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Best Campgrounds near Essex Fells, NJ

819 Reviews

Essex Fells in New Jersey has limited dedicated camping facilities directly within town borders, but several established campgrounds operate within 30-45 minutes of the area. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, located approximately 25 miles west, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals in a wooded setting. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers a distinctive urban camping experience with views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, primarily serving RV travelers but with limited tent camping options. Camp Glen Gray, situated about 15 miles north of Essex Fells, provides a rustic camping experience with cabins and tent sites in a forested environment.

Camping availability across northern New Jersey follows seasonal patterns, with most facilities operating from April through October. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be here, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," noted one visitor about Liberty Harbor. Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain varies considerably, from the developed, parking lot-style setup at Liberty Harbor to more natural woodland settings at places like Mahlon Dickerson and Camp Glen Gray, which feature hiking trails and more traditional camping environments.

Campers consistently rate the rustic woodland experience at Camp Glen Gray highly, with one visitor commenting, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails." The camping experience in the region ranges from purely functional transit stops near urban areas to more immersive natural settings in the parks and reservations. Urban campgrounds like Liberty Harbor provide convenience for city exploration but lack natural ambiance, essentially functioning as secure parking with basic hookups. In contrast, the woodland campgrounds offer more traditional camping experiences with fire rings, picnic tables, and recreational trails. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically feature a combination of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, accommodating diverse camping preferences and equipment needs.

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Best Camping Sites Near Essex Fells, New Jersey (125)

    1. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / night

    "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."

    2. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    3. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "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."

    4. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    16 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."

    5. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

    6. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

    "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."

    7. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "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"

    8. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    9. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    29 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."

    "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

    10. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

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Recent Camping Photos near Essex Fells, NJ

520 Photos of 125 Essex Fells Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Essex Fells, NJ

819 Reviews of 125 Essex Fells Campgrounds

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

Guide to Essex Fells

Camping near Essex Fells, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have well-marked trails. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Pickerel Point Campground offers a lovely lake for fishing. A camper shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Turkey Swamp Park are great for spotting local wildlife. One happy camper noted, "The sites are all pull-through. There's lots of vegetation for 'privacy'," which makes for a great wildlife experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground said, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "We found our interactions with the staff to be helpful and attentive."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A camper at High Point State Park Campground noted, "Lots of space between sites and the lake and surrounding hills made a nice view."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A family at High Point State Park Campground faced eviction due to noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. For instance, Round Valley State Park Campground lacks showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Because of bears and other animals we couldn't keep any food at our site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. One family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground suggested, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park appreciated, "Quiet family campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Camp Taylor Campground mentioned, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. Campers at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner enjoyed, "We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service."

Camping near Essex Fells, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Essex Fells, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Essex Fells, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Essex Fells, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Essex Fells, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Essex Fells, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Essex Fells, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Essex Fells, NJ.

What parks are near Essex Fells, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Essex Fells, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

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