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Best Dispersed Camping near Hardyston, NJ

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Hardyston, New Jersey include several primitive sites within driving distance. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides free hike-in camping with limited amenities. This site features bear boxes and good hammocking trees but lacks water sources. According to reviews, campers should "stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area or wait until Sunfish Pond," though camping at Sunfish Pond itself is prohibited.

Nearby Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers primitive camping in a wooded setting approximately 45 miles from Hardyston. This area permits camping anywhere 150 feet from the trail and allows fires, unlike the Appalachian Trail site. The parking area accommodates only 4-6 vehicles. Camper reviews note "absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal," making this location suitable for those seeking solitude.

Hickok Brook in New York State presents another dispersed option with lakeside tent sites. The access road contains large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several campers noted this area is "not RV friendly" and has only three designated spots. A New York State land permit is required; contact the appropriate county ranger office before arrival. The site prohibits motor vehicles beyond certain points, necessitating hikers to carry all supplies. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania also requires permits for overnight stays.

All dispersed sites in this region follow Leave No Trace principles. Insect repellent is essential, particularly at Hemlock Ridge where bugs are described as "relentless." Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer offering the most reliable camping conditions. Cell service is minimal or nonexistent at most locations, requiring advance planning for safety.

Map showing campgrounds near Hardyston, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hardyston, New Jersey (5)

    1. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    29 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."

    2. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    30 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!"

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    33 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."

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    45 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. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

    Be the first to review!
    Queens, NY
    49 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hardyston, NJ

8 Photos of 5 Hardyston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hardyston, NJ

6 Reviews of 5 Hardyston 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.

Guide to Hardyston

Dispersed camping near Hardyston, New Jersey, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Hardyston, New Jersey

Dispersed campers should check out Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

  • This site is well-maintained and features bear boxes, ensuring your food is stored safely while you enjoy the great outdoors.
  • The area offers great views and is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, as it’s located along the Appalachian Trail.
  • While campfires are not allowed, the surrounding nature provides a beautiful backdrop for stargazing and enjoying the peace of the forest.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Hardyston

  • If you're looking for a quiet retreat, Hickok Brook is a small, serene spot that’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • The lakeside tent sites at Hickok Brook offer a picturesque setting, although be prepared for some bugs during the warmer months.
  • For those who prefer a more rugged experience, the Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed area allows camping anywhere 150 feet from the trail, giving you the freedom to choose your own spot in the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hardyston, NJ is Thunder Swamp Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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