133 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Mahwah, New Jersey ranges from primitive tent sites to RV spots and rustic cabins within accessible state parks and reservations. Harriman State Park, located just across the New York state line, offers multiple camping options including Beaver Pond Campground with tent platforms and trailer sites, and Sebago Cabin Camp with rustic cabin accommodations. Camp Glen Gray in nearby New Jersey provides tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping facilities. Campgaw Mountain Reservation, situated closest to Mahwah, offers more basic camping with primitive tent and RV sites in a forested mountain setting.
Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds in the region, with many facilities open only from April through October. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond operates from April 22 to October 9, while Wawayanda State Park Campground remains open from April 1 through October 31. Several primitive hiking sites along the Stonetown Circular Trail require no permits but have limited facilities, offering free camping opportunities for hikers. Most established campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when the region's lakes and beaches become popular destinations. "About 30 minutes from Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown NY and only an hour to Central Park. Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," noted one visitor about Beaver Pond Campground.
Campers consistently rate cabins and platforms at area campgrounds highly, with many appreciating the raised platforms that keep tents dry during rain. The Sebago Cabin Camp receives positive reviews for its rustic accommodations that include electricity, refrigerators, and outdoor cooking areas. The primitive sites along Stonetown Circular Trail appeal to backpackers seeking more remote experiences, with one campsite positioned at a scenic overlook following a challenging rock scramble, while another sits alongside a flowing stream. Several visitors mentioned wildlife encounters, with bears being common enough that proper food storage is essential. Campground spacing varies significantly across the region, with some reviewers noting that Beaver Pond sites feel nicely spread out while Campgaw sites are positioned closer to hiking trails, leading to early morning foot traffic past campsites.
"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"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"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
"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 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."
TravelerThis 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.
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 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.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
Campgrounds near Mahwah, New Jersey sit at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,200 feet in the Ramapo Mountains, creating varied camping terrain across northern New Jersey and southern New York. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, making most primitive sites inaccessible, while summer highs average 82°F. Most campsites in this region are situated within dense deciduous forests with oak, maple, and hickory predominating.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Mahwah region hosts black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 200 bird species. At Beaver Pond Campground, "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," notes Megan B. Bears are active throughout the area, requiring proper food storage.
Swimming and water activities: Most lakes in the region open for swimming from late May through early September. Sebago Cabin Camp offers excellent water recreation options. As Sara P. notes, "There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people. In the same state park (Harriman) is several other lakes for swimming, hiking, and paddle boating."
Rock scrambling: The Stonetown Circular Trail contains challenging rock formations leading to significant elevation gains. The first primitive site requires navigating a difficult rock section, as Ethan K. explains: "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain."
Raised tent platforms: Many campers appreciate the elevated platforms at several campsites near Mahwah. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," writes Christina L. These platforms help during wet conditions.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates compared to other Northeast camping destinations. "Camping for just $15," notes Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. Their staff is friendly."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Paulene-Amanda M. writes, "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful." The separation between sites offers privacy not often found in more developed campgrounds.
Bear safety requirements: Bears are common throughout the region, particularly during summer months. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides bear boxes: "They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country," Thomas M. advises. Most campsites require hanging food or using locked containers.
Reservation policies: Most established campgrounds require reservations weeks in advance for summer weekends. Some primitive sites operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Wawayanda State Park, sites often fill by Thursday for weekend camping from June through August.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no cellular connectivity. Sara P. notes about Sebago Cabin Camp: "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING." Signal is typically available at park entrances and visitor centers but not at individual campsites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment and accessible trails. Croton Point Park offers "playground within sight of our camper," according to Thomas. The park also includes basketball courts and beach access with lifeguards.
Educational opportunities: Rangers at many parks offer nature programs during summer weekends. Camper Elliot G. notes Beaver Pond offers "Something for all, swimming, camping, access to bear mountain pool, or the appalachian trails." Many programs focus on local ecology and wildlife.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds provide monitored swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. Anil S. describes Croton Point Park's "private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" Most beaches close by 6pm with no evening swimming permitted.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited in the region, with most sites offering only electric and water. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, sites are more primitive with fewer amenities. Jake R. notes, "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps."
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the mountainous terrain require leveling blocks. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The campsites are paved and mostly level," according to Jeff W., making it one of the better options for larger rigs in the region.
Water access solutions: Some campgrounds offer creative solutions for water hookups. At Mahlon Dickerson, "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," reports antruze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Mahwah, NJ?
While there are no campgrounds directly in Mahwah, several excellent options are nearby. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region offers spacious, wooded sites with water and electric hookups. The paved, mostly level campsites are perfect for both short stays and longer adventures. Another great choice is High Point State Park Campground, featuring beautiful lakeside sites with excellent hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your campsite. You can even hike to the monument at New Jersey's highest point or enjoy a swim in the lake.
What amenities are available at Mahwah camping facilities?
Camping facilities near Mahwah offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Great Divide Campground features a scenic setting with a small lake and pond, surrounded by woods. This private campground provides more extensive amenities than public options. Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely natural setting, though some sites have pet restrictions. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic facilities like restrooms and designated camping pads, while developed campgrounds typically offer water access, picnic tables, and fire rings. More remote sites may have minimal amenities but provide a more natural camping experience.
Are there any tent camping sites available in Mahwah?
Tent campers have several options near Mahwah. Stokes State Forest offers primitive tent camping at its Steam Mill Camping Area, featuring 27 sites suitable for tents or small trailers. For a unique experience, consider Sandyston Boat In Campsites in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, accessible only by canoe or kayak. These sites offer a more secluded tent camping experience with beautiful riverside locations. Camp Glen Gray also provides walk-in tent sites in a forested setting close to Mahwah.
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