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 Nutley, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Tent camping near Nutley, New Jersey is primarily found within a 30-60 mile radius, ranging from primitive hike-in tent sites at inland reservoirs to walk-in tent campsites steps from Atlantic beaches. Round Valley State Park Campground features boat-in and hike-in tent sites along a reservoir, while the Sandy Hook section of Gateway National Recreation Area provides walk-in tent camping near Atlantic beaches. Campgaw Mountain Reservation in northern New Jersey also offers tent-specific camping with free sites requiring permits.
Most tent sites in the region require some effort to access, with many designated as hike-in, boat-in, or walk-in only. At Round Valley, campers must either backpack approximately 3-5 miles or boat across the reservoir to reach designated tent sites. Sites typically include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with some areas providing primitive toilets but rarely showers. Many campsites require campers to filter water from natural sources or carry in their own supply. Bear activity is present in northern New Jersey locations, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or provided bear boxes.
Tent camping in the region offers unique experiences not available to RV campers, particularly at water-accessible sites. The Stonetown Circular Trail provides primitive tent sites approximately 4 miles into the hike, offering seclusion and proximity to flowing water. At Sandy Hook, tent campers have the advantage of sites with wooden pavilions covering picnic tables, though raccoons are notably bold. A camper described Round Valley as having "breathtaking scenery" with "crystal-clear water" and sites "in a beautiful wooded area." Several areas enforce one-night stay limits, particularly at Delaware Water Gap locations like Namanock Island, where primitive tent campsites are positioned on a serene river island accessible only by paddle craft.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Nutley (37)
1. 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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
2. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
3. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
4. 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. 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."
6. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
7. 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."
8. 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."
9. 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."
10. 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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $275 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from New York, NY
- 40 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 59 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 12 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nutley, NJ
67 Photos of 37 Nutley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Croton Point Park
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Round Valley State Park Campground
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Steam Mill Campground
Hornbeck's River Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Wooded Campground
Tent Camping Reviews near Nutley, NJ
704 Reviews of 37 Nutley Campgrounds
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!
Leo C.ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
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.
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens 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.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Guide to Nutley
Tent camping options within driving distance of Nutley, New Jersey focus primarily on wilderness experiences requiring some effort to access. The region sits at the boundary of the New York-New Jersey Highlands, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Most accessible camping areas are located within 30-70 miles of Nutley, with summer humidity levels typically 10-15% higher than in the fall season.
What to do
Urban exploration: Staten Island: Camp Gateway on Staten Island offers a unique urban camping experience with views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. "This campground is amazing. You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light," notes Phillip L. The site includes ranger-led treks exploring abandoned buildings within the park boundaries.
Kayaking: Round Valley Reservoir: Round Valley State Park Campground offers water-based recreation on a 2,350-acre reservoir. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares James R. Paddlers can access primitive campsites directly from the water, avoiding the challenging hike.
Beach activities: Sandy Hook: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides camping near lifeguarded ocean beaches. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," explains Stanley S. The area features a scenic trail running parallel to the beach suitable for biking.
What campers like
Wilderness seclusion: Stonetown Circular Trail: The trail features two primitive campsites approximately 4 miles into the hike. "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'," explains Ethan K. The site offers multiple level tent spaces and a fire pit for water purification and cooking.
Boat-only island access: Many campers appreciate the paddle-accessible sites at Round Valley. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," says Riley K. The paddle-in access creates a natural barrier that reduces crowding even during peak season months.
NYC skyline views: Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025 offers urban tent camping with metropolitan views. "This place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY," notes Jill R., adding that "when it comes to sleeping near the city on a budget, this place will most likely work."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout northern New Jersey camping areas. Food storage regulations vary by park, with some requiring bear-resistant containers while others provide communal storage options.
Limited facilities: Many tent camping areas near Nutley feature basic or non-existent amenities. At Sandy Hook, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite," reports Craig M.
Reservation planning: Wawayanda State Park Campground requires advance planning during summer months. While clean and offering access to recreation, the sites have limitations. "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. No trees for shade or to hang a hammock," warns M.P.
Weather considerations: Summer storms can affect tent camping conditions significantly. Camping areas with elevation changes experience temperature drops of 5-10 degrees compared to Nutley, requiring appropriate gear even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Harriman State Park cabins: Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park offers family-friendly accommodations with amenities beyond standard tent camping. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day. We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area," shares Ethan K.
Educational programs: Several parks host ranger-led activities for children. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," notes Sara P.
Cell service considerations: When camping with families, knowing connectivity is important. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," mentions Sara P. about Sebago Cabins. Other campsites report similar limited connectivity, requiring advance planning for emergency communications.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active at Sandy Hook, where campers report: "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," warns Craig M.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Croton Point Park offers one of the few RV camping options with hookups within 50 miles of Nutley. "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites," notes Lee D., adding "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Reservation challenges: The park has a cumbersome booking process. "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in," explains Lee D.
Noise considerations: Some RV areas experience noise issues. "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet," advises Jonathan C.
Train proximity: At Croton Point, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," reports Andrew A. This might affect light sleepers in RVs even more than tent campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nutley, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nutley, NJ is Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025 with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
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