Best Dispersed Camping near Frenchtown, NJ

Dispersed camping near Frenchtown, New Jersey primarily centers around Appalachian Trail designated sites and several primitive areas in nearby Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, NJ provides primitive camping opportunities for hikers approximately 20 miles from Frenchtown. Additional dispersed camping can be accessed at Bake Oven Knob and Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, both within reasonable driving distance of the Frenchtown area.

Most dispersed camping locations near Frenchtown require hike-in or walk-in access, particularly along the Appalachian Trail sections. Thunder Swamp Trailhead permits drive-in access but requires a permit. Amenities are extremely limited, with no drinking water, toilet facilities, or trash service available at any of the sites. Fire restrictions apply universally across these primitive areas, with no fires allowed at the documented sites. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all waste. Bear boxes are provided at some locations such as the Appalachian Trail Backpacker site.

These primitive camping areas attract hikers and backpackers seeking minimal-impact overnight options. The Appalachian Trail site offers what one visitor described as a "perfect balance of community and space" with options for both social and secluded camping. Water access presents a consistent challenge across these sites. A camper noted that at the Appalachian Trail site, "there's no water nearby" and advised to "stock up on water at Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond." For those seeking vehicle-based options, Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides "a gravel parking lot with plenty of shade" where overnight parking is generally tolerated for backcountry access.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Frenchtown, New Jersey (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Frenchtown, NJ

4 Photos of 4 Frenchtown Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Frenchtown, NJ

2 Reviews of 4 Frenchtown Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!


Guide to Frenchtown

Dispersed camping near Frenchtown, New Jersey spans across state lines into Pennsylvania, with opportunities primarily concentrated along the Appalachian Trail corridor. The region sits at the edge of the Delaware Water Gap, featuring mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 300 to 1600 feet. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March.

What to do

Explore rocky overlooks: The Bake Oven Knob area provides access to notable viewpoints along Blue Mountain ridge. According to visitor Dani T., "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky," making it accessible for day hikers and overnight campers alike.

Hike through marshlands: Thunder Swamp Trailhead serves as a gateway to diverse ecosystems. As Jason R. notes, campers can go "down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," allowing for exploration of wetland habitats not commonly associated with the region's predominantly forested terrain.

Hammock camping: The terrain at several sites better accommodates hammocks than tent pads. At the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, Renee Z. found that while the area is "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping," it was "a great place for hammock" camping, suggesting visitors consider alternative sleeping arrangements.

What campers like

Bear protection infrastructure: Several camping areas include storage facilities for food safety. Katharine T. observed the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 was "well maintained with bear boxes provided," reducing wildlife concerns for overnight stays.

Flexibility for social preferences: Campsites offer various configurations for both group and solitary experiences. Katharine T. appreciated that "there's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," providing options for different camping styles at the same location.

Overnight parking tolerance: For those planning backcountry access, Benjamin H. found that Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers "a gravel parking lot" with "plenty of shade" where "no one bothered me," suggesting reasonable overnight parking options for hikers.

What you should know

Water scarcity: Water sources require planning and additional hiking. Renee Z. cautions that at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, "there's no water nearby," and suggests visitors either "stock up on water at Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."

Strict camping regulations: Many areas have designated camping zones with limited alternatives. As Renee Z. discovered, "as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest."

Unmarked sites: Some designated camping areas lack clear signage. Renee Z. noted that the Appalachian Trail site "is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find."

Tips for camping with families

Plan for longer water carries: Families need to calculate higher water requirements without nearby sources. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, Katharine T. mentions "No Water (nearest is sunfish pond - easy hike about a 1 mile round trip)," requiring families to carry sufficient supplies.

Consider vehicle access points: For easier family logistics, certain trailheads permit vehicle proximity. Bake Oven Knob provides options where, according to Dani T., "There are two large lots. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent."

Evaluate campsite terrain: Many sites feature uneven ground requiring careful tent placement. Renee Z. rated Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 four stars because "it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping," suggesting families select sites carefully.

Tips from RVers

Overnight parking limitations: Small vans may find suitable overnight options at certain trailheads. Dani T. reports, "I've overnighted in my van here [Bake Oven Knob] a bunch, no problems," though this applies primarily to smaller vehicles rather than larger RVs.

Access road considerations: Roads leading to trailheads may present challenges for larger vehicles. The parking areas tend to be "gravel" lots as Benjamin H. described at Thunder Swamp Trailhead, requiring careful navigation during wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Frenchtown, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Frenchtown, NJ is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Frenchtown, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Frenchtown, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.