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Glamping near Essex Fells, NJ

44 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Camp Glen Gray house upscale glamping accommodations within serene woodland settings near Essex Fells, providing an elevated outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort. Both locations feature climate-controlled safari tents with comfortable queen beds, electricity, and private decks overlooking the forest surroundings. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest—all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here," noted one visitor about Mahlon Dickerson. These glamping sites include modern bathrooms with private showers, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening relaxation. Guests will find Collective Governors Island offering unique yurt accommodations with premium linens, rustic-chic furnishings, and electricity just a short distance away, making it popular for weekend escapes that blend nature with resort-style camping amenities.

    Extensive hiking trails directly accessible from the glamping sites provide guests with immediate immersion in nature without leaving the properties. Camp Glen Gray features well-maintained cabins that have been converted to eco-friendly glamping accommodations with stocked firewood and clean facilities. According to a camper, "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." The area offers proximity to pristine lakes for swimming and paddling during summer months, while seasonal activities include guided nature walks and evening campfires. Panther Lake Camping Resort provides additional glamping options with access to a beautiful lake beach that serves as the property's centerpiece. Reservations are recommended during peak season from April through October, with most glamping accommodations open through November depending on weather conditions.

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    Best Glamping Campgrounds near Essex Fells (44)

      1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)20mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      2. Panther Lake Camping Resort

      3.5(17)26mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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,"

      3. Camp Glen Gray

      5.0(2)17mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      "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."

      from $5 - $200 / night

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      4. Great Divide Campground

      4.7(16)29mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "The pool was great and the laundry room was immaculate. Within about an hour from NYC...it appeared to be the closest nice campground we could find to explore the city."

      5. Round Valley State Park Campground

      4.6(25)33mi from Essex FellsTents, Glamping

      "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"

      6. Collective Governors Island

      3.0(1)16mi from Essex Fells3 sitesCabins, Glamping

      from $529 - $1200 / night

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      7. Stokes State Forest

      4.4(28)37mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $7 - $55 / night

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      8. Swartswood State Park Campground

      4.3(14)33mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campsite, CS52, was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them, facing inward."

      "This campsite was in the open grass area and not very private, but that was okay for this trip as I spent the days hiking around lakes and waterfalls in the area(45min drive)."

      9. Jenny Jump State Forest

      4.6(14)34mi from Essex FellsTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. High Point State Park Campground

      3.9(24)39mi from Essex FellsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping."

      "It is not very private/secluded as it is right by the road, but we enjoy waving at neighbors driving or walking by. Short 5-10 min walk to the restroom and water, no sinks or showers."

      from $5 - $20 / night

      Check Availability

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    Glamping Reviews near Essex Fells, NJ

    470 Reviews of 44 Essex Fells Campgrounds


    • 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!

    • Bob F.
      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.
      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
      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.
      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.
      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
      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.
      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.

    • J
      Sep. 14, 2018

      Oakland Valley Campground

      Family friendly campground

      Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water. There is water and electric on the sites at the middle level. River level has more primitive bathrooms and some bathrooms with running water. You can camp right next to the river and it has a great view.


    Guide to Essex Fells

    Glamping options near Essex Fells, New Jersey provide recreational access to the highlands of northern New Jersey, where elevations range between 400-1,800 feet. The region combines deciduous forest terrain with numerous lakes and reservoirs, creating a mix of waterfront and woodland camping environments. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with moderate humidity.

    What to do

    Hiking directly from camp sites: Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness camping with trail access directly from sites. "You can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site. There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets. Trails are well-kept," notes one camper who appreciates the park's accessibility.

    Lake swimming options: Swartswood State Park Campground features a designated swimming area with lifeguards during summer months. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms," says a regular visitor. Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day through Labor Day with no additional fees for campers.

    Panoramic viewpoints: High Point State Park Campground offers access to the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking," explains one visitor who enjoyed the multiple recreational options available within the park boundaries.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of Jenny Jump State Forest sites. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," mentions a visitor who found the elevated settings particularly appealing.

    Accessible fishing opportunities: At Stokes State Forest, campers can fish in multiple streams and lakes. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," notes a regular visitor who appreciates the water clarity for fishing visibility.

    Varied accommodation types: Great Divide Campground provides multiple lodging options beyond standard tent sites. "They also had covered wagons which I believe you can sleep in, but I did not pursue this option," notes a visitor who observed the unique glamping option. The campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and specialty accommodations at different price points.

    What you should know

    Bear precautions required: The region has active black bear populations that necessitate proper food storage. "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a camper at Stokes State Forest. Visitors must bring bear-resistant containers or securely store food in vehicles overnight.

    Seasonal facilities limitations: Most campground amenities operate seasonally from April through October, with reduced services outside this window. "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers," explains one visitor detailing the facilities arrangement.

    Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature steep or uneven terrain that requires physical mobility. "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," notes a Round Valley visitor who hiked to remote sites.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers structured recreation programs for children. "Great atmosphere for families. Liitte crowded for couples who want peace and quiet the staff was great to deal wwith," observes one visitor who found the family orientation beneficial.

    Noise considerations: Family glamping in Essex Fells area requires strategic site selection for optimal sleep conditions. "We got site 15 which was nice and secluded but the smell from the pit toilets wafted over after a while. Previously we had stayed on one of the sites (33 I think) across from the bathrooms and had no issues with smell," notes a Jenny Jump visitor regarding site selection factors.

    Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer elevated wooden platforms for tents that keep gear dry during wet weather. "Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping. The grounds were fairly large and each campsite gets their own space with decent privacy," explains a Panther Lake visitor describing the site layout.

    Tips from RVers

    Water hookup access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides water hookups but may require extended hoses. "Very clean and quiet. 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," explains an RVer who appreciated the campground's practical solution.

    Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations but with limited operating hours. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," notes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor highlighting the accessibility for larger vehicles.

    Limited large rig accommodation: Most glamping and upscale camping options near Essex Fells limit RV size due to narrow roads and site dimensions. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," describes a visitor who found the sites suitable for standard-sized recreational vehicles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Essex Fells, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Essex Fells, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.

    What is the best site to find glamping camping near Essex Fells, NJ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 44 glamping camping locations near Essex Fells, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.