Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Old Tappan, NJ
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Old Tappan, New Jersey provide a mix of natural settings within reach of urban areas. Several established options exist within 30 miles, including Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park and Camp Glen Gray in New Jersey. The region includes tent and RV sites at places like Campgaw Mountain Reservation and Liberty Harbor RV Park, which offers urban camping just across from Manhattan. Many campgrounds feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent sites, particularly at Sebago Cabin Camp and The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, both located in Harriman State Park.
Camping availability varies seasonally, with parks like Beaver Pond Campground operating from April to October while others such as Croton Point Park remain open year-round. Permits are required at select locations like Campgaw Mountain Reservation, which offers free camping with necessary permits. Most established campgrounds provide water and toilet facilities, though amenities range from primitive sites with pit toilets to developed areas with showers and electric hookups. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with drive-in sites common at most campgrounds, though some areas offer more secluded walk-in or boat-in options. One visitor noted, "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."
Campers consistently mention privacy and spaciousness as highlights at state forest locations. Stokes State Forest receives praise for its large, wooded sites with platforms that can accommodate multiple tents. Water access represents another key feature, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. "The sites were very large and while covered by 40+ ft trees were open enough to make you wish you brought more gear and people just because it would fit," mentioned one camper about the Sandyston sites along the Delaware River. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, various birds, and even bears in some locations. Noise levels vary significantly, from the quiet seclusion of forest sites to the background hum of nearby highways at campgrounds closer to urban areas. Liberty Harbor RV Park stands out for its proximity to Manhattan, offering a unique camping experience with city views rather than wilderness isolation.
Best Campgrounds near Old Tappan (94)
1. 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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. Croton Point Park
"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!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"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 Availability4. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"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."
5. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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 Availability6. Camp Glen Gray
"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 Availability7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
8. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability9. 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."
10. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
"Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."
"The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 24 min from New York, NY
- 28 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 55 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 11 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Old Tappan, NJ
339 Photos of 94 Old Tappan Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Old Tappan, NJ
612 Reviews of 94 Old Tappan Campgrounds
S G.
ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Frank J.
TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
- SStephanie P.
GuideFloyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY
Not park and camp available
The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Greg Z.TravelerSussex County Fair Grounds
Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026
We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
- MMari F.Traveler
Mashipacong Island Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Not the correct description
Not an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
Nicole H.TravelerHeckscher State Park Campground
Beginner Camper Friendly
To start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
- KKalyani R.Guide
Cheesequake State Park Campground
Clean and basic
Basic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
Guide to Old Tappan
Campgrounds around Old Tappan, New Jersey include a mix of rustic cabin facilities and established campgrounds within an hour's drive of New York City. The area features several state park options including Harriman State Park with both Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Camp Glen Gray in nearby New Jersey provides tent sites, cabins, and glamping options on secluded grounds. Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers free primitive camping with permit requirements. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides tent sites and cabins around a lake setting, while Croton Point Park maintains year-round camping with riverside access.
Most campgrounds in this region require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Croton Point Park maintains specific restrictions and regular patrols that visitors should prepare for. Electric hookups are available at many locations, though amenities vary significantly between sites. Tent camping areas typically remain separate from RV sections, with varying levels of privacy between sites. Harriman State Park facilities provide access to swimming lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation within a natural setting. According to one visitor, "Sebago cabins are the way to get away and relax, enjoy the lake. They also have movie nights and do big bonfires on Saturday, very kid friendly."
Campers consistently rate The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center highly for its clean facilities, lake access, and meals available in the dining hall. The location offers platform tent sites that provide protection during rainy weather. Camp Glen Gray receives praise for clean cabins stocked with firewood and accessible hiking trails. Several visitors mentioned transportation options, with the AMC center providing shuttles from nearby train stations, making it accessible for those without vehicles. Campers at Croton Point Park note mixed experiences with noise levels and privacy, though the waterfront location offers unique views. Reviews indicate most facilities are family-friendly, with programmed activities like outdoor movies, communal bonfires, and structured recreation at several locations. Seasonal availability varies, with some campgrounds operating year-round while others close during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Old Tappan, NJ?
What camping is available near Old Tappan, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Old Tappan, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Old Tappan, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Old Tappan, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Old Tappan, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Old Tappan, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Old Tappan, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Old Tappan, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Old Tappan, NJ.
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