152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Kinnelon, New Jersey range from established campgrounds to primitive sites within an hour's drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides wooded campsites with water and electric hookups, while Camp Glen Gray offers cabin accommodations in a forested setting. The region includes several state parks and recreation areas like Wawayanda State Park and Stokes State Forest, providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in northern New Jersey feature lake access, hiking trails, and varying levels of amenities from primitive to full-service facilities.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Primitive sites at locations like Stonetown Circular Trail remain open year-round but may have limited facilities during winter months. "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," noted one visitor. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the region, particularly at higher elevations in the Skylands area. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage near developed areas and limited or no service in more remote camping locations. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during summer months when New York and New Jersey residents frequently fill campgrounds.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Campers report that sites at Round Valley State Park provide excellent water views but require either hiking or boating to reach. The proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, represents a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Noise levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with those closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned that "the park is beautiful with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site." Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors frequently reporting deer, various bird species, and occasionally bears, requiring proper food storage at all camping locations.
"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."
"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 Availability"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 $$"
"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 Availability"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"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"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."
"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 $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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
ScoutThis 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.
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.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Camping options near Kinnelon, New Jersey range from rustic tent sites to developed RV campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,800 feet with the Highlands physiographic province featuring wooded ridges and small valleys. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature fluctuations of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
Fishing access: Lake Ocquittunk at Stokes State Forest provides stocked fishing opportunities with minimal shoreline traffic during weekdays. "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area... We didn't have direct views of the lake, but were within a minute walk to some quiet views of the lake," notes one camper who appreciated the proximity to fishing spots.
Hiking variety: Appalachian Trail sections within 20 miles of Kinnelon offer varied terrain from beginner to advanced. A visitor to High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake."
Kayaking: Free equipment rental at several locations during summer months. "Great Divide had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," according to a family who visited the campground with their children.
Winter camping: Limited but available at select locations year-round. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic... You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin. Turning on the oven is a help, but not a good solution," advised a winter visitor describing their experience staying warm in cabins during the off-season.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention Great Divide Campground for its layout. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it's the best tent site they have," writes one solo traveler who appreciated the seclusion.
Tent platforms: Available at several locations, improving comfort during wet conditions. "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," noted a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Water activities: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Kinnelon offer swimming with designated beach areas. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," according to a camper who enjoyed the facilities.
Group-friendly sites: Several campgrounds cater to larger gatherings with specific areas. "The group campsites are big enough for the amount of people you can have, have picnic benches, a fire ring, a composting outhouse toilet just for the site, and one of those flat charcoal 'grills'," explains a visitor to High Point State Park.
Bear safety protocols: Required at all campgrounds in the region. "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... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reports a camper at Beaver Pond.
Tent site terrain: Many sites feature rocky or uneven ground. "Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass," notes a visitor to Stokes State Forest who documented the varying ground conditions.
Shower facilities: Limited hours and locations throughout the region. "Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers," explains a reviewer detailing the shower logistics.
Cell service: Camp Glen Gray and surrounding areas have minimal coverage. "It's like a black hole of signals there," reports a visitor to Panther Lake, adding that "even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion."
Weekend activities: Scheduled events for children at several locations during summer. "The grounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night... The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids," explains a visitor to Great Divide.
Proximity to restrooms: Select sites within 100 yards of facilities. "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," notes a camper who stayed at Stokes State Forest with children.
Lake swimming: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers dedicated beach areas with lifeguards during peak season. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," according to a family who visited regularly.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning deer sightings common at most locations. "The park is beautiful with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site," mentioned one visitor regarding accessible wildlife viewing trails.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped parking pads. "Campsites are paved and mostly level," reports a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which offers some of the most level sites in the region.
Water hookup distances: Extended hose requirements at certain locations. "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 an RVer who stayed at Mahlon Dickerson.
Dump station access: Limited availability requiring planning. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes an RVer who appreciated the accessible facilities.
Power availability: Most sites offer 30-amp service with limited 50-amp options. "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. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," states a reviewer highlighting the RV amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kinnelon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kinnelon, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Kinnelon, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kinnelon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kinnelon, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kinnelon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Kinnelon, NJ.
What parks are near Kinnelon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Kinnelon, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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