Dispersed camping near Little Falls, New Jersey primarily consists of primitive backcountry sites located along hiking trails and in state forests within a 45-mile radius. Campers encounter elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet with moderate terrain throughout the Delaware Water Gap region. Weather conditions vary significantly with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Hike Sunfish Pond: Access this glacial lake from Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, requiring a moderate 1-mile hike each way. The trail offers elevation gain of approximately 300 feet with rocky terrain. Katharine T. notes, "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"
Explore marsh ecosystems: The Thunder Swamp Trail system features extensive wetlands with diverse plant and wildlife viewing opportunities. Jason R. reports, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Practice leave-no-trace camping: All rustic camping areas near Little Falls require strict adherence to environmental regulations including proper waste disposal and food storage. Locations typically provide bear boxes but no waste facilities.
What campers like
Bear safety infrastructure: Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 receives positive feedback for its wildlife management features. One camper states, "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking."
Community atmosphere: The designated backcountry sites balance social interaction with sufficient privacy. According to Katharine T., "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."
Convenient trailhead access: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides basic but functional vehicle access for backcountry campers. Benjamin H. describes it simply as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
What you should know
Water scarcity: Plan to carry all necessary water when camping in rustic sites near Little Falls. Most locations lack potable water sources entirely. Campers at Appalachian Trail sites must plan carefully, as Renee Z. cautions, "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."
Limited tent space: Many backcountry sites feature challenging terrain that restricts tent placement options. Hammock camping may work better in certain locations. One visitor describes the Appalachian Trail site as "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!"
Permit requirements: Some primitive camping areas require advance permits or registration. Verify requirements before arrival as enforcement varies by location and season.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with clear boundaries: When camping with children at primitive locations, select areas with natural boundaries. Floyd Bennett Field offers more defined spaces than typical backcountry sites.
Pack extra water: With no reliable water sources at most rustic camping areas near Little Falls, families should calculate 1 gallon per person per day plus additional for cooking and cleaning.
Plan for temperature swings: The Delaware Water Gap region experiences significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, often dropping 20+ degrees after sunset even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited vehicle access: Most primitive camping near Little Falls restricts RV access entirely. Only trailhead parking areas permit vehicle camping, and these typically accommodate only small vans or truck campers.
No hookups available: Rustic camping near Little Falls provides zero amenities for RVs. Campers must be fully self-contained with sufficient water, waste capacity and power.
Pack leveling equipment: Parking areas used for primitive camping generally have uneven, gravel surfaces requiring substantial leveling for comfortable overnight stays.
