117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Upper Montclair, New Jersey are primarily concentrated in developed campgrounds, with several facilities within driving distance of the metropolitan area. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides urban camping with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, offering RV hookups and tent sites in a marina setting. Other campground options include Camp Glen Gray in northern New Jersey with cabin accommodations and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals in a more natural setting. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenity levels vary significantly by location.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many facilities operating from April through October. Cheesequake State Park Campground specifically runs from April 1 to October 31, while Beaver Pond Campground in nearby Harriman State Park (NY) operates from April 22 to October 9. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Urban camping options like Liberty Harbor RV Park remain open year-round but command premium rates due to their proximity to New York City. A camper observed, "If you want to visit NYC and surrounding areas, this is the place. Expensive but... When you look at local hotel rates, not so much."
Several visitors highlight the trade-offs between location and camping experience in the region. Liberty Harbor RV Park receives mixed reviews, with many noting its convenient access to Manhattan but basic facilities. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be here, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," shared one reviewer. Camp Glen Gray earns praise for its rustic atmosphere and hiking opportunities, with one camper noting "Great Camp! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from." For those seeking more natural settings, primitive camping can be found along trails like the Stonetown Circular, though these sites require hiking in with equipment and typically offer no facilities beyond a cleared area for tents.
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability"I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."
"This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
"Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Camping options near Upper Montclair, New Jersey are centered in a region of rolling hills and deciduous forests, part of the northeastern Piedmont plateau with elevations ranging from 150 to 500 feet. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically closing between late October and early April due to the region's cold winters with average January temperatures around 30°F. Access to natural areas requires driving 30-60 minutes from Upper Montclair's suburban environment.
Swimming at nearby lakes: Harriman State Park offers multiple swimming options, with Beaver Pond Campground located just steps from Welch Lake. "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp," notes Brian O.
Urban exploration and hiking: While camping at Camp Gateway Sandy Hook, visitors can explore military history on the base. "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into," shares Susan B.
Trail exploration: The region offers extensive trail systems for day hiking. "Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway," explains Jeff W.
Privacy and space between sites: Many campers value the generous spacing at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, unlike the urban camping options. "We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly," notes Paul N.
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds in the area feature raised wooden platforms for tent setup. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," says Ethan K.
Access to New York City: The area's unique appeal lies in combining outdoor experiences with urban proximity. "Staten Island has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast. There is abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. At night there are no stars because the city lights cover them up. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping," shares phillip L.
Bear awareness is essential: When camping in the best places near Upper Montclair, wildlife encounters are possible. At Beaver Pond Campground, rangers emphasize bear safety. "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground. It's totally dark inside, lit only by the glow of the outside lamps," recounts Steve W., who adds that rangers "gives us the run down on bear activity in the area. I mean, we are in Bear Mountain, what do you expect?!?"
Limited amenities at some sites: While Camp Glen Gray offers rustic charm, it requires self-sufficiency. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," explains Jose N.
Noise levels vary significantly: Urban-adjacent camping often means traffic noise. At Cheesequake State Park, "Located between two busy roads... Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly," notes Theresa G.
Look for dedicated kid-friendly activities: Several parks organize ranger-led programs. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "ranger Joe is 👌 with the kids and they have 🔥 wood for purchase on site most cabins have 2rooms with 4cots but some are larger inside has a full fridge and double hot plate outside a 🔥 pit and grill with table," shares Hashim C.
Consider cabin options for mixed comfort levels: For families with members who prefer indoor sleeping, cabins provide compromise. "We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area. It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside," explains Ethan K. about Sebago Cabins.
Check swimming safety features: Family-friendly swimming areas typically offer lifeguards. At Beaver Pond, "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," mentions Brian O., making it safer for families with children.
Site leveling requirements: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, RVers note terrain challenges. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable," shares Joe R.
Utility access considerations: Water connections often require planning at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," explains antruze.
Approach routes matter: When navigating to RV parks near the city, toll avoidance requires strategy. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises Joe R. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor lighting options are available for camping in Upper Montclair?
When camping near Upper Montclair, various outdoor lighting options are essential for safety and convenience. At Stokes State Forest, campers typically bring their own lighting as sites don't have built-in illumination. Battery-powered lanterns, headlamps, and string lights are popular choices for site illumination. For boat-in camping experiences at Namanock Island in Delaware Water Gap, portable solar lights work well since there's no electricity. Many campers use combinations of propane lanterns for communal areas and personal headlamps for activities like nighttime bathroom trips. Always check campground rules regarding lighting, as some discourage overly bright setups to preserve the natural nighttime environment.
Where can I find camping sites near Upper Montclair, NJ?
Several excellent camping options exist within an hour's drive of Upper Montclair. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region offers paved, level, wooded sites with water and electric hookups. The reservation is ideal for hiking and extended stays. Another great option is Stephens State Park Campground, a lovely spot with convenient access. For those willing to drive a bit farther, High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and Turkey Swamp Park provide additional options. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak season, and offer varying amenities from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly spots with hookups.
What camping is available near Upper Montclair, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Upper Montclair, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Upper Montclair, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Montclair, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper Montclair, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Upper Montclair, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Upper Montclair, NJ.
What parks are near Upper Montclair, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Upper Montclair, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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