Primitive camping near Far Hills, New Jersey requires travel 45-60 miles northwest to the nearest dispersed sites. The surrounding Delaware Water Gap region features mixed deciduous forest at elevations ranging from 300-1,500 feet with typical mid-Atlantic seasonal variations. Spring and fall camping often provides the most comfortable temperatures with summer humidity making water access planning crucial when utilizing these remote sites.
What to do
Hiking day trips: The Thunder Swamp Trail system provides extensive hiking opportunities with minimal crowds. Access the network from Thunder Swamp Trailhead, where camper Jason R. notes "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities when temperatures cool. Many campers report deer, turkey, and various bird species throughout the area, particularly in less-traveled sections of trail systems.
Backpacking connections: For through-hikers, Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 serves as a strategic overnight point. The site accommodates hammock camping well, with camper Renee Z. mentioning "it was a great place for that" despite noting the location has "no water nearby."
What campers like
Tree coverage: Most dispersed sites in the region offer significant shade cover. Benjamin H. describes Thunder Swamp Trailhead as having "plenty of shade," making it cooler than more exposed camping areas during summer months.
Solitude options: Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides varying degrees of privacy. Katharine T. explains, "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," allowing campers to choose their preferred social environment.
Minimal regulation: While permits are required in certain areas, campers report straightforward overnight stays. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, one camper described the experience as "chill for a night. No trouble."
What you should know
Water planning essential: No drinking water exists at dispersed sites in this region. Campers at Appalachian Trail sites often collect water from Sunfish Pond, described as "an easy hike about a 1 round trip" according to Katharine T.
Bear safety requirements: Food storage containers are provided at some locations. The Appalachian Trail site is "well maintained w bear boxes provided" according to visitor reports, though carrying personal bear-resistant containers remains advisable at other sites.
Limited facilities: These primitive camping areas lack standard amenities. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead is accurately characterized by Benjamin H. as simply "a gravel parking lot" without water or toilets.
Tips for camping with families
Terrain considerations: Families should note that some camping areas have challenging terrain for tent placement. At Floyd Bennett Field, the flat terrain makes for easier family tent setups compared to Appalachian Trail sites described as "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping."
Campfire alternatives: With fire restrictions at many sites, bring alternative cooking methods and non-fire evening activities for children. Many families report success with battery-powered lanterns and card games.
Distance planning: When backpacking with children to primitive sites, calculate realistic daily mileage. Most campers recommend 5-7 miles maximum with younger children when heading to dispersed sites along trails.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: RV access is severely restricted at dispersed sites near Far Hills. Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers only "a gravel parking lot" that accommodates smaller vehicles but presents challenges for larger RVs.
Supply planning: With no services available, RVers must be fully self-contained. Stock water, fuel, and supplies before arriving as the nearest resupply points can be 20+ miles from camping areas.
Alternative considerations: Given the primitive nature of dispersed camping in the region, RVers often find developed campgrounds with hookups more practical despite being farther from Far Hills.
