Best Dispersed Camping near Milford, NJ

Several dispersed camping options exist near Milford, New Jersey, primarily along sections of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, located on Old Mine Road in Columbia, offers hike-in access and free camping. The site provides bear boxes and suitable trees for hammock camping, though it lacks water sources, fires, and other amenities. A visitor commented, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."

Additional primitive camping can be found at nearby locations in Pennsylvania. Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers drive-in access but requires permits. Bake Oven Knob, while technically in Pennsylvania, serves as both a day hiking area and overnight spot. A camper wrote, "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems. You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent." Most dispersed sites in this region prohibit alcohol, fires, and pets, while providing no facilities such as water, toilets, or trash service. Campers should prepare accordingly with all necessary supplies and plan to pack out all waste.

Map showing campgrounds near Milford, New Jersey

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Milford, New Jersey (4)

1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
2 Reviews
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
30 miles
Website
"I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

"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!"
2. Bake Oven Knob
1 Review
Andreas, PA
36 miles
"This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

3. Thunder Swamp Trailhead
2 Reviews
Unity House, PA
40 miles
"Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

"Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
4. Appalachian Trail Campsite
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Palmerton, PA
32 miles

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Milford, NJ

4 Photos of 4 Milford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Milford, NJ

2 Reviews of 4 Milford Campgrounds

R
Renee Z.
Scout
Jul. 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.
Katharine T.
Guide
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!

Guide to Milford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Milford, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, it's the perfect escape for those looking to connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

The Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers stunning vistas, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes while camping.

Essential Hiking Opportunities for Free Camping Near Milford

Hikers will enjoy the access to trails leading to the Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, which is conveniently located along the famous Appalachian Trail, providing a perfect base for exploration.

Unique Camping Experiences for Nature Lovers

For those seeking a more secluded experience, the Thunder Swamp Trailhead is a great option, offering a drive-in access point that leads to a variety of dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Milford, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Milford, NJ is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Milford, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Best Dispersed Camping near Milford, NJ

Best Dispersed Sites Near Milford, New Jersey (4)

1. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

2. Bake Oven Knob

3. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

4. Appalachian Trail Campsite