Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Hawthorne, NJ
124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Hawthorne (124)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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 Availability2. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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 Availability3. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
4. Camp Glen Gray
"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 Availability5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"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 $130 / night
Check Availability6. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"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 👍🏽"
7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
8. Croton Point Park
"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 Availability9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"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."
10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"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."
Drive Time
- 22 min from New York, NY
- 28 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 15 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Hawthorne, NJ
448 Photos of 124 Hawthorne Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Croton Point Park
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Woodland Trails
Black Bear RV ParkT
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Hawthorne, NJ
809 Reviews of 124 Hawthorne Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We 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.
- JJayTraveler
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Large sites & friendly staff!
Another great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
Guide to Hawthorne
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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