Best Campgrounds near Hopatcong, NJ

Campsites surrounding Hopatcong, New Jersey provide a mix of established campgrounds, state forest options, and lakeside settings throughout northwestern New Jersey. Within 30 miles of Hopatcong, several camping areas accommodate diverse preferences, including Panther Lake Camping Resort in Andover and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Township. These mixed-use campgrounds offer tent and RV sites along with cabin rentals. Many properties feature lake access or forest settings, typical of the region's Appalachian foothills landscape. The state forests and camping resorts in the area generally accommodate both primitive camping and full-hookup RV options.

Seasonal considerations strongly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating April through October. "We went early September and it was lovely. The staff were very friendly and helpful," noted one visitor at Panther Lake. Winter camping is limited primarily to Stokes State Forest, which remains open year-round, while most other facilities close for winter. Road access generally requires no special vehicles, though some tent-only areas may involve short walks from parking areas. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with several reviewers mentioning poor connectivity at multiple locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months when the area becomes particularly busy with visitors seeking respite from nearby urban centers.

Water features represent key attractions at campgrounds in the Hopatcong area, with several properties built around lakes or ponds. A camper remarked that "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking." Campground experiences vary widely between weekdays and weekends, with many reviews noting peaceful midweek stays contrasted with busy, sometimes noisy weekend environments. Panther Lake, Great Divide Campground, and other mixed-use facilities offer organized activities and amenities like swimming pools, while state forest campgrounds provide more rustic experiences focused on natural surroundings. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with some visitors commenting on cleanliness issues during busy periods. Most camping options provide fire rings and picnic tables as standard amenities, though alcohol policies differ between private campgrounds and state-managed properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Hopatcong, New Jersey (169)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    "There is a very nice network of trails in the reservation, most if not all were leashed dog friendly."

    2. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."

    "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

    3. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

    "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."

    4. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    17 miles
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."

    5. Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    Newton, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-5230

    "We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."

    "The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."

    6. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

    "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

    7. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    23 miles
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

    8. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

    9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    6 miles
    Website

    "Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"

    10. Stephens State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hackettstown, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 852-3790

    "There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup).  ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "

    "Was a bit hard to locate the office to check in but finally found it. The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean."

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Recent Reviews near Hopatcong, NJ

957 Reviews of 169 Hopatcong Campgrounds


  • Erin N.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    Friendly Owners and Reasonable rates

    We just stayed the night last minute. We hit unexpected traffic on the way and the owners were kind enough to wait for us to check in. The sites aren’t anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through. It is by the highway so it can be loud at times but I don’t mind. Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Hopatcong

Camping near Hopatcong, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Hickory Run State Park Campground saying, "The hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly."
  • Fishing: Spend a relaxing day by the water. Campers at Keen Lake Resort Campground rave about the fishing, noting, "Beautiful lake great fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Beaver Pond Campground said, "The bathrooms with showers were just what we needed and easy to walk to."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "The sites were not too close together."
  • Friendly Staff: Good customer service makes a difference. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground shared, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I have encountered."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Round Valley State Park Campground pointed out, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Hickory Run State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to the 3rd Sunday in October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with planned activities. A family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed the Halloween haunted house, saying, "The kids had such a blast we’re going to make it a point to come annually."
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space for kids to play. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground appreciated their "wooded and very private" site.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground mentioned, "Activities all day long for the children."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have hilly or uneven terrain. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "The sites themselves were rather small and right on top of one another."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "The camp store was well-stocked with food, camping supplies, and souvenirs."

Camping near Hopatcong, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hopatcong, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hopatcong, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 campgrounds and RV parks near Hopatcong, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hopatcong, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hopatcong, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hopatcong, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Hopatcong, NJ.

What parks are near Hopatcong, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Hopatcong, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.