124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern New Jersey camping options near Hawthorne range from rustic to developed facilities within a 30-minute drive. The region includes established campgrounds like Camp Glen Gray and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offering cabin accommodations alongside tent and RV sites. Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides tent and RV camping closer to Hawthorne, while primitive camping opportunities exist along the Stonetown Circular trail for those seeking more secluded experiences. Several properties in Harriman State Park, including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp, offer camping with varied amenities within reasonable driving distance.
Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from May through September. Harriman State Park's camping season typically runs from April to October, with limited availability during colder months. Several sites feature electric hookups, showers, and water access, while the primitive sites along Stonetown Circular trail have minimal facilities. Camp Glen Gray does not allow vehicle access through the camp but provides gear transportation services in suitable weather conditions. Some sites prohibit alcohol consumption or have restrictions on fires. One camper noted about the Stonetown Circular primitive sites: "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. The only difficult thing is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble."
Visitors highlight the diverse experiences available in the area, from family-friendly cabin camping to primitive backcountry sites. Camp Glen Gray receives consistently positive reviews for its cabin cleanliness and hiking opportunities, with one camper describing it as "Great Camp! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from." The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers platform camping with lake access and optional meal plans that receive high praise from guests. Primitive campers along the Stonetown Circular trail appreciate the scenic views and riverside locations but warn about the challenging terrain, recommending light packing for the rock scrambles. Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping experiences.
"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"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"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."
"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 Availability"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 👍🏽"
"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"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."
"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."
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.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
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.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
Camping sites near Hawthorne, New Jersey sit at elevations between 200-1,300 feet in the northern New Jersey Highlands region. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds maintain operations from April through October, with several properties implementing fire restrictions during dry periods from July through September.
Water activities at Lake Welch: Beaver Pond Campground provides easy access to Lake Welch beach, complete with lifeguard-monitored swimming areas during summer. "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," notes Steve W. from Beaver Pond Campground.
Hiking on historic trails: Several camping areas connect to sections of the Appalachian Trail and Revolutionary War-era paths. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers direct trail access. "Been here a dozen times! Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place," writes Meredith C. from The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Boating and canoeing options: Rental canoes and kayaks are available at several properties. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," explains Ethan K. about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Platform tent sites for weather protection: Several campgrounds feature elevated wooden platforms for tent setup. "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. from Beaver Pond Campground.
Large, well-spaced campsites: Campers consistently mention appreciation for site privacy. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," shares Ethan K.
Affordable camping options: Several properties maintain lower fees compared to private campgrounds. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," writes Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, adding "Camping for just $15."
Bear activity protocols: Harriman State Park campgrounds maintain strict bear-aware policies. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reports Steve W. from Beaver Pond Campground.
Rockier terrain on primitive sites: Backcountry sites require preparation for challenging access. At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1, "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder," advises Ethan K.
Seasonal availability variations: Most properties close during winter months. "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. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds feature play areas visible from camping sites. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," writes Thomas about Croton Point Park.
Cabin cleanliness standards: Family-friendly cabins maintain consistent maintenance schedules. "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," reports Christopher M. from Camp Glen Gray.
Phone service considerations: Cell coverage varies significantly between properties. At Croton Point Park, Thomas mentions: "Site does not have Wi-Fi and street address didn't work correctly with multiple GPS apps. (Used Park address.)" In contrast, Zorina N. notes about Beaver Pond: "Your phone will have signal."
Gear transport assistance: Some parks restrict vehicle access but provide equipment moving services. "Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," explains Jose N. from Camp Glen Gray.
Water hookup distances: RV sites may require extended hose lengths at certain properties. "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," reports antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Dump station accessibility: Several campgrounds maintain on-site dump stations with specific access times. "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," notes antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hawthorne, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hawthorne, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Hawthorne, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hawthorne, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hawthorne, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hawthorne, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Hawthorne, NJ.
What parks are near Hawthorne, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Hawthorne, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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