Best Glamping near Cranford, NJ

Collective Governors Island and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation both provide upscale glamping experiences within reach of Cranford, New Jersey. Governors Island features luxury canvas tents with comfortable beds, private decks, and electricity, offering a rare opportunity to experience nature while maintaining premium comforts just minutes from Manhattan. A recent visitor noted, "The glamping tents create a peaceful space away from the noise of the city, yet you still feel close to nature." Mahlon Dickerson's glamping accommodations include yurts and well-appointed safari tents nestled in wooded settings with modern amenities like electric hookups, heated bathrooms with private showers, and fire rings for evening gatherings. The reservation maintains a perfect balance of wilderness immersion while providing essential comforts that distinguish true glamping from traditional camping.

Hiking trails wind directly through Mahlon Dickerson's glamping area, providing immediate access to forest exploration without leaving the property. One reviewer highlighted, "The site was large and very serene and peaceful. The bathrooms with private showers are a short drive away, making this glamping experience truly comfortable." For water enthusiasts, several glamping properties offer boat-in access options, including Collective Governors Island, which provides waterfront views and proximity to kayaking opportunities. Winter visitors will appreciate that Mahlon Dickerson maintains heated bathroom facilities during colder months, making this a viable four-season glamping destination. Most properties require reservations, with popular spots like Mahlon Dickerson booking quickly during peak seasons from April through October, especially for their premium glamping accommodations.

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Best Glamping Sites Near Cranford, New Jersey (35)

1. Collective Governors Island
6 Reviews
Jersey City, NJ
15 miles
Website
+1 (970) 445-2033
$529 - $1200 / night
"The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."
2. Round Valley State Park Campground
25 Reviews
Lebanon, NJ
29 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."

"Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear"

3. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
18 Reviews
Jefferson, NJ
28 miles
Website
+1 (973) 697-3140
"Arrived to campsite late but easily found. Campsite and lean to was clean. Fire pit with grill and picnic table."

"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."
4. Turkey Swamp Park
28 Reviews
Freehold, NJ
32 miles
Website
+1 (732) 462-7286
$42 - $79 / night
"we hiked one of the few trails in the morning and it was clean and well marked. we kayaked after that and the one thing that wasnt very great was that we brought our own kayaks so we had a decent walk"

"Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. sites are level and well maintained."

5. Panther Lake Camping Resort
17 Reviews
Andover, NJ
31 miles
Website
+1 (973) 347-4440
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."

"The campground is clean, the people who live there are friendly, very well organized, sites are big, street are easy to travel, the amnesties are good, the welcome center store is has the basic needs,"
6. Great Divide Campground
16 Reviews
Andover, NJ
34 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."

"Love the pool and small pond for fishing it is well stocked with little fish. The barn with games is nice. They have theme weekends with lots of activities. Nice store & food by the pool."

7. Spruce Run Recreation Area
15 Reviews
Bethlehem, NJ
34 miles
Website
+1 (908) 638-8572
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."

"Great arrival experience—the office has their act together—but registration closes at 4pm."
8. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
18 Reviews
Allenwood, NJ
35 miles
Website
+1 (732) 938-2371
"Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone."

"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

9. Jenny Jump State Forest
14 Reviews
Johnsonburg, NJ
37 miles
Website
+1 (908) 459-4366
"Tent campsites have benches and a fire pit. Group campsites have large stove. The cabins seem clean and well maintained."

"The "shelter" is what we would describe as a "cabin"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
10. Stokes State Forest
27 Reviews
Layton, NJ
45 miles
Website
$7 - $55 / night
"No pets or alcohol allowed.

The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform."

"So it rained during set up and it rained during take down. It stopped raining for a bit and we took a nice walk around the campsite, out to the lake and back. Then night fell and so did the rain."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Cranford, NJ

36 Photos of 35 Cranford Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Cranford, NJ

396 Reviews of 35 Cranford Campgrounds

Stuart K.
Legend
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!
Bob F.
Scout
Aug. 10, 2025
Moon Valley Campground
Very unique smaller private campground
This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.
Denise D.
Guide
Jul. 11, 2018
Camp Taylor Campground
A beautiful forested campground with plenty of wildlife and birds.
Easy access from Rt 80 and located close to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. With tours leaving them campground twice a day on both Saturday and Sundays for the wolf preserve, I was glad there was camping so close. The camping selection of sites is excellent with Cabins, Glamping tents, primitive tent sites and of course RV sites. I choose to stay in one of the glamping tents and was pleasantly surprised at the space inside the tent even with a double bed and two other fold out couches to beds. Water is available at the site. A small lake for swimming and boating. And lots of trails linking you to the Delaware river water gap area.
Trip Over Life
Ranger
Oct. 23, 2018
Stokes State Forest
Ranger Review: humangear FlexiBowl and GoBites at Steam Mill Campground
Campground Review

Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans. No pets or alcohol allowed.

The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky.

We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep.

Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes.

Outdoor activities in the area abound. Go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail. Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app.

This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery).

You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey and is located in High Point State Park which borders Stokes State Forest on the north. High Point State Park also offers camping, hiking, sightseeing opportunities. And, on the western border of Stokes State Forest is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. So, there is lots of outdoors to get out and explore!

Product Review

We camped at the Steam Mill Camping Area in Stokes State Forest in our campervan over a chilly autumn weekend. We had the opportunity to cook some soup on our stovetop and chill out by the campfire. And, as Rangers for The Dyrt, we get products to test from time to time so we were psyched to try out some new dinnerware and cutlery. This included the FlexiBowl and GoBites from humangear.

What made these humangear products pretty awesome? Well, the fun colors to start. I mean, seriously, my orange bowl rules. The FlexiBowl also has some neat features: it’s flexible - just like the name suggests - and foldable. The bowl can be squished and stuffed anywhere. And, the top section can be folded down to create a smaller bowl. The FlexiBowl is versatile yet durable. It held my hearty, warm soup just perfectly.

I paired the FlexiBowl with one of the GoBites utensils (the Uno model). The Uno model is my favorite - it has a fork on one side and a spoon on the other side. Very simple and convenient. The other GoBites models include the Duo (separate fork and spoon that can snap together) and the Trio (a fork, spoon, and knife - with bottle opener - in a case).

PRO TIP: I keep the Trio GoBites model in my travel pack at all times. It recently came in handy on a (non-camping) trip to Sardinia. The knife on the Trio allowed me to slice some delicious local cheese to pair with bread, jam, and wine that was purchased from the grocery store. YUM.
Matt S.
Legend
May. 27, 2024
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Deceiving Website
We stayed at Adventure Bound Tall Pines in Elmer, New Jersey, for Memorial Day weekend for a quick getaway. Despite reserving and paying for a“Premium” site, it fell far short. But there were still a few things we liked…

THINGS I LIKED:

1. Super-friendly staff, especially Allie, who was courteous and seemed to try to make things right

2. Lots of mature shade trees

3. DJ at the pool Saturday and Sunday and live band Saturday evening

4. Close proximity to Delsea Drive-in Theatre and Cohenzick Zoo

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

1. I reserved and paid-in-full for a premium site which listed 50-amp service and a concrete pad. Nope. Only 30-amp service and no concrete pad. When I called the office, assuming there must’ve been a mistake, I was told by two different staff members that their website is“wonky.” I wouldn’t mind as much, but this weekend was 90-degrees each day and humid, so it would’ve been good to have air conditioning.

2. The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere

3. This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45’ motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed

4. I paid$432 for 3-nights and feel like I was taken

WOULD WE COME BACK?

Nope. I’m sticking with campgrounds that give you what you paid for.
Maureen F.
Guide
Dec. 4, 2020
Tohickon Valley County Park
Great stop for a Bikepacker
No electrical and no pets allowed in camp sites. But plenty of trees and huge fire rings in each spot. An RV would have a tough time but for car camping it’s great. The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop.
J
Julie
Traveler
Oct. 16, 2020
Camp Taylor Campground
Great as long as you behave
Having been here on a few occasions I will say it is def a beautiful spot in many regards. However, there are some downsides.

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.

Negative: limited access to firewood. sites are picked clean, quiet hours are strongly enforced- which can be a good thing depending upon who you are, the lake is anything but refreshing.
Damia F.
Guide
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.
Z
Zachary L.
Traveler
Aug. 8, 2021
Turkey Swamp Park
Great Campground
I stayed at turkey swamp for just one night we had to pack it in early because a storm was rolling in but otherwise a great campground! we hiked one of the few trails in the morning and it was clean and well marked. we kayaked after that and the one thing that wasnt very great was that we brought our own kayaks so we had a decent walk from the parking lot to the lake. the lake itself wasnt huge and we paddled it in about an hour but it was still beautiful, fun and clean. the way the camp sites are set up is great because it give you some solid privacy. the roads are one way and each camp site is a horseshoe off the road. we stayed on site C4 and it was less then a 1 minute walk to the bathroom which was very clean! the only complaint we had was some of our neighbors didnt respect quiet hour. otherwise a fantastic campground for a small group or family!