Best Tent Camping near North Bergen, NJ
State parks and recreation areas within driving distance of North Bergen, New Jersey offer diverse tent camping options ranging from walk-in sites to backcountry experiences. Round Valley State Park Campground, located about 60 miles west, provides primitive tent-only camping accessible by hiking or boating in. Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers tent-only sites with beach proximity, though campers must carry gear approximately a quarter mile from parking areas. Stonetown Circular Trail in northern New Jersey features primitive tent camping sites along an 11-mile loop trail, providing a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience.
Most tent campsites in the region require advance preparation as amenities are limited. Sandy Hook's tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with some sites featuring wooden pavilions covering tables, but no showers or electricity. Metal storage units are provided for food protection against wildlife. Round Valley's primitive tent camping requires a 3-6 mile hike or boat journey to reach sites, with limited water access from scattered pumps. Campers should bring water filters or plan carefully for water access, as some sites can be over a mile from the nearest pump. Vault toilets are available but often poorly maintained. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most sites, though terrain varies from level to rocky.
According to reviews, Round Valley offers exceptional solitude for tent campers willing to make the journey. One visitor noted, "It's very secluded once arriving at a campsite. I've been about 5 times and have only seen one other person." Midweek visits are recommended for maximum quiet. At Sandy Hook, campers report that wheelbarrows are available to transport gear to walk-in tent sites. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region's campgrounds, with raccoons being particularly bold at Sandy Hook. Tent campers at Jenny Jump State Forest appreciate the privacy between sites, with one camper stating it was "so private we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves." Early summer visits are recommended to avoid excessive bugs and heat at most locations.