M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Dog-Friendly Camping near Glen Ridge, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Pet-friendly camping near Glen Ridge spans from Liberty Harbor RV Park, a parking lot-style campground in Jersey City with views of the Statue of Liberty minutes from Manhattan, to free primitive campsites at Campgaw Mountain Reservation with picnic tables, toilets, and trash disposal. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation also welcomes pets, providing a more natural woodland camping experience with hiking trails that run directly through the campground area. Most pet-friendly sites in the region require dogs to remain on leash at all times, with typical length restrictions of 6 feet. Many campers note that Liberty Harbor's location serves primarily as a convenient base camp for city exploration rather than a traditional camping experience. Busy trails frequently pass through camping areas, so pets should be comfortable with frequent passersby.
Hiking with dogs proves popular at Mahlon Dickerson, where a trail network connects directly to campsites providing immediate access to pet exercise. The heated bathrooms and shower facilities make this location suitable for camping with pets during colder months when many other campgrounds close seasonally. Limited amenities exist specifically for pets, so campers should bring their own waste bags, portable water bowls, and pet supplies. Most campgrounds near Glen Ridge operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though Mahlon Dickerson maintains winter accessibility with heated facilities. Wildlife encounters remain possible throughout the region, requiring vigilant leash management. Many sites feature close proximity to neighboring campsites, potentially problematic for dogs reactive to other campers or pets. The campsite at Stonetown Circular trail provides access to a flowing stream with fresh water but requires navigating a difficult uphill rock scramble that may challenge hikers with dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Glen Ridge (80)
1. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $145 - $180 / night
2. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
"Police patrolled, and dog friendly."
3. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."
"This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."
Check Availabilityfrom $200 / night
4. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront
10 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $85 - $120 / night
5. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $130 / night
6. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
7. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
8. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
9. Great Divide Campground
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs."
10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"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."
Drive Time
- 25 min from New York, NY
- 42 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 57 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 14 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Glen Ridge, NJ
61 Photos of 80 Glen Ridge Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Cheesequake State Park Campground
Panther Lake Camping ResortJ
Great Divide CampgroundJ
Round Valley State Park Campground
Swartswood State Park Campground
Pleasant Acres Farm RV ResortJ
Stokes State Forest
High Point State Park Campground
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Driftstone Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Glen Ridge, NJ
841 Reviews of 80 Glen Ridge Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Guide to Glen Ridge
Campgrounds around Glen Ridge, New Jersey offer diverse terrain with elevations ranging from near sea level at Liberty Harbor to over a thousand feet at Round Valley State Park. Most locations within 45 minutes of Glen Ridge experience a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winter camping options remain limited with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking on dedicated trails: Round Valley State Park provides multiple trail options accessible directly from campsites. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," notes Ryan M. The Round Valley State Park Campground requires significant effort to access, as one camper explains: "Located just south of I78... what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle."
Swimming at maintained beaches: Beaver Pond Campground offers swimming at Welch Lake during summer months. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp," reports Brian O. The Beaver Pond Campground beach includes lifeguards and shower facilities during peak season.
Water sports on reservoirs: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides kayaking opportunities included with your stay. "Love the place! People were nice. Bathrooms were clean. Only issue is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," states Umar A. Panther Lake Camping Resort also features fishing options on their namesake lake with rental equipment available.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Great Divide Campground offers well-separated sites throughout their property. "Like many of the sites in this area, Great Divide had a large pool which was used by many of the campers. The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night," explains Ethan K. The Great Divide Campground features water and electric hookups at each site with bathroom facilities nearby.
Direct Manhattan access: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unmatched city access from Jersey City. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay!" shares Emily L. The Liberty Harbor RV Park serves primarily as a base for exploring Manhattan rather than a nature experience.
Clean facilities year-round: Sebago Cabin Camp maintains heated bathrooms and adequate amenities. "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," reports Sara P. The cabins at Sebago offer a middle ground between tent camping and full accommodations.
What you should know
Site access challenges: Campgaw Mountain Reservation requires careful planning for vehicle access. "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," notes Jake R. Once evening arrives, however, the site becomes much less crowded as day visitors depart.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Glen Ridge operate on limited schedules with peak season typically running May through October. Cheesequake State Park follows this pattern with dates from April 1 to October 31, though some facilities may remain accessible year-round for day use.
Variable privacy levels: Sites range from exposed parking lot settings to secluded woodland spots. "We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly," says Paul N. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Great Divide Campground schedules regular children's events during peak season. "This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band," says Julie. Families should check event calendars when booking as activities vary by weekend.
Beach access considerations: Panther Lake offers both swimming pool and lake access options. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," shares Cynthia H. The swimming areas typically operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day with lifeguards present during posted hours.
Terrain navigation: Many pet-friendly campsites near Glen Ridge feature hilly terrain that may challenge younger children. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," warns Jojo P. about Great Divide. Bring appropriate footwear and plan routes accordingly when traveling with small children or dogs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should request detailed site information before booking. "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," advises a camper at Mahlon Dickerson.
Limited hook-up availability: Many campsites near Glen Ridge offer only partial hookups. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson. RVers should come prepared with full tanks and battery power when full hookups aren't available.
Urban access considerations: RV travelers utilizing Liberty Harbor should plan routes carefully. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," suggests Joe R. Note that larger rigs may encounter challenges navigating Jersey City streets around the RV park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Glen Ridge, NJ?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Glen Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Glen Ridge, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Glen Ridge, NJ?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Glen Ridge, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near Glen Ridge, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring