Best Dispersed Camping near Glenwood, NJ

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Glenwood, New Jersey. Hickok Brook in New York features roadside tent sites near a lake, though the access road has large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. The area has only three camping spots with no facilities or amenities. Permits are required for camping on New York state land, obtainable through the county ranger's office.

Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers primitive camping in a gravel parking lot with ample shade. The site serves as a base for extensive hiking on the Thunder Swamp Trail system. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed in New York provides free camping in a wooded setting with parking for 4-6 vehicles. Campers must follow standard 150-foot setback rules from trails and roads. A reviewer noted, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path." For backpackers, the Appalachian Trail offers designated sites like Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ, which includes bear boxes but no water source. Fire restrictions vary by location, with some sites prohibiting fires entirely.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Glenwood, New Jersey (5)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    26 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    32 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    36 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "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!"

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

    5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain."

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glenwood, NJ

7 Reviews of 5 Glenwood 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.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • 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!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).


Guide to Glenwood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Glenwood, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Lakeside Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy the peaceful ambiance at Hickok Brook, where you can set up camp near the water and relish the tranquility of nature.
  • This spot is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet environment, as it features limited camping areas that ensure a more intimate experience with nature.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as access is restricted to foot traffic, making it a perfect getaway for those who enjoy a little adventure.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Glenwood, New Jersey

  • When visiting Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, remember that there are no amenities available, so bring all necessary supplies, including water.
  • This location is well-maintained and offers bear boxes for food storage, making it a safe choice for campers who want to experience the wilderness without sacrificing safety.
  • Keep in mind that campfires are not allowed here, so plan your meals accordingly and enjoy the natural surroundings without the distraction of flames.

Outdoor Adventures While Free Camping Near Glenwood

  • For those looking to explore, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping provides access to stunning hiking trails that lead to breathtaking mountain views.
  • This area is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, as the nearby river offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish while enjoying the serene environment.
  • The hiking trails are well-marked, making it easy for campers to navigate and discover the beauty of the surrounding landscape, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Glenwood, NJ is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Glenwood, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.