas near Nutley feature basic or non-existent amenities. At Sandy Hook, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite," reports Craig M.
Reservation planning: Wawayanda State Park Campground requires advance planning during summer months. While clean and offering access to recreation, the sites have limitations. "Campgrounds are a narrow patch of grass by the roadway. Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep. No trees for shade or to hang a hammock," warns M.P.
Weather considerations: Summer storms can affect tent camping conditions significantly. Camping areas with elevation changes experience temperature drops of 5-10 degrees compared to Nutley, requiring appropriate gear even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Harriman State Park cabins: Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park offers family-friendly accommodations with amenities beyond standard tent camping. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area," shares Ethan K.
Educational programs: Several parks host ranger-led activities for children. "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," notes Sara P.
Cell service considerations: When camping with families, knowing connectivity is important. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," mentions Sara P. about Sebago Cabins. Other campsites report similar limited connectivity, requiring advance planning for emergency communications.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active at Sandy Hook, where campers report: "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," warns Craig M.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Croton Point Park offers one of the few RV camping options with hookups within 50 miles of Nutley. "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites," notes Lee D., adding "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Reservation challenges: The park has a cumbersome booking process. "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in," explains Lee D.
Noise considerations: Some RV areas experience noise issues. "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet," advises Jonathan C.
Train proximity: At Croton Point, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," reports Andrew A. This might affect light sleepers in RVs even more than tent campers.
