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Best Dispersed Camping near Johnsonburg, NJ

4 Reviews

Several primitive backcountry camping sites exist near Johnsonburg, New Jersey along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides free camping in Worthington State Forest, with space for both community and secluded camping. Bear boxes are available, and hammocking is possible with suitable trees. The site lacks water access—hikers must either stock up at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area or hike approximately half a mile to Sunfish Pond.

The Thunder Swamp Trailhead in nearby Pennsylvania offers a shaded gravel parking lot suitable for overnight camping, with permits required. Hickok Brook in New York provides lakeside tent sites, though the access road features large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you." Bake Oven Knob in Pennsylvania serves both as an Appalachian Trail access point and overnight parking area, with hiking options to nearby overlooks. Most sites prohibit fires, and none offer amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Johnsonburg, New Jersey (5)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    11 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    16 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    37 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    4. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA
    47 miles

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

    5. Appalachian Trail Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Palmerton, PA
    41 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Johnsonburg, NJ

7 Photos of 5 Johnsonburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Johnsonburg, NJ

4 Reviews of 5 Johnsonburg Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Johnsonburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Johnsonburg, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the simplicity of nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

  • This site offers ample space for campers, with both communal and secluded areas, making it perfect for those who enjoy a mix of socializing and solitude. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides bear boxes for food storage, ensuring a safe camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Johnsonburg, New Jersey

Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites await at Hickok Brook

  • For those seeking a picturesque setting, Hickok Brook offers stunning lakeside views, but be prepared for a rugged access road and bring everything you need, as amenities are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Johnsonburg, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Johnsonburg, NJ is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Johnsonburg, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Johnsonburg, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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