Recreational camping opportunities surround Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, a Bergen County community with elevations ranging from 300 to 400 feet. Located within an hour's drive of New York City, the area features a mix of forest preserves and lake-focused campgrounds where sites typically fill quickly on summer and fall weekends. Cell service varies throughout the region's higher elevation camping areas, with stronger signals generally available at lower-elevation RV parks.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park offers direct connections to the Appalachian Trail system. "Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," notes Kelvin, who appreciates the campground's proximity to natural features.
NYC exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides urban-adjacent camping with transit options. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," explains Shawn B.
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly report deer sightings at campgrounds throughout the region. The area's wooded settings create habitat corridors supporting diverse wildlife. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," reports Megan B. about the Beaver Pond area.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation earns praise for site layout and privacy. "The sites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," according to Jeff W., who appreciates the campground's Skylands location.
Farm animal interactions: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort incorporates livestock into the camping experience. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," describes Faith D., noting these resident animals add character to the camping experience.
Water recreation options: Lake swimming opportunities exist at several campgrounds within driving distance of Franklin Lakes. "They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," mentions Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, where a lifeguard-monitored swimming area operates seasonally.
What you should know
Availability challenges: Franklin Lakes area campgrounds often require advance planning, particularly for weekend stays. Most campgrounds within 30 miles fill quickly during peak season, with some sites booked months in advance.
Transit access: Skyline RV Camp recently relocated, affecting its amenities and views. "Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to: 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property," warns JOHN T., noting that "There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV."
Facility variations: Campground infrastructure quality varies significantly throughout the region. "The bathrooms: This is the first time that my boyfriend even was horrified by the conditions. They were REALLY REALLY run down, dirty, exposed plumbing and wiring," reports one camper about Woodland Trails, indicating significant differences in facility maintenance across area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly campgrounds near Franklin Lakes often schedule organized activities. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," explains Janelle G. at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort.
Animal attractions: Children often enjoy the animal encounters at farm-based campgrounds. "My daughter loved the horses and goats," says Erin S. about her experience at Pleasant Acres, where livestock interactions create memorable experiences for younger campers.
Playground options: Beaver Pond Campground offers playground facilities alongside natural recreation. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes Zorina N., highlighting amenities that accommodate families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV sites vary in quality and accessibility throughout the region's campgrounds. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor.
Directional challenges: Some RV parks near Franklin Lakes have navigation issues requiring planning. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," warns Bill B., highlighting the need for careful maneuvering.
Convenient overnight options: Tri-State RV Park works well for travelers needing quick access to main routes. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry," reports BENdejo ~, who appreciates the park's practical amenities for short stays.
Water connection logistics: Hose access varies at RV parks Franklin Lakes, New Jersey travelers frequent. "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 antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, providing useful information for RV setup planning.
