Best Campgrounds near Paramus, NJ
Camping options near Paramus, New Jersey span several state parks and private campgrounds within driving distance of the city. The region includes established sites like Camp Glen Gray and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Campgaw Mountain Reservation, located about 10 miles north of Paramus, provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities. For those seeking water activities, Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park sits approximately 20 miles northwest of Paramus and features electric hookups and showers while accommodating both tent and RV campers.
Access to campgrounds varies significantly by season, with most state park facilities operating from spring through fall. Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides free camping but requires permits, while sites like Liberty Harbor RV Park remain open year-round for visitors seeking proximity to New York City. The terrain ranges from mountainous forests to lakeside settings, with varying levels of amenity access. Many campgrounds in the region limit alcohol consumption and enforce quiet hours. Cell phone reception can be inconsistent, particularly at more remote locations. A review noted that "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."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback, particularly at locations like Croton Point Park on the Hudson River. Several campgrounds feature lake access for swimming and boating activities, though water conditions can vary. Campers report enjoying the peaceful atmosphere at sites like Round Valley State Park, where hiking trails and clear water enhance the experience. Mixed-use campgrounds are common in the area, with facilities like Sebago Cabin Camp offering both tent camping and cabin rentals. Private campgrounds tend to provide more amenities but can be crowded during peak season. One visitor described their experience at Round Valley: "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake. The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife."
