Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mahwah, NJ

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Mahwah? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mahwah, NJ (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mahwah

7 Reviews of 5 Mahwah Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
    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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
    June 17, 2021

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    A hidden gem...

    99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for. Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service. There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests. Please enjoy Mother Nature's healing love, and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived. Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
    July 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.



Guide to Mahwah

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mahwah, NJ is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Mahwah, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.