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Camping near Paterson, NJ

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    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 Campgrounds near Paterson (115)

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      1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

      4.2(41)23mi from Paterson129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

      3.8(16)15mi from Paterson1 siteRVs

      "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

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      3. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)22mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      4. Camp Glen Gray

      5.0(2)11mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)18mi from Paterson40 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      3.0(1)10mi from PatersonTents
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      7. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

      5.0(6)21mi from PatersonTents, Cabins

      "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 👍🏽"

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      8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

      4.0(1)13mi from PatersonTents

      "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

      4.0(1)15mi from PatersonTents

      "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

      3.7(10)24mi from PatersonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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    Recent Camping Photos near Paterson, NJ

    420 Photos of 115 Paterson Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Paterson, NJ

    744 Reviews of 115 Paterson Campgrounds

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 18, 2026

      Neversink River Resort

      Cool Riverside Campground

      I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.

    • Edwin R.
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.

      On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and  quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.

    • eThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Black Bear RV Park

      Super clean and quiet

      Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited

    • K
      Sep. 9, 2026

      Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

      Check site photos first

      Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.

      BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it

    • K
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Stephens State Park Campground

      Great last min getaway

      Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.

      The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm

      Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 24, 2026

      Tri-State RV Park

      A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.

      This 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.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 23, 2026

      Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA

      Great off season camping

      We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 22, 2026

      Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA

      Large sites & friendly staff!

      Another great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.

    Guide to Paterson

    Camping areas near Paterson, New Jersey range from 300 to 1,500 feet in elevation across the NJ Highlands and nearby New York state. The region receives approximately 48 inches of annual precipitation, creating seasonal waterfalls and streams that campers can visit year-round. Most camping locations operate from April through October with limited wintertime options due to snowfall and freezing conditions.

    What to do

    Hiking at Stonetown Circular Trail: The 11-mile loop offers primitive camping at two locations. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," notes Ethan K. about the first primitive site.

    Swimming at Sebago Lake: The beach area provides summer recreation opportunities. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," according to Ethan K. who visited Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds report deer sightings throughout the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, Steve W. describes, "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond. Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!"

    What campers like

    Platform camping: Raised tent platforms provide comfort during wet conditions. "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," explains Ethan K. about Beaver Pond Campground.

    Rustic cabins for easy access: For those who want minimal setup with basic amenities. "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," says Sara P. about Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Quiet weekday camping: Off-peak visits provide a more peaceful experience. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," notes Rebecca S. who visited Beaver Pond Campground.

    What you should know

    Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential throughout the region. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin about Beaver Pond Campground.

    Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers can expect "Large wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," according to Jeff W.

    Limited cell service: Coverage varies greatly between urban and rural sites. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reports Sara P. about her stay at Sebago Cabin Camp.

    Tips for camping with families

    Accessible activities: Short hikes suitable for children. At Camp Glen Gray, Christopher M. shares, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."

    Look for dedicated facilities: Some campgrounds offer specific family amenities. "They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," explains Adaly about Beaver Pond Campground, which charges just $15 for camping.

    Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours while others don't. At Beaver Pond, Steve W. notes, "Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning."

    Tips from RVers

    City access options: RV sites with transit connections to NYC. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, Keith and Tia S. explain, "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."

    RV size limitations: Many campsites near Paterson have size restrictions. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.

    Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. "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," mentions antruze at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there any RV campgrounds near Paterson, New Jersey?

    Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is an excellent RV option near Paterson, featuring paved, mostly level campsites with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. The spacious, wooded sites can accommodate RVs, and the location in the Skylands region offers convenient access to hiking trails and outdoor activities. Great Divide Campground near Newton is another RV-friendly option with scenic surroundings including a small lake and pond. For those needing proximity to NYC while still having RV accommodations, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers big-rig-friendly sites with basic amenities and easy access to urban attractions.

    Are there cabin camping options near Paterson?

    Yes, several cabin options are available within reasonable driving distance of Paterson. Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park offers rustic cabins surrounded by beautiful forest and lake settings. These cabins provide a more comfortable camping experience while still immersing you in nature. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center also offers cabin accommodations with access to outdoor activities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Camp Glen Gray provides cabin options in a wooded setting with various amenities. Reservations are recommended for all cabin facilities, especially during peak summer months.

    What tent camping parks are available near Paterson?

    Several excellent tent camping options are available within driving distance of Paterson. Stokes State Forest offers multiple camping areas including the Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 primitive sites perfect for tents or small trailers. The forest provides a remote feel while still being accessible to amenities. High Point State Park Campground features beautiful lakeside tent sites with excellent hiking opportunities, including access to the Appalachian Trail and the highest point in New Jersey. Both parks offer wooded sites, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities, making them ideal for tent campers looking to escape the urban environment of Paterson.

    What amenities are available at Camp Paterson?

    There is no specific "Camp Paterson" listed in the available camping databases or reviews. If you're looking for camping amenities near Paterson, New Jersey, Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely setting with basic amenities, though it may not be suitable for larger RVs and has pet restrictions in certain areas. Alternatively, Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides camping opportunities with toilet facilities and is reservable. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about camping facilities specifically in Paterson, it would be best to contact the Paterson Parks and Recreation Department or check their official website.

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