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Camping near Paterson, NJ

115 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    State parks and forests within an hour of Paterson, New Jersey provide a surprising variety of camping experiences despite the urban setting. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, located about 30 miles north in New York, offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups in a forested setting. Closer to Paterson, Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides more primitive camping with fewer amenities but free access. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 45 miles west, features both developed campgrounds and boat-in primitive sites along the river. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the few urban camping options, primarily serving RVers who want proximity to New York City.

    Camping regulations vary significantly between New Jersey and New York state parks, with alcohol prohibited at some locations like Beaver Pond but permitted at others. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, requiring advance reservations during summer weekends. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, particularly in the more remote areas. Cell service can be spotty in the highlands and valleys west of Paterson, though coverage improves at campgrounds closer to urban areas.

    Lakefront sites receive consistently positive reviews across the region's campgrounds. At High Point State Park, campers appreciate the "large sites around Sawmill Lake" that provide privacy despite being in a popular recreation area. The boat-in sites along the Delaware River offer a more secluded experience, with one visitor describing Namanock Island as having "tons of room to enjoy your camping trip... Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Families tend to favor campgrounds with amenities like showers and flush toilets, while more experienced campers seek out primitive sites with fewer neighbors. Wildlife sightings, including deer, various birds, and occasionally bears, are commonly reported at campgrounds throughout the region.

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    Best Campgrounds near Paterson (115)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

      4.2(40)23mi from Paterson129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

      3.8(16)15mi from Paterson1 siteRVs

      "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

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      3. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)22mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      4. Camp Glen Gray

      5.0(2)11mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)18mi from Paterson40 sitesTents, Cabins

      "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

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      6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      3.0(1)10mi from PatersonTents
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      7. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

      5.0(6)21mi from PatersonTents, Cabins

      "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 👍🏽"

      Check Availability

      8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

      4.0(1)13mi from PatersonTents

      "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."

      9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

      4.0(1)15mi from PatersonTents

      "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

      10. Croton Point Park

      3.7(10)24mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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
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    Recent Camping Photos near Paterson, NJ

    412 Photos of 115 Paterson Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Paterson, NJ

    729 Reviews of 115 Paterson Campgrounds

    • S G.
      Jul. 5, 2026

      Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      Primitive

      The 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.

    • Frank J.
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Swartswood State Park Campground

      The campground is open

      The 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.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

      Not park and camp available

      The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.

    • Greg Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Sussex County Fair Grounds

      Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026

      We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.

    • RETIRED R.
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

      All kinds

      There are a lot of sites here. Some in sun some in full shade. Pull through sites have trees and bushes between sites. We are over by cabins in a large gravel site.

    • K
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Clean and basic

      Basic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!

    • Matthew M.
      Jun. 17, 2026

      West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

      Rest up and Recon the Museum 2026

      Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)

    • L
      Jun. 10, 2026

      Nickerson Beach Park Campground

      Great place

      Very nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.

    Guide to Paterson

    Camping areas near Paterson, New Jersey range from 300 to 1,500 feet in elevation across the NJ Highlands and nearby New York state. The region receives approximately 48 inches of annual precipitation, creating seasonal waterfalls and streams that campers can visit year-round. Most camping locations operate from April through October with limited wintertime options due to snowfall and freezing conditions.

    What to do

    Hiking at Stonetown Circular Trail: The 11-mile loop offers primitive camping at two locations. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," notes Ethan K. about the first primitive site.

    Swimming at Sebago Lake: The beach area provides summer recreation opportunities. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," according to Ethan K. who visited Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds report deer sightings throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, Steve W. describes, "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!"

    What campers like

    Platform camping: Raised tent platforms provide comfort during wet conditions. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," explains Ethan K. about Beaver Pond Campground.

    Rustic cabins for easy access: For those who want minimal setup with basic amenities. "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," says Sara P. about Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Quiet weekday camping: Off-peak visits provide a more peaceful experience. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," notes Rebecca S. who visited Beaver Pond Campground.

    What you should know

    Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin about Beaver Pond Campground.

    Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers can expect "Large wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," according to Jeff W.

    Limited cell service: Coverage varies greatly between urban and rural sites. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reports Sara P. about her stay at Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Tips for camping with families

    Accessible activities: Short hikes suitable for children. At Camp Glen Gray, Christopher M. shares, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."

    Look for dedicated facilities: Some campgrounds offer specific family amenities. "They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," explains Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, which charges just $15 for camping.

    Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours while others don't. At Beaver Pond, Steve W. notes, "Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning."

    Tips from RVers

    City access options: RV sites with transit connections to NYC. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, Keith and Tia S. explain, "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."

    RV size limitations: Many campsites near Paterson have size restrictions. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.

    Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. "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," mentions antruze at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there any RV campgrounds near Paterson, New Jersey?

    Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is an excellent RV option near Paterson, featuring paved, mostly level campsites with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. The spacious, wooded sites can accommodate RVs, and the location in the Skylands region offers convenient access to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Great Divide Campground near Newton is another RV-friendly option with scenic surroundings including a small lake and pond. For those needing proximity to NYC while still having RV accommodations, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers big-rig-friendly sites with basic amenities and easy access to urban attractions.

    Are there cabin camping options near Paterson?

    Yes, several cabin options are available within reasonable driving distance of Paterson. Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park offers rustic cabins surrounded by beautiful forest and lake settings. These cabins provide a more comfortable camping experience while still immersing you in nature. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center also offers cabin accommodations with access to outdoor activities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Camp Glen Gray provides cabin options in a wooded setting with various amenities. Reservations are recommended for all cabin facilities, especially during peak summer months.

    What tent camping parks are available near Paterson?

    Several excellent tent camping options are available within driving distance of Paterson. Stokes State Forest offers multiple camping areas including the Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 primitive sites perfect for tents or small trailers. The forest provides a remote feel while still being accessible to amenities. High Point State Park Campground features beautiful lakeside tent sites with excellent hiking opportunities, including access to the Appalachian Trail and the highest point in New Jersey. Both parks offer wooded sites, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities, making them ideal for tent campers looking to escape the urban environment of Paterson.

    What amenities are available at Camp Paterson?

    There is no specific "Camp Paterson" listed in the available camping databases or reviews. If you're looking for camping amenities near Paterson, New Jersey, Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely setting with basic amenities, though it may not be suitable for larger RVs and has pet restrictions in certain areas. Alternatively, Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides camping opportunities with toilet facilities and is reservable. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about camping facilities specifically in Paterson, it would be best to contact the Paterson Parks and Recreation Department or check their official website.

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