136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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 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."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis 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.
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!
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.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
Camping sites near Oakland, New Jersey range from primitive trail campsites to more established campgrounds with modern amenities. The region sits within the Highlands physiographic province with elevations between 400-1,500 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Most camping areas sit on rocky, acidic soils derived from metamorphic bedrock that contributes to the diverse plant communities and wildlife habitats campers encounter.
**Hiking trails: Explore extensive trail networks at Camp Glen Gray where "lots of hiking trails" are available according to one camper who noted the "Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Paddling opportunities: Take advantage of lake access at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center where "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity."
Swimming spots: Visit Croton Point Park where "a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty" provides summer recreation options for campers looking to cool off.
Winter activities: Some camping locations transition to winter recreation areas. Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers winter skiing when camping operations close for the season, providing year-round outdoor recreation options.
Platform camping: Many campers appreciate the raised tent platforms available at Beaver Pond Campground where "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay."
Wilderness proximity: Campers value the remote feeling at Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1 where one reviewer noted the site is "worth the scramble for the view" and found "a wide area and an amazing view" at the campsite "right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain."
Meal options: Some campsites offer prepared food services. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, one camper highlighted that "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef" and recommended the meal plan as "Worth the added cost."
Accessibility: Several campgrounds provide options for reaching sites without personal vehicles. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center "is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station."
Bear awareness: Many camping areas in the region require special precautions for food storage. At Sebago Cabin Camp, campers should "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Site selection: Consider location factors when booking. At Croton Point Park, "The tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can" and "The higher number sites were closer to the RV site and the water."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Sebago Cabins typically operates during warmer months, with one camper noting "No on-site stores so pick up all your necessary essentials prior to."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels. One camper at Croton Point Park noted "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Playground access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers family-friendly facilities. The campground is "beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Site spacing: Families appreciate room to spread out. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Water activities: Children enjoy the lakes available at several campgrounds. Croton Point Park features "a gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails" where one camper reported having "no issues of mosquitoes."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. At Beaver Pond Campground, campers can access trails that connect to "Bear Mountain State Park. Here you can find some of the Appalachian Trail, with various smaller trail heads for this historic (Revolutionary Times 1770s) part of the region."
Hookup availability: Croton Point Park offers a mix of electric and full-hookup sites. One reviewer noted the park has "a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites" though "the FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Site leveling: Most RV sites in the region are graded for easy setup. At Croton Point Park, campers found "a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level."
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds have size limitations. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is noted as "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill."
Utility management: Some campgrounds provide assistance with utilities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "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."
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 136 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 in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-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.
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