Best Dispersed Camping near Lincoln Park, NJ

Dispersed camping near Lincoln Park, New Jersey primarily centers around the Appalachian Trail corridor, with several designated backpacker sites serving as alternatives to established campgrounds. The region contains limited true dispersed camping opportunities, with most primitive sites being designated rather than freely chosen. Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ serves as one of the few authorized primitive camping zones approximately 25 miles from Lincoln Park.

Most access points require hiking rather than vehicle access. The Appalachian Trail campsites are hike-in or walk-in only, with no drive-up access available. Camping permits may be required at certain locations like Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania. None of the sites provide drinking water, electric hookups, or sanitation facilities. Several areas maintain strict regulations prohibiting fires, alcohol, and in some cases, pets. Bear boxes are available at the Appalachian Trail site, but campers must pack in all water and supplies.

The primitive sites near Lincoln Park provide varying degrees of seclusion and natural features. The Appalachian Trail campsite offers "plenty of space" with "good trees for hammocking," according to feedback on The Dyrt, though one visitor noted "there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre." For those willing to venture slightly farther, Hickok Brook in New York provides lakeside tent sites, though a ranger noted these areas require permits on NY state land. Access roads to more remote sites like Hickok Brook can present challenges, with one visitor reporting "the road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Most dispersed sites in the region are relatively small with limited capacity, especially during peak seasons.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lincoln Park, New Jersey (4)

    1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    41 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
    43 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."

    4. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    50 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lincoln Park, NJ

7 Photos of 4 Lincoln Park Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lincoln Park, NJ

4 Reviews of 4 Lincoln Park 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 Lincoln Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lincoln Park, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of options, these locations offer unique experiences for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

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

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lincoln Park, New Jersey

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Lincoln Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lincoln Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lincoln Park, 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 Lincoln Park, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Lincoln Park, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.