Best Campgrounds near Mahwah, NJ

Camping near Mahwah, NJ, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Harriman State Park. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
• Fishing: Try your luck at Pickerel Point Campground. A visitor shared, "The site was wooded and very private. We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. One happy camper said, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest—so quiet here."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Beaver Pond Campground noted, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
• Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "I don’t think I’ve ever been on a site with so much privacy."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner have tons of activities for kids. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A camper at High Point State Park shared a frustrating experience: "We received complaints about the volume of our music... we were taken aback when the police arrived at our cabin and informed us that we were being evicted."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A review from Stokes State Forest noted, "The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time."
• Wildlife Precautions: Be aware of bears and other wildlife. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Camp Taylor Campground that offer activities for kids. One family said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park appreciated, "Quiet at our spot."
• Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are very close together."
• Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Stokes State Forest said, "The road to the campground was full of potholes."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "The camp store had a few necessities and importantly for us, frozen treats."

Camping near Mahwah, NJ, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.