Tent camping options near Old Tappan, New Jersey can be found in multiple directions within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at elevations ranging from 42 feet above sea level in Old Tappan itself to over 1,300 feet at nearby peaks in Harriman State Park. Seasonal temperatures vary dramatically with summer highs often exceeding 90°F while winter nights frequently drop below freezing, making May through October the primary camping season.
What to do
Lake activities: Croton Point Park offers swimming in the Hudson River with designated areas marked by buoys and lifeguards present. A review noted, "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!" at Croton Point Park.
Mountain biking: The trails surrounding Campgaw Mountain Reservation provide various difficulty levels for mountain bikers, with the main loop being approximately 3.5 miles long. According to a visitor, "There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water" at Campgaw Mountain Reservation.
Hiking challenges: The Stonetown Circular trail offers advanced hikers a challenging 11-mile loop with rock scrambles and elevation changes. A camper shared, "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder" at Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1.
What campers like
Rustic cabins: The cabins at Sebago Cabin Camp provide basic amenities while maintaining a rustic camping feel. A visitor explained, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING" at Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park.
Shelter camping: The lean-to shelters at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offer protection from weather while maintaining an outdoor experience. A regular visitor mentioned, "They have great sights and are open all year round. Ive stayed in hammocks, tents, leantos, and even did a good share of car camping. All of the shelters have fire pits and some have interior fireplaces" at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Group activities: Organized communal events enhance the camping experience at several locations. One camper shared, "There's a few very cute small towns nearby with surprisingly modern restaurants and friendly people. Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
What you should know
Reservation systems: Each campground has different booking procedures. Ward Pound Ridge requires in-person reservations, as one camper noted, "The one downside is that you need to book in person but it can be done well in advance if need be."
Campground regulations: Rules vary significantly between locations, with Croton Point Park having particularly strict enforcement. A camper reported, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are common visitors at several campgrounds. A visitor at Croton Point Park advised, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Tips for camping with families
First-time camping: Croton Point Park provides beginner-friendly sites with amenities that help new campers adjust. One family shared, "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. this place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful" at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Holiday experiences: Seasonal events in nearby towns create unique camping opportunities. A camper noted, "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and structured activities for children. One visitor mentioned, "It's a good park/camp for groups. They have cabins and RV sites and now that the Tapan Zee bridge work is done most of them are now open again as the bridge workers have moved out. There is a model airplane air field and a decent playground for young kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have varying site sizes and configurations, so research specific sites before booking. A reviewer at Croton Point Park observed, "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members."
Noise considerations: Train and road noise can affect sleep quality at some campgrounds. A reviewer warned, "Only down side is there is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night."
Amenities and hookups: Bathroom facilities vary widely between locations. A camper at Croton Point Park noted, "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long. There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat!"
