Best Campgrounds near Mountainside, NJ

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mountainside, NJ has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mountainside, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Mountainside, NJ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Mountainside, New Jersey (120)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "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."

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    26 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."

    4. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    25 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."

    5. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    6. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "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"

    7. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    28 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."

    8. Collective Governors Island

    2 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    9. Turkey Swamp Park

    27 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "   We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.

     Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.

     I really liked this park!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    10. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    31 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 $$"

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Showing results 1-10 of 120 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mountainside, NJ

770 Reviews of 120 Mountainside Campgrounds



Guide to Mountainside

Camping near Mountainside, 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 plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: The lake at Pickerel Point Campground - Promised Land State Park is perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "The site was wooded and very private. We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, you can spot various animals. One camper noted, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. It is so quiet here."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review from Camp Taylor Campground states, "Our campsite was very spacious and backed up to a creek, and we appreciated the effort the owners made in keeping all of the sites private."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park remarked, "The ranger was really nice."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise, especially during busy weekends. A camper at High Point State Park shared, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Site Accessibility: Some sites may require a bit of a hike to access. A review from Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "We had to leave the car on the road and carry all of our gear down a 200 ft long pathway covered in boulders."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or activities. One family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to pack easy-to-cook meals. A visitor at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park appreciated, "Quiet hours were strictly enforced."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for unpaved roads. A camper at High Point State Park noted, "The sites were pretty overgrown and rugged."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation appreciated, "There is a dump station also on site."

Camping near Mountainside, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mountainside, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mountainside, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Mountainside, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mountainside, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mountainside, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mountainside, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Mountainside, NJ.

What parks are near Mountainside, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Mountainside, NJ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.