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 Morris Plains, NJ
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Morris Plains (150)
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. 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 $$"
4. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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
"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
"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. "
"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"
7. 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 Availability8. 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 Availability9. 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. Fla-net Park Campgrounds
"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."
Drive Time
- 41 min from New York, NY
- 43 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 7 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 11 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Morris Plains, NJ
489 Photos of 150 Morris Plains Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Morris Plains, NJ
998 Reviews of 150 Morris Plains 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
- Thomas B.Ranger
Tohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens 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 Morris Plains
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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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