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Campgrounds near Hackensack, New Jersey range from urban RV parks to forested state park sites, with few dispersed camping options in this metro-adjacent region. The area includes Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City and Camp Glen Gray, which offers accommodations from tent camping to cabins. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within state parks or recreation areas, with Harriman State Park hosting multiple camping facilities including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp within an hour's drive of Hackensack. The metropolitan location limits primitive camping opportunities but provides numerous mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV campers, making it accessible for various camping styles despite its urban proximity.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities fill quickly. Several locations maintain seasonal operations with closures during winter months, though Liberty Harbor RV Park remains open year-round. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may encounter challenges in some areas. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban centers. A recent visitor noted: "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer. Know your rig and know how to maneuver it in tight spaces."
Campers report significant variety in site experiences within the region. Liberty Harbor RV Park stands out for its prime location with views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, though reviewers consistently describe it as "basically a parking lot with hookups" rather than a traditional campground setting. The premium rates reflect location convenience rather than amenities. In contrast, Camp Glen Gray receives high marks for its rustic experience and hiking opportunities, with one visitor mentioning, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails." Most campgrounds near Hackensack provide basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables, with varying levels of electric hookups depending on the facility. Harriman State Park's campgrounds offer a more natural setting with forest surroundings despite their proximity to urban areas.
"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"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"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $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"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 Availabilityfrom $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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 👍🏽"
from $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis 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.
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.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
TravelerBeautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
TravelerThe campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
Camping options near Hackensack, New Jersey span across northern New Jersey and parts of New York, with most sites situated within a 60-minute drive radius. The region features forested campgrounds at elevations between 400-1,300 feet, creating moderate temperature differences from the urban areas. Winter camping remains limited in this area, with most campgrounds closing from November through April due to seasonal weather patterns.
Hiking trail access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers extensive hiking opportunities directly from the campground. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," notes John S. The reservation connects to multiple trail systems throughout the Jefferson Township area.
Lake activities: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides swimming and non-motorized boating access. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," writes Ethan K. The center maintains designated swimming areas during summer months when staff are present.
Urban exploration: At Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area, visitors can investigate historical structures within the park boundaries. "There is abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains Phillip L. These ranger-led programs typically run on weekends during peak season.
Platform tent sites: Elevated wooden platforms at Sebago Cabin Camp provide dry camping surfaces regardless of weather conditions. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping," says Adaly. The platforms measure approximately 12x12 feet, accommodating standard tents.
Wildlife watching: Beaver Pond Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural settings. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," reports Megan B. The park maintains a balance between accessibility and natural habitat preservation.
Meal services: AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers prepared meals for campers who prefer not to cook. "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," writes Ilya F. Meal packages can be purchased separately from camping fees.
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds in the region require proper food storage due to bear populations. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" notes Steve W. about Beaver Pond Campground. Bear-resistant containers are often required or provided at sites.
Transportation options: Public transit access exists for some campgrounds despite their natural settings. "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)," notes Ilya F. about the AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Site spacing variations: Campground density varies significantly across the region. At Mahlon Dickerson, "the campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," according to Jeff W. In contrast, many reviewers note Liberty Harbor sites are extremely close together, describing it as "basically a parking lot."
Playground proximity: Croton Point Park offers camping with convenient playground access. "Beautiful campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," reports Thomas. The playground remains accessible year-round.
Swimming access: Sebago Cabin Camp provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly-beach like camping," writes Katharine T. Swimming areas typically have lifeguards on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 10am-6pm.
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary significantly between campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites... Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," warns Andrew A. Families with light sleepers should consider sites farther from transportation corridors.
Site access challenges: Liberty Harbor RV Park requires careful navigation despite being the closest option to Manhattan. "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," advises Joe R. The park accommodates various RV sizes but tight spacing creates maneuvering challenges.
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Hackensack offer only partial hookups. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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," notes a reviewer named antruze. RVers should bring extension cords and water hoses.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations but with limited accessibility. At Liberty Harbor, there is "a dump station, but not the easiest to use," according to Shawn B. Weekday usage typically offers less waiting time than weekend checkout periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in and around Hackensack?
The Hackensack region offers diverse camping options including Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, featuring paved, level sites with water and electric hookups in a wooded setting. For a scenic experience, Great Divide Campground near Newton provides a picturesque setting with a small lake and pond surrounded by woods. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park with its 17-acre lake and hiking trails, and the Delaware Water Gap area's boat-in sites for more adventurous campers.
Are there RV rentals available in Hackensack for camping trips?
While there aren't specific RV rental businesses documented directly in Hackensack, several nearby campgrounds are well-equipped for RVs. Stephens State Park Campground is RV-accessible though may not be ideal for larger rigs. For better RV accommodation, consider Panther Lake Camping Resort, which offers full hookup sites. RV rentals are typically available through dedicated rental companies in the greater New Jersey/New York metro area, which allow you to pick up an RV and then travel to these camping destinations.
Where are the best camping sites near Hackensack?
The Hackensack area offers excellent camping at Stokes State Forest, known for its beautiful wooded setting and multiple campgrounds including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area. For waterfront camping, High Point State Park Campground provides lakeside sites with extensive hiking and biking trails, plus the opportunity to visit New Jersey's highest point. Both locations offer the perfect balance of natural seclusion while remaining within driving distance of conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants.
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