Best Campgrounds near Fair Lawn, NJ
Campgrounds in the Fair Lawn area of New Jersey include a mix of state park facilities, private campgrounds, and primitive sites within an hour's drive. Camp Glen Gray offers cabins, tent sites, and limited RV camping in a wooded setting with hiking trails, while Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides more basic tent and RV camping options with free sites that require permits. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City serves as the closest established campground to New York City, primarily catering to RVs with water and electric hookups.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Access to some camping areas involves challenging terrain, especially at primitive sites. "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble," notes one camper about the primitive backcountry options. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Beaver Pond Campground in nearby Harriman State Park only open from April to October, while others like Croton Point Park remain accessible year-round.
Several visitors highlight the rustic accommodations available at Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park as a step up from tent camping while still providing an authentic outdoor experience. According to a recent review, "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." The proximity to New York City makes these camping areas particularly valuable for urban residents seeking quick nature escapes. Campgaw Mountain Reservation receives mixed reviews, with some visitors noting the sites' proximity to busy hiking trails affects privacy. For those prioritizing urban access over traditional camping amenities, Liberty Harbor RV Park functions primarily as a convenient base camp for city exploration despite its parking lot-like setting and higher prices.