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Best Campgrounds near Morris Plains, NJ

942 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Morris Plains, New Jersey (144)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "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. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    " 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 $$"

    4. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    5. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "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."

    6. Stephens State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hackettstown, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 852-3790

    "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."

    7. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    29 miles
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "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."

    8. Fla-net Park Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Netcong, NJ
    13 miles
    +1 (973) 347-4467

    "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."

    9. Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    Newton, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-5230

    "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. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    34 miles
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

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Recent Camping Photos near Morris Plains, NJ

602 Photos of 144 Morris Plains Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Morris Plains, NJ

942 Reviews of 144 Morris Plains Campgrounds

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) 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;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

Guide to Morris Plains

Camping near Morris Plains, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" made their stay enjoyable.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Round Valley State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning."
  • Wildlife Watching: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is great for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer said, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Camp Taylor Campground. A happy visitor shared, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at Mountainview Campground. One camper said, "The staff took us out to the site with our bundles of firewood and helped us back the camper into the perfect place."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love the roomy sites at Stokes State Forest. A reviewer mentioned, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, can get noisy. One camper warned, "If you are looking for a nice peaceful getaway from the city... this is not it."
  • Limited Amenities: At Cheesequake State Park Campground, amenities can be basic. A visitor noted, "The bathroom/shower facility is old, filthy and needs to be torn down."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Campers should be cautious about wildlife, especially at High Point State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There are many bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Taylor Campground. A family shared, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation said, "We didn’t see any bear, but saw lots of bear scat, and passed a super chill doe and her two fawns casually grazing next to the trail."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, especially food and water. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups. At Mountainview Campground, one RVer noted, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have rugged terrain. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground said, "The sites were pretty overgrown and rugged."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground advised, "Only 30-35 min off the parkway, so nice and convenient."

Camping near Morris Plains, New Jersey, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences to make your stay memorable.

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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