106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
"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"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"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"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 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 👍🏽"
"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."
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerThis 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.
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.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerThe 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.
GuideThe park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Camping opportunities near Paramus, New Jersey range from rustic tent platforms to full-service RV sites within an hour's drive. The region sits at the northern edge of the Piedmont plateau where elevations average 100-400 feet, transitioning to the higher Highlands region to the west. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between December and February, making many campgrounds seasonal operations with peak usage from May through October.
Hiking accessible trails: At Beaver Pond Campground, trails range from easy to challenging with connections to the historic Appalachian Trail. A camper notes, "Don't fret, trails that are rated easy and accessible to disabled are equally enjoyable and beautiful. They offer stunning views of the changing foliage, quick glances at the Hudson River and the rolling hills of the area."
Water activities: Sebago Cabin Camp features lake access for summer recreation. As one visitor shares: "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." Swimming is restricted to designated areas with lifeguards present during summer months.
Winter sports: Some locations near Paramus offer year-round activities. Campgaw Mountain Reservation maintains winter skiing facilities adjacent to camping areas. The terrain includes disc golf courses and hiking trails that remain accessible in warmer months.
Platform camping: Raised platforms at several sites prevent ground moisture issues. A camper at Sebago Cabin Camp mentions, "It is a step up from cabin camping. They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat." Another camper at Beaver Pond appreciated that "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."
Urban proximity: Campsites near Paramus balance natural settings with accessibility to urban amenities. Liberty Harbor RV Park exemplifies this: "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8." Another visitor noted it's "Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature active wildlife. A Beaver Pond visitor cautions, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He's nice, but you can tell he's given this welcome speech too many times to get overly excited about it."
Site spacing varies dramatically: Reviews consistently mention differences in campsite proximity. At Croton Point Park, "Tent site is after the RV site... The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm." Conversely, another camper notes some areas have "sites very private with some dirt roads to exit out."
Reservation systems differ: Some locations require phone booking while others permit online reservations. For Croton Point Park, "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site."
Firewood regulations: Many campgrounds restrict outside firewood to prevent pest transmission. At Campgaw Mountain, fires are permitted but firewood is not provided. Campers must purchase from approved sources rather than collecting deadwood.
Structured activities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers family-friendly environments with spacious sites. A visitor remarks, "Very nice forest! The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Beach access: Several locations feature swimming areas with lifeguard supervision. Beaver Pond Campground has "a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly by location. A Campgaw Mountain visitor mentions connections remain strong enough for communications, while at others service diminishes. One camper at Beaver Pond noted, "Your phone will have signal" - an important consideration for families needing to stay connected.
Site dimensions: Mahlon Dickerson accommodates medium-sized RVs with prepared sites. A camper notes, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Urban camping limitations: Camp Glen Gray restricts vehicle access: "No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items." This limits RV options while providing alternatives for vehicle-based campers.
Hookup logistics: RV sites often require equipment planning. At Mahlon Dickerson, "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
Are there any campgrounds with overnight facilities near Paramus?
Stokes State Forest offers overnight camping options within driving distance of Paramus. The forest features multiple campgrounds including Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 sites suitable for tents or small trailers. Lake Ocquittunk area provides more developed facilities while remaining in a beautiful, remote setting that's still accessible to amenities. For RV accommodations, Liberty Harbor RV Park is closer to Paramus, offering water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites with the added convenience of being near urban amenities.
Are there private campgrounds available near Paramus for more secluded stays?
Yes, Great Divide Campground near Newton offers a private, secluded camping experience within driving distance of Paramus. This scenic campground features a small lake, pond, and is surrounded by woods, providing a peaceful retreat. While it tends to be more expensive than public options, the added amenities and privacy make it worth considering. For those seeking alternative private options, Camp Glen Gray provides a more secluded experience with reservable sites, water access, and toilet facilities in a quieter setting away from the busier public campgrounds.
Where can I find the best camping sites near Paramus, NJ?
For the best camping near Paramus, head to High Point State Park Campground in the Skylands region, offering beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your campsite. The park features the highest point in New Jersey with monument access. Another excellent option is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which provides paved, level sites in wooded settings with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Paramus and offer the perfect balance of natural beauty and camping amenities.
What lakes offer camping opportunities close to Paramus?
Panther Lake Camping Resort offers lakeside camping with swimming and fishing opportunities in a family-friendly environment within reasonable driving distance from Paramus. For a more rustic lake experience, Round Valley State Park Campground features camping near a beautiful reservoir with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. The campground is set in a peaceful natural setting that feels removed from the busy metropolitan area while still being accessible for Paramus residents looking for a weekend getaway.
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