Camping spots near Essex Fells, New Jersey offer experiences ranging from secluded woodland sites to urban camping with skyline views. The area sits within the New Jersey Highlands region at elevations between 400-600 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Seasonal weather patterns feature humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F from June through August, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking at Cheesequake State Park: The park features multiple trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty with several lookout locations. "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," notes one Cheesequake State Park Campground visitor.
Kayaking on Panther Lake: Free kayak rentals are available for campers at some locations near Essex Fells. A visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort mentioned, "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Urban exploration from Staten Island: Some camping areas provide unique urban exploration opportunities. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping," reported a camper at Staten Island Gateway.
What campers like
Clean facilities with hot showers: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a visitor noted, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that... Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground."
Large, separated campsites: Privacy is valued at many area campgrounds. According to a Great Divide Campground visitor, "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night. Each site had a water spout and electric plug in."
Rustic camping platforms: Several campsites offer wooden platforms for tent setup. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation shared, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt. The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff."
What you should know
Bear activity awareness: Wildlife, particularly bears, can be present at some camping areas near Essex Fells. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Limited cell service and WiFi: Connectivity can be spotty at many campgrounds. A Panther Lake visitor mentioned, "Love the place! People were nice. Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones."
Car restrictions at some sites: Some campgrounds limit vehicle access to camping areas. A Great Divide visitor noted, "The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Family-friendly locations often offer organized events. "Lots of weekend activities. Will be back in the future," shared a Camp Glen Gray visitor who also noted, "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."
Consider campgrounds with beaches: Water access enhances the experience for children. "We have gone camping here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC... If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises," reported a Cheesequake camper.
Bring bikes for campground exploration: Many camping areas have bike-friendly terrain. A Sandy Hook visitor mentioned, "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride."
Tips from RVers
Consider site access challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain limitations. At Mahlon Dickerson, a reviewer shared, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Check hookup details: Water access points vary between campgrounds. One visitor to Mahlon Dickerson noted, "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."
Prepare for seasonal sites: Many campgrounds near Essex Fells have permanent residents. A Panther Lake visitor observed, "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages."
