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Best Campgrounds near Jefferson, NJ

995 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Jefferson, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Jefferson, New Jersey (172)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    1 mile
    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."

    "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

    2. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    11 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."

    3. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    12 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 $$"

    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
    14 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. High Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Matamoras, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "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."

    7. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    10 miles
    Website

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

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

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    28 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."

    9. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    20 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."

    10. Kittatinny Campground

    31 Reviews
    Milford, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 682-3539

    $75 - $400 / night

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Jefferson, NJ

810 Photos of 172 Jefferson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jefferson, NJ

995 Reviews of 172 Jefferson 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.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • 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!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

Guide to Jefferson

Camping near Jefferson, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "We did some fantastic hiking here. The views and wildlife were well worth it."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or tubing on the Delaware River. A visitor at Driftstone Campground said, "Tubing, kayaking, playing in the river, pool, park, etc… pick your activity."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper noted, "We didn’t see any bear, but saw lots of bear scat," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Camp Taylor Campground stated, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One happy camper shared, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I have encountered."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A reviewer at Great Divide Campground said, "The sites have a nice amount of space and everything is so clean."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise regulations. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground experienced issues with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer extensive amenities. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "There are no showers, but the bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets."
  • Access Challenges: Some campgrounds require a bit of a trek to reach. A reviewer for Round Valley State Park Campground noted, "The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h)."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground said, "The staff are wonderful, the whole campsite is very dog friendly and even has a dog park."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground appreciated that "quiet hours were strictly enforced."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for hilly roads. One camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."
  • Amenities Check: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Great Divide Campground noted, "The RV sites were all full hookup on our loop."

Camping around Jefferson, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Jefferson, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Jefferson, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 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 4.7-star rating from 18 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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