Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Oak Ridge, NJ
177 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add 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.
Best Campgrounds near Oak Ridge (177)
1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
2. Stokes State Forest
"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 Availability3. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"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."
4. Great Divide Campground
"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 $$"
5. High Point State Park Campground
"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 Availability6. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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 Availability7. Swartswood State Park Campground
"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."
8. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"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."
9. Kittatinny Campground
"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 Availability10. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort
"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."
Drive Time
- 40 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 46 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 28 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 29 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Oak Ridge, NJ
577 Photos of 177 Oak Ridge Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Woodland Trails
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Great Divide Campground
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Kymers Camping Resort
Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort
Harmony Ridge Farm & Campgrounds
Swartswood State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Oak Ridge, NJ
1036 Reviews of 177 Oak Ridge Campgrounds
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.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
Great cabins!
We 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!
Guide to Oak Ridge
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.
What to do
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)."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring