Dispersed camping near Oak Ridge, New Jersey offers backcountry experiences within a few hours of metro areas. The region features several primitive sites situated in the Appalachian Mountain range, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Most sites require adherence to Leave No Trace principles and maintain specific setback rules from water sources and trails.
What to do
Hiking the trails: Access multiple hiking paths from Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, where overnight parking is permitted. One camper noted, "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," while another mentioned, "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. At Hickok Brook, campers can experience lakeside environments. A visitor reported, "Very gorgeous but not rv friendly," highlighting the natural beauty despite access limitations.
Hammock camping: The forested terrain makes hammock setup ideal at many sites. A camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 shared, "It's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Dispersed camping areas offer peaceful retreats from busier campgrounds. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, a camper experienced, "I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night."
No reservation requirements: Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems. This flexibility appeals to spontaneous travelers, though weekends can become crowded during peak seasons.
Bear protection: Some sites provide bear safety equipment. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, a reviewer mentioned, "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Plan to carry sufficient water as natural sources are limited. A camper at Floyd Bennett Field noted the complete lack of drinking water, making proper planning essential.
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance permits for overnight stays. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, visitors must obtain proper documentation before camping.
Bug intensity: Insect protection is essential in warmer months. A Hemlock Ridge MUA visitor warned, "Bugs are relentless."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites may present challenges. A Hickok Brook camper cautioned, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with adequate space for family setups. A camper at Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 shared, "We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There's plenty of space."
Distance considerations: Account for children's hiking abilities when selecting sites. Many dispersed areas require walking to reach suitable camping spots, with required distances from trails typically 150 feet.
Limited facilities: Prepare children for the primitive nature of these sites. At Hickok Brook, a visitor advised, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant limitations at dispersed sites. A Hickok Brook visitor warned, "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes."
Parking lot camping: Some trailheads offer overnight parking for smaller vehicles. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides basic accommodation in its "gravel parking lot" which holds "about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to visitors.
Alternative options: Consider established campgrounds when traveling with larger rigs, as dispersed camping near Oak Ridge generally lacks suitable RV accommodations.
