150 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Skylands region surrounding Morris Plains, New Jersey encompasses diverse camping environments within an hour's drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson offers wooded sites with water and electric hookups that are "paved and mostly level," according to campers. State parks like High Point and Stokes State Forest provide more rustic experiences with lakeside camping and trail access. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 35 miles west, features boat-in primitive sites along the river. Private campgrounds such as Great Divide Campground and Panther Lake Camping Resort cater to families seeking amenities like swimming pools and organized activities, while county parks offer quieter alternatives with varying levels of development.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options. Reservations are essential during summer weekends when New York City residents seek outdoor escapes. Alcohol policies vary significantly between facilities, with state parks typically prohibiting alcohol while private campgrounds are more permissive. Weather conditions include humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and cool, colorful autumns ideal for camping. As one camper noted about Stokes State Forest, it's "nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Bear activity requires proper food storage in many areas, particularly in the northern forests.
Lakeside and riverside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors. Round Valley State Park Campground offers what one camper called "breathtaking scenery" with "crystal-clear water," though sites require hiking, biking, or boating to access. Campground amenities vary widely, with state parks generally providing basic facilities while private resorts offer full hookups and recreational programs. Site privacy differs significantly between locations, with some campers noting issues at certain campgrounds. A visitor to High Point State Park appreciated that "sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with deer, various birds, and smaller mammals commonly spotted from campsites.
"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."
"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."
"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 $$"
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
"All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."
"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"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 Availability"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."
"There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "
"Was a bit hard to locate the office to check in but finally found it. The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean."
"We had our 3 Labs with us and they had plenty of walking space. We were within walking distance of Chili's. Close to shopping if you needed something. Reasonably quiet."
TravelerThis 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.
RangerWe 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!
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
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.
Camping options around Morris Plains, New Jersey extend across the state's northern highlands, where elevations reach over 1,000 feet in several areas. The region sits within the Highlands physiographic province, characterized by forested ridges, small lakes, and stream valleys. Fall nights typically drop below 45°F, requiring proper insulation for comfortable tent camping, while summer daytime temperatures average in the mid-80s.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: At Jenny Jump State Forest, the mountain ridges provide excellent vantage points. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean," notes one visitor. The forest offers both challenging and family-friendly trails.
Paddle sports on quiet lakes: For water enthusiasts, smaller lakes provide peaceful experiences. "My first trip to this campground was September 2020... There was a nice lake, with seating every so often and a boat dock ramp thing in the campground," writes a camper at Swartswood State Park Campground.
Wilderness camping adventures: For those seeking seclusion, wilderness options exist. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" explains a Round Valley visitor.
Site privacy levels: Many campers value secluded spots. "We stayed at site T219. 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," reports a Stokes camper.
Spacious camping areas: Room to spread out ranks highly. "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," writes a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Multi-activity options: Campers appreciate having diverse recreation nearby. "The camp site was spacious. The bathrooms and showers were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean. The river is just a small walk down the hill (you can stairs or a path which was nice). They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits," notes a visitor at Stephens State Park Campground.
Site-specific terrain challenges: Ground conditions vary substantially. "Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass," explains a visitor at Stokes State Forest. Research sites carefully, as some forest camps require platforms for tents.
Off-season value: Visiting during spring or fall provides better camping experiences. "We drove through at the end of October and only saw one camper there, and another that might have been the host," notes a camper about quieter seasons.
Bear safety protocols: Bears are active throughout the region. "We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly," explains a Round Valley State Park Campground visitor discussing park security measures.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds cater specifically to children. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," reports a camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly often means higher activity levels. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," shares a Panther Lake visitor. Sites with more separation provide better sleep.
Access to conveniences: Proximity to stores matters for family trips. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks... Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway," notes a reviewer.
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports an RV camper at Mahlon Dickerson.
Urban access options: For those wanting to visit New York City, consider specialized parks. "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," advises a visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Maneuverability challenges: Some of the best places to camp near Morris Plains have access limitations. "The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time," warns a camper about Stephens State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do campgrounds near Morris Plains offer?
Great Divide Campground provides a scenic setting with a small lake, pond, and wooded surroundings. It's a private campground that offers more amenities than public options, though at higher rates. Turkey Swamp Park features a 17-acre lake, hiking trails, and well-maintained campsites. Most state park campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like water access, toilet facilities, and some electric hookups. Many have hiking and biking trails directly accessible from campsites, with opportunities for swimming and water activities at locations with lakes.
Where are the closest campsites to Morris Plains, NJ?
The closest camping options to Morris Plains include Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which offers wooded, paved sites with water and electric hookups in the Skylands region. Stephens State Park Campground is another nearby option. Within a short drive, you can also access Jenny Jump State Forest, Great Divide Campground near Newton, and Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. For those willing to travel a bit further, the Delaware Water Gap area offers additional camping opportunities including boat-in sites at Sandyston and Namanock Island.
When is the best season for camping in the Morris Plains area?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather near Morris Plains. High Point State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during late spring and summer when you can enjoy swimming in the lake and hiking to the monument at New Jersey's highest point. Fall brings spectacular foliage in Stokes State Forest, making September and October ideal for camping with fewer crowds after Labor Day. Summer weekends tend to be crowded at most campgrounds in the region, so consider weekday visits during peak season or shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. Many campgrounds in the area close or have limited services during winter months.
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