Best Campgrounds near Paterson, NJ

State parks and forests within an hour of Paterson, New Jersey provide a surprising variety of camping experiences despite the urban setting. Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, located about 30 miles north in New York, offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups in a forested setting. Closer to Paterson, Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides more primitive camping with fewer amenities but free access. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 45 miles west, features both developed campgrounds and boat-in primitive sites along the river. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the few urban camping options, primarily serving RVers who want proximity to New York City.

Camping regulations vary significantly between New Jersey and New York state parks, with alcohol prohibited at some locations like Beaver Pond but permitted at others. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, requiring advance reservations during summer weekends. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, particularly in the more remote areas. Cell service can be spotty in the highlands and valleys west of Paterson, though coverage improves at campgrounds closer to urban areas.

Lakefront sites receive consistently positive reviews across the region's campgrounds. At High Point State Park, campers appreciate the "large sites around Sawmill Lake" that provide privacy despite being in a popular recreation area. The boat-in sites along the Delaware River offer a more secluded experience, with one visitor describing Namanock Island as having "tons of room to enjoy your camping trip... Once night falls the absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness." Families tend to favor campgrounds with amenities like showers and flush toilets, while more experienced campers seek out primitive sites with fewer neighbors. Wildlife sightings, including deer, various birds, and occasionally bears, are commonly reported at campgrounds throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Paterson, New Jersey (110)

    1. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "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."

    3. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    4. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "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"

    5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "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."

    6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

    1 Review
    Ramsey, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-3500

    7. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "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 👍🏽"

    8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    13 miles

    "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."

    9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    15 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

    10. Croton Point Park

    9 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Paterson, NJ

695 Reviews of 110 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 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Paterson, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

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 41 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Paterson, NJ.

What parks are near Paterson, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Paterson, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.