Dispersed camping near Manville, New Jersey primarily serves backpackers and hikers seeking primitive overnight accommodations. Most sites in the region lie within state forests or along established trails, requiring varying degrees of hiking to access. Winter camping is permitted at several locations, though facilities remain minimal year-round with temperatures in the area regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hammock camping at backcountry sites: Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers suitable trees for hammock setups. "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that," notes one camper who found tent camping more challenging due to the sloped terrain.
Hike to marshlands: Thunder Swamp Trailhead connects to multiple hiking routes including Saw Creek trail. According to a visitor, "Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," providing opportunities to observe wetland ecosystems within a day's hike of the trailhead.
Secure food properly: Bear activity requires proper food storage at backcountry sites. One camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 appreciated that the site is "well maintained with bear boxes provided," eliminating the need to bring separate bear canisters or hang food.
What campers like
Balance of community and seclusion: Campsites offer options for both social and private camping experiences. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, campers appreciate that "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble." The parking area provides shade while serving as a convenient basecamp.
Simple overnight parking: Some dispersed camping locations function primarily as overnight parking areas rather than designated campsites. One camper described Thunder Swamp Trailhead as "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," indicating its utility for self-contained camping setups.
Hiking access: The proximity to established trail networks ranks high among camper priorities when selecting dispersed sites near Manville. Multiple trails connect from trailhead camping areas, with one visitor noting "tons of hiking" opportunities from their overnight parking location.
What you should know
Water planning required: No drinking water exists at most dispersed sites. For Floyd Bennett Field, campers must bring all necessary water as the urban-adjacent location lacks natural water sources and developed facilities.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed camping areas near Manville lack facilities. No showers, toilets, trash collection, or hookups exist at the documented sites, requiring self-sufficient camping practices.
Permit requirements vary: Some locations require permits while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. Thunder Swamp Trailhead requires permits for overnight stays despite its informal parking lot arrangement.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with secure food storage: When camping with children, locations with bear boxes reduce wildlife concerns. The Appalachian Trail site provides these amenities, with one camper noting they "camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too," allowing families to position themselves based on comfort level.
Plan water transportation: Children may struggle carrying sufficient water for overnight stays. Since the nearest water source to some sites requires significant hiking, one camper advises to "stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond" when staying at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.
Check site regulations for campfires: Many dispersed camping areas prohibit ground fires, which may disappoint children expecting traditional camping experiences. Several sites near Manville enforce strict no-fire policies regardless of season or conditions.
Tips from RVers
Limited options for larger vehicles: Dispersed camping near Manville offers few accommodations for RVs. Sites lack hookups and generally cannot accommodate big rigs, with parking areas typically designed for standard vehicles only.
Overnight parking alternatives: Some trailhead parking areas permit overnight stays but lack RV amenities. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, the "gravel lot" provides basic overnight parking but no services, requiring complete self-containment.
Consider urban-adjacent alternatives: For RVers wanting proximity to services while maintaining a camping experience, certain locations offer compromise solutions. Floyd Bennett Field provides an urban-adjacent alternative for self-contained vehicles willing to boondock without traditional campground amenities.
