Best Campgrounds near Paterson, NJ

Paterson is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Paterson, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Paterson, New Jersey (109)

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Recent Reviews near Paterson, NJ

673 Reviews of 109 Paterson Campgrounds



Guide to Paterson

Camping near Paterson, NJ, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: Head to Pickerel Point Campground - Promised Land State Park for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The site was wooded and very private. We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."
  • Water Activities: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, families can enjoy a small water park. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Beaver Pond Campground noted, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground provide fun for kids. One family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A camper at High Point State Park Campground faced issues with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "The bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Some areas have bear warnings. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to check for family-friendly activities at campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. One parent said, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along items for outdoor fun, like fishing gear or hiking boots. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground suggested, "Take a hike around Conservation Island. It’s very flat and an easy walk/hike."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, "I have camped here in all seasons including early winter when all other places were closed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Roads: Some campgrounds have steep or bumpy roads. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "WiFi is very spotty—I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay."

Camping around Paterson, NJ, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Paterson, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Paterson, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Paterson, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Paterson, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paterson, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 40 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paterson, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Paterson, NJ.

  • What parks are near Paterson, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Paterson, NJ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.