177 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Skylands region surrounding Oak Ridge, New Jersey encompasses diverse camping environments within an hour's drive, from developed campgrounds to more primitive options. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers large, wooded sites with water and electric hookups just 15 miles southwest of Oak Ridge, while Stokes State Forest provides a more remote experience with four distinct camping areas about 30 miles northwest. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, accessible from multiple points near Oak Ridge, features both established campgrounds and boat-in primitive sites along the river. Private campgrounds like Great Divide and Panther Lake complement these public options with additional amenities including swimming areas, organized activities, and full hookup sites for RVs.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when New York and New Jersey residents seek outdoor escapes. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants and grocery stores." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, and ticks are common during warmer months. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at private campgrounds and limited or no service in more remote areas of state forests and the Delaware Water Gap.
Lakeside and riverside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, though they typically book fastest. High Point State Park, containing New Jersey's highest elevation point, features campsites around Sawmill Lake that offer exceptional privacy. "The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy," reported one visitor. Several campgrounds provide access to the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the region. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, various birds, and smaller mammals commonly spotted. Weekday camping generally offers a quieter experience, as weekend crowds from nearby metropolitan areas can create more noise and competition for prime sites, particularly during summer months.
"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."
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 $$"
"Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"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."
"A few of my friends stayed at Kittatinny Canoes River Beach Campsites recently, and while the location is fantastic for river enthusiasts, there are some areas that could use improvement. "
"With over 160 sites spread across 18 acres, campers can choose from wooded, open field, or riverfront locations, all equipped with essential amenities like electric hookups, fresh drinking water, and picnic"
from $75 - $400 / night
Check Availability"And also no garbage anywhere near the RV sites! Rv sites were mostly pretty flat, spacious and in a wooded area which we loved."
"Important to not miss: the amazingly beautiful miniature horse that wonders around its huge pin located in the middle of the campground."
TravelerThis 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.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
RangerWe booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo 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.
Camping sites near Oak Ridge, New Jersey offer diverse terrain across the highlands region, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot summers averaging 80-85°F and cold winters often dropping below freezing. Most campsites sit within the Newark Watershed, creating varied water access options from spring-fed lakes to Delaware River frontage.
Kayaking and boating access: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides on-site lake access with rental boats available. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," notes one visitor.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Beaver Pond Campground sits near trail access points. A camper reports, "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room. The price makes it even better."
Petting farm animals: Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort offers unique animal interactions for visitors. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares one reviewer. Another notes, "Plenty to occupy the kids. Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
Privacy between sites: High Point State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "The sites were very secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs," explains a visitor. The campground includes both open areas and more isolated spots.
Shower and bathroom facilities: Campers specifically praise cleanliness at certain locations. "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, masks required for the pandemic," noted a visitor at Swartswood State Park. Another camper at Stokes State Forest shared, "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site."
Lake access for swimming: Great Divide Campground receives high marks for water options. "Big campground, big lake, clean and enjoyable. Nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," wrote one visitor.
Bear encounters: Bears are common throughout the region. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" reported a camper at Beaver Pond. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must," warns another visitor to Stokes State Forest. Bear lockers are not provided at most sites.
Limited cell service: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. One camper at Great Divide noted, "A bit out here in the middle of nowhere, 15-20 minutes from any town. Make sure you have what you need!"
Campsite selection importance: Choose locations carefully as quality varies. "If you want to score a secluded spot in the woods that would be perfect but anywhere else can be a bummer," advised a camper at Panther Lake about avoiding seasonal areas. Many parks offer a mix of open field and wooded sites.
Activity planning: Stokes State Forest offers numerous family-friendly options. "We stayed in the campsites at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. Site came with bear proof bin for garbage and fire ring," shared a visitor.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. "Short distance from NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," reports a Beaver Pond visitor.
Weekend vs. weekday visits: Timing affects experience significantly. "We came on a Friday night. Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud. The rest of the weekend it seemed like everyone's simmered down. The campground was full of mostly families," reported a Stokes State Forest camper.
Hookup availability: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides good RV facilities. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," explains one camper.
RV site leveling: High Point State Park presents challenges for larger vehicles. "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump."
Facility access: Great Divide Campground offers good RV amenities but with limitations. "One downside about this site was that you have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying," reports one RVer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oak Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oak Ridge, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Oak Ridge, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oak Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak Ridge, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oak Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Oak Ridge, NJ.
What parks are near Oak Ridge, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Oak Ridge, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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