Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Montville, NJ
143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping options surrounding Montville, New Jersey range from developed facilities to primitive sites, with several public and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out as a highly-rated county park featuring tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Camp Glen Gray and Panther Lake Camping Resort also provide mixed-use campgrounds with cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while a few primitive sites like Stonetown Circular Trail provide more secluded alternatives for experienced backpackers.
Access to most developed campgrounds in the region requires reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October when many facilities are fully operational. Seasonal closures affect several campgrounds, with Swartswood State Park typically open April 1 to October 31, and Panther Lake operating April 1 to November 1. Some locations like Mahlon Dickerson feature paved, level sites accommodating RVs with electric and water hookups, while primitive sites demand proper backcountry preparation. "The sites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring," noted one visitor about Mahlon Dickerson.
Campers consistently mention the wooded, private nature of sites as a key feature of camping near Montville in this region of New Jersey. Mahlon Dickerson receives particular praise for its spacious sites and access to hiking trails. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," reported one camper. Several campgrounds offer access to lakes and hiking trails, with bear safety awareness recommended at multiple locations. While most developed sites provide bathroom facilities with showers, primitive camping areas lack amenities, requiring self-sufficiency. Sites with hookups typically fill quickly on summer weekends, making advance planning essential.
Best Campgrounds near Montville (143)
1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
2. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
3. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability4. Great Divide Campground
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
5. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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 Availability6. Camp Glen Gray
"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 Availability7. Stokes State Forest
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
9. Swartswood State Park Campground
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
10. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
Drive Time
- 34 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 39 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 13 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Montville, NJ
510 Photos of 143 Montville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Great Divide Campground
Stephens State Park Campgroundj
Woodland Trails
Swartswood State Park Campground
Kymers Camping Resort
Harmony Ridge Farm & Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Montville, NJ
950 Reviews of 143 Montville Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
Great cabins!
We booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
Guide to Montville
Camping spots near Montville, New Jersey range from primitive backcountry sites to well-appointed cabins within a 30-mile radius. The northern New Jersey region sits at elevations between 400-1500 feet, creating varied terrain for campers in the Skylands region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking at Beaver Pond: Access multiple trail systems including sections of the Appalachian Trail at Beaver Pond Campground in nearby Harriman State Park. "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," notes Ethan K.
Kayaking and fishing: Great Divide Campground offers complimentary kayaks for campers. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," shares Jojo P.
Seasonal swimming: Most campgrounds with lakes or pools operate swimming areas from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards. "The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing. There are several trail hikes that you can do from the campsite. The longest is 3 miles but you can connect between each trail to make a longer hike," notes a camper about Swartswood State Park.
Winter activities: Several parks including Stokes State Forest maintain cabin accommodations through winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. "We stayed in site 15. The sites are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring," reports one RVer.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Stokes State Forest receives praise for its secluded options. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," reports Josh S.
Off-season tranquility: Many campgrounds near Montville experience significantly lower occupancy in spring and fall. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," notes Rebecca S.
Wildlife viewing: Black bears are common in the region, requiring proper food storage. "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning—gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" reports Kaitlyn S. about her experience at Swartswood State Park.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms even during peak season. "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic still," reports Dwight D. about facilities at Swartswood.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Multiple campgrounds enforce strict food storage regulations. "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... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," recounts Steve W. at Beaver Pond Campground.
Seasonal closures: Most state parks operate campgrounds from April through October with exact dates varying. "The campground was full of mostly families. If you wanted to shower, you would have to head to the group campsite not too far but you need to drive," notes Adeline M.
Primitive options: Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive #1 offers free backcountry camping without amenities. "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," explains Ethan K.
Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven, rocky, or sloped sites. "Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring," notes E.M.V. about Stokes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Panther Lake Camping Resort organizes regular family programs. "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls," shares Jojo P.
Quieter sites: Families seeking more peaceful experiences should book sites numbered 30+ at Swartswood or in secluded areas. "The other 3/4 of the campsite was bound by trees and shrubs which was nice and why we chose the spot. Other sites are more open and only the darkness of night will give you privacy," notes Dwight D.
Budget-friendly options: State parks typically offer the lowest rates, starting around $15-25 per night. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," shares Adaly about Wawayanda State Park.
Seasonal crowds: Most family-oriented campgrounds experience heaviest usage on summer weekends. "We had a great time. Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans," reports Colleen C. about her stay at Panther Lake.
Tips from RVers
Water connection challenges: Camp Glen Gray and several other campgrounds have limited hookup options. "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," notes Jose N.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain require leveling equipment. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about their experience at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Winter hookup limitations: Most full-hookup sites close seasonally, though some parks maintain limited winter access. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," shares Richard V. about Panther Lake's facilities.
Site size considerations: Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access. "Like many of the sites in this area, Great Divide had a large pool which was used by many of the campers. Each site had a water spout and electric plug in. The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site," observes Ethan K.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Montville, NJ?
What camping is available near Montville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Montville, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Montville, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Montville, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Montville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montville, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montville, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Montville, NJ.
What parks are near Montville, NJ?
What parks are near Montville, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Montville, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
Keep Exploring