Best Dispersed Camping near New Vernon, NJ

Dispersed camping near New Vernon, New Jersey is limited, with the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 serving as one of the few official options in the broader region. This primitive site is located in Worthington State Forest along the Appalachian Trail and requires a hike-in approach. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead in nearby Pennsylvania provides an alternative dispersed camping option accessible by vehicle. Both locations offer basic primitive camping with minimal amenities.

Access to the Appalachian Trail campsite requires hiking, as it cannot be reached by vehicle. The site has no water source nearby, making it necessary to collect water from Sunfish Pond or Dunnfield Creek Natural Area before arriving. Thunder Swamp Trailhead features a gravel parking lot with shade trees that some campers use for overnight stays. Neither location provides amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, or designated fire rings. Fire restrictions apply in most areas, with ground fires prohibited at the Appalachian Trail site where bear boxes are provided for food storage.

The Appalachian Trail site balances community and solitude with both communal and secluded spots available. The terrain includes adequate trees for hammock camping but has limited flat spaces for tent setup. According to campers, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." The site is well-maintained but lacks water access, with the nearest source being "Sunfish Pond, about a 1-mile round trip." At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, visitors note the parking area is "chill for a night" with "tons of hiking" available on nearby trails. Both locations serve primarily as simple overnight options for hikers and those seeking minimal backcountry camping experiences.