Dispersed camping options near Montville, New Jersey provide access to natural settings within the Delaware Water Gap region and surrounding forests. Most sites are primitive backpacker camps requiring permits and offering minimal facilities. The terrain consists primarily of eastern hardwood forests at elevations between 400-1,500 feet, with camping regulations varying by jurisdiction between New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York state lands.
What to do
Hiking connections: The Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers access to extensive trail networks. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R. about this gravel lot campsite that serves as a convenient basecamp for day hikes.
Lakeside activities: Hickok Brook in New York provides waterfront camping opportunities. "Really is a nice quiet place," reports Gregg T., though capacity is extremely limited with "only 3 spots" available near the water.
Overnight stays: For Appalachian Trail hikers, the designated backpacker sites provide strategic stopping points. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers "plenty of space" with options for "secluded spots" according to Katharine T., who stayed during a section hike through Delaware Water Gap.
What campers like
Bear safety features: At Appalachian Trail campsites, wildlife protection measures receive positive mentions. Katherine T. describes the site as "well maintained w bear boxes provided," making food storage more convenient for backpackers.
Hammocking opportunities: Tree coverage at many sites works well for alternative sleeping arrangements. One camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 notes it was "a great place for" hammock camping despite being "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping."
Solitude: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides a quiet overnight option with basic amenities. "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble," reports Jason R., while Benjamin H. adds there's "plenty of shade" and "no one bothered me" when staying there.
What you should know
Permits required: Free camping near Montville, New Jersey often requires authorization. Gregg T. warns that on "NY state land" you "need a permit" and should "contact Rangers office of whatever county" you're in, as he learned after being told by a ranger to relocate his campsite.
Vehicle limitations: Roads to remote sites can be challenging. At Hickok Brook, Corey found "the road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must" and ultimately determined "it's not a good spot for car camping" despite initially hoping to use it for a rugged camper setup.
Water planning: Access to drinking water is scarce at most dispersed sites. Katherine T. notes that at the Appalachian Trail site, there's "no water" with the "nearest [being] sunfish pound" requiring "about a 1 mile round trip" hike to collect.
Tips for camping with families
Space constraints: When traveling with multiple people, consider size limitations at most sites. During busy periods like "Labor Day weekend," Gregg T. observed many "people try to cram into the very limited camping area" at Hickok Brook, making advance planning crucial.
Community options: Some sites offer a balance between socializing and privacy. Katherine T. describes Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 as having a "perfect balance of community and space" where "we camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."
Supply runs: Remote camping requires bringing all necessities. Gregg T. advises to "bring everything with you" since "it's a hike back to town," though he mentions "there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY" for emergency resupplies when staying at Hickok Brook.
Tips from RVers
Not RV suitable: Most dispersed camping near Montville is inappropriate for recreational vehicles. At Hickok Brook, Corey specifically warns it's "not RV friendly" despite initially "thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup."
Parking limitations: Even smaller campers face challenges at these sites. Corey notes you could "conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere," but true RV or trailer camping isn't feasible at most dispersed sites in this region.
Alternate parking: For those with smaller vehicles, some trailheads permit overnight parking. Benjamin H. describes Thunder Swamp Trailhead as simply "a gravel parking lot" but confirms "no one bothered me" when staying overnight.
Scout
