Top Free Dispersed Camping near Kinnelon, NJ

Looking for the best Kinnelon dispersed camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kinnelon, NJ (3)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Kinnelon

5 Reviews of 3 Kinnelon Campgrounds


  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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!

  • Cory D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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.



Guide to Kinnelon

Camping near Kinnelon, 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 weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the well-marked trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to navigate.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing. One camper noted, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning," highlighting the beauty of the fishing spots.
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds have swimming areas. A visitor shared, "There’s a small unguarded beach that allows swimming which was very nice," making it a great way to cool off on hot days.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One review stated, "The bathrooms were very clean and had flush toilets," which is a big plus for many.
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park mentioned, "I can’t believe how quiet it is here. Our site is wooded and very private."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer said, "The staff were super friendly and helpful," which can make a camping trip much more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground shared, "We received complaints about the volume of our music," so it's best to keep the noise down.
  • Site Accessibility: Some sites may require a bit of a hike to access. A camper noted, "We had to leave the car on the road and carry all of our gear down a 200 ft long pathway covered in boulders," so be prepared for a trek.
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. One camper mentioned, "Because of bears and other animals we couldn't keep any food at our site," so make sure to store food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. One family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises," making it a great spot for family fun.
  • Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Camp Taylor Campground said, "We appreciated the effort the owners made in keeping all of the sites private and spread out from each other."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. One camper noted, "We had running water and an electric outlet," which can make meal prep easier.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park mentioned, "Careful which site you choose," emphasizing the importance of site selection.
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of the road conditions leading to the campground. One camper noted, "The road into the campground was full of potholes," so drive carefully.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi may be spotty. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "WiFi is very spotty," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Camping near Kinnelon, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kinnelon, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kinnelon, NJ is Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Kinnelon, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.