M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Morristown, NJ
37 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent campers around Morristown, New Jersey can choose from established state park campgrounds, primitive trail sites, and boat-in locations within a 30-mile radius. Round Valley State Park Campground offers tent sites that require either a 3-mile hike or boat access to reach, providing seclusion along the reservoir shoreline. Jenny Jump State Forest provides walk-in tent sites and is known for its hiking trails and forested camping areas. Primitive options include the Stonetown Circular Trail sites, offering free tent camping with minimal amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from April 1 through October 31. Sites at Round Valley feature fire rings and picnic tables, but campers must pack in all supplies as these are true primitive locations with limited facilities. Water access varies significantly—Jenny Jump offers drinking water and toilet facilities, while Stonetown Circular sites have no amenities beyond a fire ring. Wildlife encounters are common, with several reviews mentioning raccoons at Sandy Hook and bears in Stokes State Forest. Campers at primitive locations should be prepared to hang food bags or use provided bear boxes where available.
The hiking required to access many sites creates a more secluded tent camping experience compared to drive-in locations. Round Valley's sites sit along the reservoir shoreline, offering water views and privacy that increases with distance from access points. Stonetown Circular trail primitive sites provide free camping with stream access, making them popular for minimalist tent campers seeking solitude. Camp areas are typically spread out with room for multiple tents and natural separation between sites. A recent review noted, "The sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown." Tent campers should pack light for trail access sites, especially those requiring significant uphill sections or rock scrambles.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Morristown (37)
1. 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."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
2. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."
"Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
5. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
6. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
8. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
9. Moon Valley Campground
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
from $50 - $275 / night
Check Availability10. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
Drive Time
- 40 min from New York, NY
- 42 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 4 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Morristown, NJ
63 Photos of 37 Morristown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Tent Camping Reviews near Morristown, NJ
889 Reviews of 37 Morristown Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
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.
- 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.RangerDelaware 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.
Guide to Morristown
Tent camping opportunities near Morristown, New Jersey extend beyond established parks to free primitive sites and reservation-required locations. The region sits at elevations ranging from 315 to 1,400 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates within the Highlands physiographic province. Several locations remain open for off-season camping despite seasonal closures at many state park campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking with water views: Round Valley State Park Campground offers multiple trails with reservoir access. One camper noted, "The trails are well-kept. Definitely a great place to start with getting into backpacking and enjoying nature."
Water activities: Sebago Cabin Camp provides lake access for swimming and paddling. A visitor mentioned, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day."
Wildlife observation: Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground offers opportunities to spot local fauna. A camper shared, "You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake."
Disc golf courses: Campgaw Mountain Reservation includes disc golf among its activities. One reviewer mentioned, "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers secluded camping spots. A visitor reported, "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views."
Fresh water access: Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2 provides streamside camping. According to one review, "This is a nice spot to set up camp because it is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'."
Clear night skies: Many campsites offer minimal light pollution for stargazing, though some locations near urban areas have limited visibility. One visitor to Campgaw Mountain noted, "Once the sun goes down, the campsite becomes a ghost town. We went on a holiday weekend, and we were the only campsite that was occupied."
Easy boat-in access: Some campgrounds allow access via water rather than hiking. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground shared, "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Multiple campgrounds require proper food storage. According to a visitor to Jenny Jump, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks."
Trail difficulty levels: Accessing some primitive sites requires challenging hikes. A camper at Stonetown Circular trail Primitive advised, "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble."
Seasonal water availability: Water sources change throughout the year. One Wawayanda State Park Campground visitor noted, "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance. There is a lake at this campground that does have showers."
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies widely by location and carrier. A Sebago Cabin camper reported, "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter options: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers alternatives to traditional tent sites. A visitor mentioned, "Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table. Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons."
Wildlife protection: Teach children about food storage rules. One camper at Sandy Hook warned, "Sites have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons."
Educational activities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. A Staten Island Gateway visitor shared, "There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping."
Site selection for comfort: Look for level, spacious camping areas. A Jenny Jump visitor advised, "My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive sites near Morristown lack RV amenities. A Wawayanda camper noted, "Campsites were open in June. Campgrounds are a narrow patch of grass by the roadway. Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep."
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabin rental options for more comfort. A Sebago visitor explained, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can create temperature variations. One Jenny Jump camper shared, "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean. The only problem we encountered was that there wasn't a store close by for ice or other essentials."
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Morristown, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Morristown, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Morristown, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Morristown, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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