Best Dispersed Camping near Newfoundland, NJ
The forested highlands surrounding Newfoundland, New Jersey provide primarily primitive camping options with a focus on backpacking and dispersed sites. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in nearby Worthington State Forest represents one of the limited official camping areas in this section of northern New Jersey. Within an hour's drive, campers can access additional dispersed options like Hemlock Ridge MUA in New York state, which offers more relaxed regulations but similarly rustic conditions. Most camping in this region falls into the category of hike-in or walk-in access, with limited to no amenities, making it best suited for self-sufficient backcountry campers prepared for primitive conditions.
Permit requirements and regulations vary significantly between sites, with some areas requiring advance permits from state land management agencies. As one camper noted about the Appalachian Trail site, "As you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest." Access roads to many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with visitors reporting "very rough roads with huge potholes." Water availability presents a consistent challenge, with campers at the AT site advised to "stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek natural area or wait until Sunfish Pond." Cell service is generally limited throughout the region, and most sites lack basic amenities like toilets or trash collection.
Campers consistently mention the quiet, secluded nature of these sites as their primary appeal. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, visitors appreciate that "there are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path." Limited parking capacity is common, with one site described as having "a small parking lot that only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Bear activity requires proper food storage, with some sites providing bear boxes. Hammock camping proves popular at several locations due to sloped terrain and good tree coverage. Insect activity can be intense during warmer months, with one camper noting "bugs are relentless" at certain sites. Most locations enforce standard Leave No Trace principles and have specific restrictions on campfires.
