177 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Jefferson, New Jersey provides access to several established campgrounds in the scenic New Jersey Skylands region. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation features wooded campsites with electric and water hookups, while nearby Panther Lake Camping Resort offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. These mixed-use campgrounds are set within the rolling hills and forested landscapes of northern New Jersey, approximately 40 miles west of New York City. The region includes both county and state park developed campgrounds, most offering varying levels of amenities from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly areas with full hookups.
Seasonal operation varies significantly among the developed campgrounds near Jefferson. Most facilities operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options. "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," noted one visitor about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Campers should check individual campground regulations regarding alcohol, which is prohibited at several state-managed camping areas in the region, including Mahlon Dickerson. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though may be limited in more remote sections of the larger state forests.
The camping experience around Jefferson features a blend of natural settings with convenient access to amenities. Kittatinny Valley State Park offers more secluded tent camping with "four spots across the public park" where campers report seeing "deer and rabbits" in a "really spacious and beautiful" setting. Forests dominate the landscape, with several lakes and reservoirs providing water recreation opportunities. The mixed-use campgrounds in the region balance wilderness experiences with amenities like showers, restrooms, and in some cases, camp stores. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to hiking trails, particularly at Mahlon Dickerson where the trail network connects directly to campsites. Bear activity is common in the region, and campers are advised to follow proper food storage practices at all camping areas.
"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."
"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."
"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 $$"
"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."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
"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."
"A few of my friends stayed at Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites recently, and while the location is fantastic for river enthusiasts, there are some areas that could use improvement. "
"With over 160 sites spread across 18 acres, campers can choose from wooded, open field, or riverfront locations, all equipped with essential amenities like electric hookups, fresh drinking water, and picnic"
from $75 - $400 / night
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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.
RangerWe booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
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 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
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.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
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.
The Jefferson Township area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in the New Jersey Highlands, with numerous freshwater lakes and ponds dotting the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons often experience overnight temperatures dipping into the 40s. The region's mixed deciduous forest provides seasonal color changes from September through early November.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At High Point State Park Campground, visitors can access the highest elevation in New Jersey. "We took one afternoon to visit the High Point Monument, which was lovely," reports one camper who enjoyed the panoramic views. The park offers multiple hiking options leading to impressive vistas.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Several campgrounds near Jefferson provide water access. At Swartswood State Park Campground, campers appreciate the free watercraft options. "Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers abundant wildlife observation opportunities. At Kittatinny Valley State Park, campers report seeing "deer and rabbits" in a natural setting. The area's mix of forest and wetland habitats supports diverse species including birds, small mammals, and occasionally larger wildlife.
Secluded camping options: Jenny Jump State Forest offers sites with good separation. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," explains one reviewer. Another notes, "Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites."
Elevated camping platforms: Several campgrounds provide wooden platforms for tents, keeping gear dry during wet weather. At Stokes State Forest, "Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform." This feature is particularly valuable during spring camping when ground moisture can be an issue.
Reasonable rates: Campsites in the Jefferson area remain relatively affordable compared to other regions. One camper at Jenny Jump State Forest noted their space was "reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog." Most tent sites at state parks range from $15-$25 per night, while private campgrounds typically charge $30-$50.
Bear activity requirements: The Jefferson area lies in black bear territory, requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided," warns a visitor to Stokes State Forest. Campers must hang food items or keep them secured in vehicles overnight.
Seasonal facility limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have limited facilities in early spring and late fall. "During the day the parking lots filled up and there was some overflow parking for day-hikers across the road," notes a Jenny Jump visitor, indicating increased weekend crowds during peak season.
Noise variations: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels than others. At Worthington State Forest Campground, "The only negative experience was that we had a lot of noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night and yelling in their drunken states. It would have been nice if the Rangers had properly enforced the quiet hours."
Water activities for kids: Great Divide Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool," reports one family. The campground also features organized activities for children throughout the summer season.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas. At Worthington State Forest, families appreciate that the sites are "next to the shower house and playground. The facilities were clean, stocked, and warm." This setup allows parents to monitor children while maintaining camp.
Best family-friendly hiking trails: When camping with children, choose trails appropriate for young hikers. At Swartswood State Park, "There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike," providing options for families with different ability levels.
Site leveling challenges: RVers should be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At High Point State Park, "Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair amount of foot and vehicle traffic." Another RVer notes that at the same park, "the 'trailer' sites aren't level."
Water and electric hookups: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides RV-friendly amenities. "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," explains one RVer. The campground also offers a dump station and electrical connections.
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. One camper at Great Divide Campground warns, "Plenty of hills so bikes are hard to use. We hiked the golf cart trails which are beautiful and go throughout the woods." RVers should research road conditions and site dimensions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jefferson, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jefferson, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Jefferson, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jefferson, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jefferson, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jefferson, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Jefferson, NJ.
What parks are near Jefferson, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Jefferson, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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