Best Campgrounds near Oakland, NJ

Northern New Jersey's Skylands region surrounding Oakland offers diverse camping experiences within an hour's drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson provides large, wooded sites with water and electric hookups, while Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers more primitive camping closer to Oakland. Wawayanda State Park Campground, operating from April through October, features tent and RV sites with boat-in access options. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 30 miles west, contains boat-in primitive sites maintained by the National Park Service. Camp Glen Gray and the Stonetown Circular trail primitive sites provide additional options for those seeking less developed camping experiences.

Camping regulations vary significantly between locations, with many sites requiring advance reservations during peak season. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, closing during winter months. 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 and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Wildlife considerations include proper food storage in bear country, particularly in the western portions near the Delaware Water Gap. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, and campers should be prepared for summer humidity and insects, especially ticks.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. At High Point State Park, "many sites are walk-in sites that sit lakeside. The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy," according to one reviewer. Several campgrounds feature access to lakes, rivers, and streams for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Primitive boat-in sites along the Delaware River offer unique experiences, though spring water levels can make landing challenging. Tent campers report mixed experiences at some RV-oriented private campgrounds, where bathroom access and site location can be issues. Most public campgrounds provide standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, though shower facilities vary considerably between locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Oakland, New Jersey (130)

    1. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $21 - $24 / night

    "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."

    2. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

    4. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

    "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

    5. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

    "Beautiful lakes all over the place.

    The AMC camp in Harriman is fantastic too! Those are reserved and paid cabins and platforms."

    6. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    5 miles

    "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."

    7. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    6 miles

    "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."

    8. Wawayanda State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Milford, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 853-4462

    "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. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

    1 Review
    Ramsey, NJ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-3500

    10. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

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Recent Reviews near Oakland, NJ

797 Reviews of 130 Oakland Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Janine D.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kittatinny Campground

    Not worth the money or time

    If we could rate this a 0 we would.  We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced.  I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun.  We arrived at about 8:00 in the evening with several camps blaring different genre of music, not a problem, considering we still like it as loud as possible sometimes, but it didn't end at quiet time, it continue until well over midnight.  The campsites are so close together it was like being packed into a sardine can.  The campsite across the pathway didn't have their dog on a lead and we woke up with a pile of dog excrement next to our trailer, that was a howdy-do morning for ya.  We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup, but we were told that we couldn't launch from this location.  (What kind of crap is that)  This location was a receiving location only and "absolutely no launching" was allowed.  If you are looking for a party spot to come with your friends, this is definitely the place for you!  If your looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place.  The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend, will not be going back!

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private 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. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Elizabeth M.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Jellystone Park Gardiner

    Dirty bathrooms

    This is my second time I visited the park, the first time was 4 years ago and we stayed in a cabin, but a few weeks ago we decided to stay in a tent side and it was a nice experience except for some things, the campers don't respect the quiet time at night and morning too. A lot noises until 2 am and early from 6 am. But the worst experience was bathrooms, very few for the number of sites and people it covers. They need to add more bathrooms. They rarely cleaned the bathroom in all the 6 days that I stayed. The showers didn't have enough water pressure, 2 out of 6 had only hot water, some had no paper, hairs everywhere, the toilets didn't work, and super dirty, the truth was a disgusting thing that didn't encourage to use them but there was no other option. For the price you pay is not for having the bathrooms under those conditions. I hope you get better because the truth is a park that has many things to have a good time but with the bathrooms with that condition, is not encouraged to reserve again. And please add more shadows in the areas of the tents and MORE BATHROOMS, is not enough to cover all the tents area.


Guide to Oakland

Camping near Oakland, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Worthington State Forest Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  • Fishing: Head to Pickerel Point Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "The site is wooded and very private," perfect for a quiet day by the water.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. One family noted, "The awesome pools and water area" made their stay memorable.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Beaver Pond Campground. A reviewer said, "The clean shower and bathroom facilities" were a highlight of their visit.
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Stokes State Forest. One camper remarked, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy," making it a great choice for those seeking solitude.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities at Camp Taylor Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike," highlighting the fun for younger campers.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise at High Point State Park Campground. One camper shared a frustrating experience with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer noted, "There are no showers," so plan accordingly.
  • Access Issues: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the hike to the campsite can be challenging. One visitor warned, "The path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks," so be prepared for a tough trek.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, where kids can enjoy various activities. A parent said, "This place is so much fun," emphasizing the family-oriented atmosphere.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Bring plenty of snacks for the kids. One camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We filtered water right from the reservoir," making it easy to stay hydrated.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at High Point State Park Campground appreciated that "quiet hours were strictly enforced."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose," to avoid any surprises.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. One camper at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "The camp store had a few necessities," but it’s always good to have your own.
  • Be Prepared for Hills: If you're towing, ensure your vehicle can handle the terrain. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground mentioned, "The hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."

Camping Oakland, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Oakland?

The Oakland area offers several excellent campgrounds. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out with its paved, level, and spacious wooded sites featuring water and electric hookups. The reservation is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Another top option is High Point State Park Campground, which offers beautiful lakeside campsites with direct access to hiking and biking trails. You can swim in the lake or hike to the monument at New Jersey's highest point while enjoying the scenic Skylands region.

What camping options are available near Oakland?

Near Oakland, you'll find diverse camping options to suit different preferences. Stokes State Forest offers four distinct campgrounds, including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 tent or small trailer sites. For a unique experience, consider Sandyston Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap, which are only accessible by canoe or kayak. There's also Stephens State Park Campground, a lovely option though possibly challenging for larger RVs and with some pet restrictions in certain areas.

What camping is available near Oakland, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oakland, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Oakland, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oakland, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oakland, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oakland, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Oakland, NJ.

What parks are near Oakland, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Oakland, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.