Best Dispersed Camping near Phillipsburg, NJ

The Phillipsburg, New Jersey area connects to notable backcountry camping opportunities along the Appalachian Trail corridor, with designated sites like the Appalachian Trail Backpacker Campsite 2 located within reasonable distance. This primitive camping area sits near Columbia, NJ, approximately 20 miles northeast of Phillipsburg in Worthington State Forest. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Thunder Swamp Trailhead across the Pennsylvania border. These locations primarily serve hikers and backpackers seeking minimalist overnight accommodations while traversing the region's extensive trail networks.

Camping regulations in the area require careful planning, particularly regarding water sources. As one camper noted, "There's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Stock up on water at the Dunnfield Creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish Pond." The Appalachian Trail site prohibits alcohol, pets, and ground fires, while providing bear boxes for food storage. Most sites lack amenities like toilets, running water, or picnic tables. Worthington State Forest strictly limits camping to designated areas, with signs and hand-painted maps directing visitors to authorized sites. Permits may be required at certain locations, particularly at Pennsylvania sites like Thunder Swamp Trailhead.

Backpackers report mixed experiences with the camping options. The Appalachian Trail site receives positive reviews for hammock camping despite limitations for tent users due to sloped terrain. "We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. Well maintained with bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking," reported one visitor. The site balances community with privacy options, though some campers express disappointment about the lack of shelter structures. Most sites remain unmarked but recognizable as established camping areas along the trail. Visitors consistently mention the importance of water planning, with Sunfish Pond serving as a reliable water source despite prohibitions against camping directly at the pond. The surrounding forest provides adequate tree cover for hammocks and modest views of the Delaware Water Gap region.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Phillipsburg, New Jersey (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Phillipsburg, NJ

4 Photos of 4 Phillipsburg Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Phillipsburg, NJ

2 Reviews of 4 Phillipsburg Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!


Guide to Phillipsburg

Dispersed and primitive camping near Phillipsburg, New Jersey primarily centers around the ridge systems of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 300 to 1600 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night, while spring and fall camping seasons experience significant temperature variations requiring adequate gear. Most backpacking sites in the region require hikers to pack out all trash and come prepared with water filtration systems as reliable water sources are limited.

What to do

Hike to panoramic vistas: The Bake Oven Knob area offers backcountry camping access with a short but challenging hike to scenic overlooks. As one visitor notes, "The hike to the overlook is really lovely; short and rocky." Bake Oven Knob serves as both an Appalachian Trail section and day hiking destination.

Explore trail networks: Thunder Swamp Trail System provides extensive hiking options for campers staying at the trailhead. "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," reports one camper who used the Thunder Swamp Trailhead as a base for exploration.

Wildlife observation: The forests surrounding primitive camping areas harbor diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Campers frequently report spotting wildlife near dawn and dusk. Bring binoculars for better viewing and maintain proper food storage practices.

What campers like

Hammock camping opportunities: The forested terrain provides good hammock setup options at designated backpacker sites. One camper mentioned, "I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!" at the Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2.

Privacy options: Many backpacking sites offer a balance between community and isolation. According to one review, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."

Vehicle access points: Some dispersed camping locations allow overnight parking for self-contained camping. "I've overnighted in my van here a bunch, no problems," reports a regular visitor to the Pennsylvania side of the region.

What you should know

Bear safety requirements: Bear boxes are provided at designated AT campsites but not at all primitive locations. "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided," notes one backpacker at the established sites.

Water planning essential: Limited water sources make advance planning critical. Sunfish Pond serves as a key water source for many campers, with one hiker noting it requires "about a 1 mile round trip" from some camping areas.

Parking considerations: Trailhead parking for overnight hikers is generally available but limited. "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," reports a visitor to Thunder Swamp Trailhead.

Tips for camping with families

Choose camping areas carefully: Some sites have challenging terrain that might not suit younger children. Look for flatter areas suitable for family tents rather than sloped locations.

Consider shelter proximity: While true shelters are limited, some campers arrive expecting them. "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn't) but it was fine," notes one group after adjusting their plans.

Plan for temperature swings: The ridge systems around Phillipsburg experience significant day-to-night temperature variations, often 20-30 degrees. Pack additional layers for children who may be more sensitive to overnight cooling.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accommodations: Most primitive camping near Phillipsburg is not suitable for recreational vehicles. Parking lot camping in vans or small conversion vehicles may be possible at certain trailheads with prior research.

Overnight parking guidelines: While some visitors report successful overnight stays in parking areas, official policies vary by location. One regular visitor notes, "You can park and sleep, or hike in and find a place for a tent," at certain trailheads across the Pennsylvania border.

Size restrictions: Any parking lot camping is limited to smaller vehicles. "No big rigs" is a consistent rule throughout the region's primitive camping areas, with most suitable only for vans or truck campers if vehicle camping is attempted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Phillipsburg, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Phillipsburg, NJ is Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Phillipsburg, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Phillipsburg, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.