Best Dispersed Camping near Mendham, NJ
Dispersed camping options near Mendham, New Jersey are limited but available for experienced backpackers. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Worthington State Forest serves as the primary legal camping area in the region. This primitive site requires a hike-in approach and offers no amenities. The site is located approximately 2 miles from the nearest water source at Sunfish Pond, requiring hikers to plan accordingly for water needs.
No fires are permitted at the Appalachian Trail campsite, and alcohol is prohibited. Bear boxes are provided for food storage, an essential safety feature in New Jersey's bear country. According to reviews, the site works well for hammock camping but presents challenges for tent setup due to sloped terrain. The campsite remains unmarked but is recognizable as the only obvious camping location along this section of trail.
For those willing to travel farther, Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania provides drive-in access to dispersed camping, though a permit is required. Campers report that while the Appalachian Trail site offers "a perfect balance of community and space," visitors should be prepared for the absence of facilities. The site lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal. Hikers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Water should be collected either at Dunnfield Creek Natural Area before arrival or at Sunfish Pond, where camping is explicitly prohibited. The area features good tree coverage for hammocks and occasional views of the surrounding Delaware Water Gap region.
