Camping near Mendham, New Jersey places visitors within Morris County's hilly terrain where elevations range between 500-1,000 feet. Most RV campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with a few remaining open year-round. Winter campers should note that nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors can enjoy numerous hiking paths directly from the campground. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," notes a camper. Another visitor mentions they "always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful."
NYC sightseeing: Just 17 miles from Manhattan, Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a strategic base for city exploration. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," explains one camper. The park also offers views of the Statue of Liberty.
Animal encounters: Families particularly enjoy feeding farm animals at several campgrounds. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," reports a visitor to Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. Children can typically feed these animals during daylight hours with feed available for purchase at camp stores.
What campers like
Spacious woodland sites: The wooded campsites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receive consistent praise. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," writes one reviewer. Another camper notes, "Sites are easily the nicest—all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Convenient city access: Urban convenience makes Tri-State RV Park popular despite its proximity to highways. "Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop," reports one visitor. The location allows quick access to shopping and supplies.
Modern infrastructure: Campers appreciate updated facilities at Mountain Top RV Park, where "newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment." The same reviewer noted, "The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience."
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Some campgrounds close to major roadways experience significant traffic noise. At Tri-State RV Park, one camper reported, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7." Another noted they were "Very disappointed with how close it was to the interstate (you could actually feel the heavier trucks go by)."
Varying cellular coverage: Mobile service fluctuates throughout the region's hilly landscape. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, a camper observed, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity." Many campgrounds have spotty coverage in wooded areas.
Limited tent camping options: Several RV parks near Mendham don't accommodate tent campers or offer very limited tent sites. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, a visitor noted, "There is only a small place for tents. Mostly people go there with campers."
Tips for camping with families
Scout playground facilities: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide play areas appropriate for different age ranges. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk," though some visitors note limited supervision of resident children who "run free all day and past curfew in the evenings."
Check activity schedules: Weekend programming varies significantly by season. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," reports a Pleasant Acres visitor. Most campgrounds near Mendham post activity calendars online or at check-in.
Consider bathroom accessibility: At some campgrounds, facilities may be distant from campsites. One camper at Pleasant Acres noted, "The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities." Families with young children should request sites near restrooms.
Tips from RVers
Navigate size restrictions: Several rv campgrounds near Mendham, New Jersey accommodate larger rigs, but access roads can present challenges. At Pleasant Acres, "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction."
Waste disposal planning: Trash management differs between facilities. One camper at Pleasant Acres noted, "Trash is located off site in a pullout on the road you drive in on," while another mentioned, "No garbage anywhere near the RV sites!" and "without a golf cart (which they had none to offer) or a car, you're stuck."
City access planning: RVers visiting NWS Earle RV Park appreciate its strategic location, as "It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore." Those driving larger rigs to Liberty Harbor should "Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
