129 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The area surrounding Franklin Lakes, New Jersey provides camping opportunities within an hour's drive of New York City, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to cabin accommodations. Camp Glen Gray offers rustic cabins and tent sites with access to hiking trails, while Harriman State Park's multiple camping areas including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp provide lake access and recreational activities. Campgaw Mountain Reservation, located closer to Franklin Lakes, offers tent and RV camping with permit requirements and picnic facilities.
Access to many campgrounds requires advance planning as several sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," notes one visitor, highlighting the appeal of water-based activities in the region. Primitive camping along the Stonetown Circular trail involves challenging hikes with rock scrambles, so packing light is recommended. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Beaver Pond Campground typically open from April through early October, while some private facilities maintain year-round operations. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many primitive areas having limited or no coverage.
Campers frequently mention the contrast between bustling daytime activity and evening solitude at many sites. A reviewer of Campgaw Mountain noted, "Once the sun goes down, the campsite becomes a ghost town," which can appeal to those seeking privacy despite popular hiking trails nearby. The Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center receives praise for its platform camping and meal options, with visitors appreciating the peaceful lake setting. For those seeking rustic experiences, the cabin options at Sebago are described as basic but convenient with amenities like refrigerators while still maintaining an outdoor camping feel. Wildlife sightings, including beavers, are commonly reported throughout the region, particularly around lakes and water features.
"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."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
Camping sites near Franklin Lakes, New Jersey offer diverse terrain options within a 45-minute drive of the area. The region sits at the edge of the Ramapo Mountains, where elevations range from 300 to 1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights around 60-65°F in wooded areas.
Hiking with varying difficulty levels: Stonetown Circular Trail provides challenging rock scrambles with stunning viewpoints. "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. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," notes Ethan K. about the primitive camping site.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Lakes throughout the region provide swimming and boating options during summer months. "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," writes Ethan K. about the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Winter activities: Some parks maintain year-round operations. "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. 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," explains Sara P. about winter options at Sebago.
Privacy and spaciousness: Many campsites offer good separation between sites. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," reports Ethan K. from Beaver Pond Campground.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tents. "I have camped Beaver Pond for the last 45 years and have found something new and better each every year I've gone to the campgrounds. I have gone from tent platform, tent camping, tarp, and now hammock camping," shares Elliot G. about camping options at Beaver Pond.
Meal services at select campgrounds: Some locations offer dining options beyond self-catering. "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes Ilya F. about the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "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," explains Steve W. from Beaver Pond.
Transportation options: Many campgrounds are accessible without a car. "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)," mentions Ilya F. about getting to certain camping areas.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING. There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people," Sara P. notes about Sebago Cabin Camp.
Child-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer facilities designed for children. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," explains Zorina N. about Beaver Pond.
Cabin options for mixed camping comfort: Cabins provide a middle ground between tents and hotels. "Sebago cabins the way to get away and relax enjoy the lake... you can go hiking they also have movie nights they do big bon 🔥 on Saturday very kid friendly ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids and they have 🔥 wood for purchase on site most cabins have 2rooms with 4cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate," shares Hashim C.
Entertainment programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "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," writes Christopher M. about Camp Glen Gray.
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections can be challenging at some sites. "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," reports antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Site leveling considerations: Most sites require minimal adjustment. "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants," notes Jeff W.
Off-season advantages: Campgrounds are less crowded during non-peak times. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," explains Rebecca S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Franklin Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Franklin Lakes, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Franklin Lakes, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Franklin Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Franklin Lakes, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franklin Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Franklin Lakes, NJ.
What parks are near Franklin Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Franklin Lakes, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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