Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Closter, NJ
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Closter, New Jersey ranges from RV sites with hookups to tent camping and rustic cabins, all within an hour's drive of New York City. The area features campgrounds like Camp Glen Gray in nearby Mahwah and Campgaw Mountain Reservation, both offering tent sites and cabin accommodations. Harriman State Park, located approximately 15 miles northwest, houses several campgrounds including Beaver Pond and Sebago Cabin Camp, providing both tent camping and rustic cabin options. Many sites throughout the region accommodate RVs with hookups, particularly at Croton Point Park along the Hudson River and Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, which offers views of the Manhattan skyline.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds near Closter, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though a few facilities like Croton Point Park operate year-round. Terrain varies from relatively flat riverfront areas to more rugged woodland settings in the Ramapo Mountains. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including restrooms, showers, and designated fire rings, though availability differs by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas. A review of Sebago Cabin Camp noted, "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. 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."
Family-friendly facilities characterize many campgrounds near Closter, with several offering activities beyond basic camping. Visitors frequently mention the swimming opportunities at lakes within Harriman State Park and at Croton Point Park's beach along the Hudson River. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campers reporting train noise at Croton Point and others noting the peaceful setting at Camp Glen Gray. A camper described Camp Glen Gray as having "many hiking trails to choose from" and noted it was "one rustic place" with various accommodation options. While proximity to New York City makes these campgrounds convenient weekend destinations, this accessibility also means sites can become crowded during peak periods, with some visitors mentioning the need to book well in advance to secure preferred locations.
Best Campgrounds near Closter (87)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability2. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability3. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $130 / night
Check Availability5. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
6. Camp Glen Gray
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
8. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability9. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $17 / night
Check Availability10. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
Drive Time
- 23 min from New York, NY
- 37 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 2 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 18 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Closter, NJ
329 Photos of 87 Closter Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Closter, NJ
574 Reviews of 87 Closter Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Deiludi P.ScoutKittatinny Campground
AWFUL
We reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
Guide to Closter
Campgrounds near Closter, New Jersey combine natural seclusion with proximity to urban areas. Located in the Ramapo Mountain region at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, these sites experience cooler temperatures than nearby New York City, particularly in evening hours. Many campgrounds close after October with limited winter operations due to snowfall and freezing conditions that can affect access roads.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors can explore numerous trail options. "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever," notes one visitor, while another camper mentions "hiking trails all over the place."
Seasonal water activities: The beach at Croton Point Park operates from Wednesdays through weekends with lifeguards on duty. According to a camper, "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Outdoor recreation: Elevated platforms at Beaver Pond Campground provide comfortable camping surfaces. A visitor noted, "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay. I also particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
What campers like
Budget options: Some campgrounds offer economical rates for tent camping. A visitor to Beaver Pond Campground commented, "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here. Camping for just $15."
Family-run operations: Several campsites feature friendly staff who create welcoming environments. At Camp Glen Gray, a camper observed, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings attract various wildlife species. One visitor to Croton Point Park advised, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless raccoons at night. Fire is allowed and has no issues of mosquitoes."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsites vary significantly in size, privacy and amenities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper noted, "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
Seasonal crowds: Weekends attract larger crowds while weekdays offer more solitude. A camper at Beaver Pond observed, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations can affect comfort. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," noted a visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp, indicating the need for proper bedding regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Several campgrounds feature supervised swimming areas. At Beaver Pond, a camper noted it "has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," making it convenient for families needing connectivity while outdoors.
Structured activities: Some parks organize family programming. At Sebago Cabin Camp, a visitor 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."
Accessibility considerations: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers easy access for families with varying outdoor experience. "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," noted one visitor, though adding this comes with reduced privacy.
Tips from RVers
Urban access options: For RVers wanting city proximity, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers urban convenience. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," observed one RVer, though noting the higher price point.
Water hookup solutions: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides solutions for distant water connections. "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," reported one camper.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor noted, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. The laundry was not working properly and ate a good $5 of our quarters," highlighting the need to plan accordingly for waste disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Closter, NJ?
What camping is available near Closter, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Closter, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Closter, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Closter, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Closter, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Closter, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Closter, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Closter, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Closter, NJ.
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