Dispersed camping near Mine Hill, New Jersey requires careful planning due to limited legal options in this heavily regulated region. Campers must navigate between state forest regulations and park boundaries while preparing for terrain that's predominantly mountainous with elevations ranging from 900-1500 feet. Weather conditions vary significantly between seasons, with summer humidity creating challenging hiking conditions and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hike Thunder Swamp Trail System: The trail network offers multiple connecting loops for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips near Thunder Swamp Trailhead. "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R.
Water activities at Hickok Brook: Kayaking and fishing opportunities exist at this secluded location. "It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place," reports Gregg T. about Hickok Brook.
Hammock camping at AT sites: The sloped terrain at many sites makes hammock setups more practical than tents. Katharine T. explains that the Appalachian Trail campsite has "plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Good trees for hammocking."
What campers like
Bear management infrastructure: The maintained sites include bear boxes for food storage. At Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, visitors appreciate that it's "well maintained w bear boxes provided," according to Katharine T.
Solitude and quiet: Most rustic camping spots near Mine Hill offer peaceful settings away from crowds. The Thunder Swamp area provides "plenty of shade. No one bothered me," according to Benjamin H.
Balance of community and privacy: Campers can choose between social or secluded spots at established backcountry sites. One reviewer noted the Appalachian Trail site offers a "perfect balance of community and space" with options for both group and private camping.
What you should know
Limited water access: Plan water supplies carefully for backcountry camping. At Appalachian Trail campsites, there's "no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre," warns Renee Z. The nearest water source may require a round-trip hike.
Permit requirements: Several camping areas require permits obtained in advance from state authorities. For Hickok Brook, Gregg T. advises: "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Primitive amenities: These sites lack facilities like bathrooms and potable water. Most allow only small tents and prohibit ground fires. The Appalachian Trail campsite has no shelter structure despite what some hikers expect.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with younger children, look for sites with shorter approach hikes. The Appalachian Trail campsite requires hiking in but is manageable for families with some backpacking experience.
Bear safety education: Teach children proper food storage techniques using provided bear boxes. Families staying at Thunder Swamp Trailhead should be prepared for wildlife encounters in this densely forested area.
Weather preparation: Pack extra layers as mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night, even in summer. The higher elevation camping areas experience stronger winds and cooler overnight temperatures than Mine Hill itself.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles only: Many access roads to primitive camping near Mine Hill feature challenging terrain. For Hickok Brook, Corey warns: "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping."
Size limitations: Standard RVs cannot access most dispersed camping areas. "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup... Very gorgeous but not RV friendly," notes one visitor about the narrow access roads.
Limited parking options: Even for truck camping, designated parking areas are small and fill quickly. "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping," reports Gregg T., highlighting the scarcity of drive-up sites in the region.
