Best Tent Camping near Morris Plains, NJ
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Morris Plains? Find the best tent camping sites near Morris Plains. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Morris Plains, New Jersey (41)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
24 Reviews•74 Photos•445 SavesLebanon, New Jersey- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Jenny Jump State Forest
14 Reviews•61 Photos•151 SavesJohnsonburg, New Jersey- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
18 Reviews•46 Photos•228 SavesAtlantic Highlands, New JerseyOverview
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.
Recreation
Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse. Free Lighthouse tours with a ranger are offered seasonally. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. Visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information on ranger led programs and hours of operation. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.
Natural Features
Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.
Nearby Attractions
Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.
Charges & Cancellations
Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$30 - $150 / night
4. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
3 Reviews•5 Photos•19 SavesAndover, New Jersey- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
6 Reviews•15 Photos•126 SavesSloatsburg, New York- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
6. Wawayanda State Park Campground
5 Reviews•2 Photos•46 SavesNew Milford, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
9 Reviews•57 Photos•268 SavesDingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
9. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
6 Reviews•12 Photos•127 SavesPomona, New YorkThe Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center is an ideal destination for anyone looking for hiking, paddling, and camping opportunities in the heart of Harriman State Park at Breakneck Pond. Harriman State Park, New York’s second largest park, is located 30 miles from Manhattan and accessible by public transportation.
The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center is open to the public, and is a great location for scouting, school, faith-based, and youth groups as well as family reunions and corporate outings.
The Center offers common space for outdoor programs, waterfront access to 64-acre Breakneck Pond, a dining hall, and group meeting space. Accommodations include group and family cabins, tent platforms, and three-sided shelters, offering a range of overnight experiences.
The public can also enjoy The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center through an AMC adult, family, or teen program. Membership is not required to join an AMC program. AMC members receive discounts on lodging and programs. Click here for a complete listing of upcoming programs for adults and teens.
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Market
10. Otter Lake Camp Resort
10 Reviews•22 Photos•236 SavesHenryville, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Morris Plains, New Jersey
822 Reviews of 41 Morris Plains Campgrounds
Jennifer L.
Guide
Camp Taylor Campground
Perfect for tent camping
This is not one of those resort campgrounds. It has minimal amenities. However, if you are looking to tent camp at a great location, it’s perfect. The tent camping area is separate so no loud noises from RVs. The sites are spacious and separated by trees so you really feel connected to nature. I love hearing the wolves and being so close to great hiking trails. Highly recommended. It’s my favorite drive-in tent campground in NJ.
- SStephanie M.Guide
Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
Lovely campgrounds an hour north of NYC
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. If looking for privacy, back end of campgrounds (#’s 1, 13, 15, 21, 23, etc) provide adequate quietness, a bit hidden and tucked away from the rest. Very near many trailheads and the expansive Lake Welsh. Alcohol prohibited... Uploaded photo/vid from off-season 2019.
Erika T.
Scout
Ringing Rocks Family Campground
Overall not bad for tent campers
Very clean campground, clean bathrooms and showers. However, if you're tent camping the bathrooms are FAR and I highly doubt no one has ever peed outside at night instead of navigating through the night to them.
I had full at&t service. Nice double playground.
the tent sites are very close together, and when we stayed the RV campers get really rowdy at night past quiet hours (10pm) which sucked having our 7 year old with us trying to sleep. RVers with golf carts would periodically drive by too.
Overall not bad, but won't stay again. Okay as a tent camper if you're passing through for a night, and so so for those with young children, but if you want the real camping experience I don't recommend It's really geared more toward rvers
Justin P.
Legend
Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Great family campground with tons of activities
I tent camped with my niece here in early July. 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 included a picnic table and fire ring, and flat ground for tents.
The late was closed for swimming (lifeguard shortage at the time) but there were lots of smaller spots to tuck into for fishing and just relaxing.
By the main swimming are there are canoe and kayak rentals as well.
We did one loop hike which was mostly in the woods with a brief stop with a lake view. The better activities were around the lake.
This campground was perfect for our weekend. The tent sites more in the open field area (
- LLauren E.Scout
Camp Carr Campground
Rough for Tent Camping
Much more suited to RV Camping, but not terrible for a couple nights of tent camping
- Jeff M.
TravelerRinging Rocks Family Campground
Amazing owners
Great campground secluded tent sites.
- BBecky G.Guide
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Beautiful tent camping
Tent camping near the water - great for Jersey Shore adventures. Make sure to check out the lighthouses nearby!!
Amber A.
Ranger
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Ok if you don’t have another choice
The park itself is lovely and close to some other green areas. The nice thing about this campsite is that it’s so close to NYC. The bad thing about this campsite is that it’s so close to NYC. If you live in NYC this is a good, cheap, super quick escape accessible by public transport. If you’re visiting the area I’d recommend staying in Manhattan/Queens in an AirBNB for the full NYC experience or heading to Long Island, Pennsylvania, “Upstate” New York, or New Jersey for a better nature camping experience. For what it is, this site is a nice green little oasis. It’s National Park Service land and they try really hard to keep things clean and working well with so much traffic. Bring earplus for the airport traffic and the noisy neighbors. Tent sites are pretty and wooded, but there is also a TON of concrete from an old WW2 airfield.
- KKirsten H.Scout
Korns Campgrounds
was amazing… now much less so
We used to go here all the time. This season there are people living in RV’s in the tent camping area for the full season. That’s no problem, but their outside light decorations really are. The last time we were there, it was so bright at night from the lighting decorations that we didn’t need a flashlight to get around. I am seriously not exaggerating at all. It’s a beautiful campground with a lovely little river running through it. I really hope that the owners reconsider allowing all of the outside light decorations on the RV’s in the tent camping sites.
- Justin S.Traveler
Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Clean and cozy
Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore.
- RRebecca S.Guide
Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park
Quiet, off-season, mid-week retreat
We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring.
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. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible. Facilities were clean and what you'd expect from a campground.
Would definitely return!!
Cynthia K.Legend
Great Divide Campground
Rock'in
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. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.
Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.
One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait.
The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.
We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!
- EEllen K.Traveler
Pleasant Valley Lavender
Lavender blooms!
So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ
- TTracyTraveler
Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites
River Beach, NJ
All types of sites. Kayaking, tubing. Tent sites on river. Knee deep. Bring your chair and cooler. Sit in river, enjoy
Sean B.Scout
Cranberry Run Campground
Loved it!!!
Private, clean sites, washrooms were clean, staff was awesome, can't say enough about this campground. Cabin/tent sites separated from RV sites.
- MMelissa C.Scout
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Decent KOA
We found this KOA to be okay. Some amenities need upgrades for the price. Staff very friendly and helpful. I don’t love the gravel pad tent sites. Some sites are much more private than others.
Eugene T.Traveler
Kymers Camping Resort
Rustic and woodsy
Been camping here for 4 seasons. The management is very helpful and willing to help with even the smallest of requests. Great for RV and tent camping. There’s a pond stocked with 2-3 types of fresh water fish. They offer seasonal camping and a game room with a small general store.
- LLeslie S.Traveler
Mountainview Campground
Awesome place!
Here on business but didn’t pull the camper up, (from Texas) Tent camped for a couple of weeks. The place is beautiful, and the sites are very nice. They have put a lot of effort in over many years out here. Each site RV or Tent is well thought out. Bathrooms/showers are always very clean as well as the grounds. Would Absolutely recommend !!
Luis B.Ranger
Evergreen Lake Campground
Worth the stay.
Tent sites are big, clean, and with some shade. Bathrooms are clean and spacious. Check in was quick and the lady at the office was pleasant. Dogs are allowed, but there are rules. Follow them and you’ll be fine.
- KKelsey K.Traveler
Little Red Barn Campground
Pleasant
My husband, friend, and I tent camped here last weekend and we were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. Long story short, I spent several days looking for a close-by camp site for us to stay at as it was our first time tent camping. I stumbled upon this campground and reserved a space with electric and water. Upon arrival, the people at the office were friendly. We got to our space (83) and we noticed we were placed right in the middle of a bunch of RVs, which was not what we had envisioned. I took a walk with my dog and saw the primitive sites tucked in the back of the grounds. I immediately went to the office to ask to move to a primitive site and they allowed us to move without any issues. We ended up setting up camp at site 31 - which was spacious enough for two large tents and very private.
Pros: primitive sites are very private, friendly staff, clean grounds.
Cons: only one bathroom and it’s very far from the primitive sites, E/W sites are between RVs.
- JJose N.Traveler
Camp Glen Gray
Rustic
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. Trading Post for treats and other items.
Many camp sites open to rent. Cabins - Leanto - Tent Sites. Check web site for pricing.
Robert J.TravelerMountainview Campground
Close to the River Towns and the Delaware River
We've tent camped here three or four times. It's a quiet wooded campground (not all spots, but most). Easy to get to, and friendly family ownership. They also have trailer hookups with electric and water and while not that remote (close to the River Towns in NJ) it feels remote when you are in the wooded spots.
We would recommend it... Two adults and one lazy bulldog.
Trip Over LifeRanger
Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
State Forest camping with large sites on the Delaware River
There are two camping areas at Worthington State Forest - one area is tent only and the other area, separated by 3 group sites, has sites suitable for RVs and campervans. There are no hookups at any of the sites. Alcohol is not allowed. Facilities include plentiful single use bathrooms and showers.
Site 10 is a spacious, private tent site. Sites 36 and 37 are close together but would be great waterfront campervan sites. Many tent sites are wooded. Ticks and rattlesnakes are present in the area. Additionally, store food properly as this is bear country.
Activities include water sports on the Delaware River as well as hiking. We formed a loop hike by combining the Douglas Trail (1.7 miles), a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and the Garvey Springs Trail (1.2 miles). This route will climb about 1200 feet past Laurel Falls to a backpacker Appalachian Trail campsite, and onward along Kittatinny Ridge to Sunfish Pond - a 44 acre glacial lake designated as a World Heritage Site - before descending back down.
- SScott O.Traveler
Jenny Jump State Forest
Quaint campground.
I was looking forward to a Worthington State Park campgrounds visit but that day they were all packed and I was suggested to Jenny Jump State. I enjoyed the overnight camp out with my kids and they had a blast. Nice size primitive tent site we had and was nice for beginner camping.
Eric R.TravelerKorns Campgrounds
First time camping in awhile; great time
We chose Korn's because it was close to home on our first trip in years.
It was a great time from check in to check out.
We had a nice tent site ( 92 ) along the river. I called myself captain planet because I fished a coffee cup from the river.
Will definitely be staying again
- AnnaTraveler
Spruce Run Recreation Area
Absolutely Beautiful!!
I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby. Bathrooms were clean and other campers were quiet making for a peaceful trip. Check in was pleasant but unfortunately, some things were closed due to covid restrictions. I will be back as often as I can and hopefully be able to rent a kayak.
- CCecilia M.Traveler
Camp Taylor Campground
Excellent camping !
My husband and I brought our kids and nephew to Camp Taylor. We did tent camping for the weekend and we had a blast. The camping site we originally had booked was rather small, the front desk was cordial and able to accommodate us by moving us to a bigger site. We had running water and an electric outlet. Our neighbors were quiet and respectful, the grounds are well maintained and staff is great!
Guide to Morris Plains
Tent camping near Morris Plains, New Jersey, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while setting up your tent in peaceful surroundings.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Round Valley State Park Campground, you can hike in or boat to your campsite, making it a unique experience for adventurous campers.
- Jenny Jump State Forest features beautiful hiking trails and a playground for families, ensuring fun for all ages.
- Enjoy kayaking and fishing at Wawayanda State Park Campground, where you can also explore scenic trails.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40
- Camping at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center typically costs around $30 per night, providing access to various amenities and activities.
- Expect to pay about $25 for a night at Steam Mill Campground, which offers a remote setting with easy access to hiking trails.
- Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground has affordable rates, making it a great choice for budget-conscious campers.
Tips for tent camping near Morris Plains
- When visiting Shotwell, arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Bring your own firewood to Moon Valley Campground since it may not be readily available on-site.
- For a more secluded experience, consider camping at Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive #1, which requires a hike-in but rewards you with stunning views and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Morris Plains, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Morris Plains, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Morris Plains, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Morris Plains, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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