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Best Campgrounds near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

924 Reviews

Campground options near Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey range from county parks to state forests with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out with spacious wooded campsites, electric hookups, and water access, situated in the New Jersey Skylands region. Several state-managed areas including Jenny Jump State Forest, Stokes State Forest, and High Point State Park provide additional camping areas within a 30-mile radius. Many locations feature both primitive tent sites and improved RV sites with hookups, while some offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

Access to most campgrounds typically opens from April through October, with varying seasonal closures based on weather conditions. As one camper noted, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that." Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. Alcohol policies vary by location, with many state parks prohibiting alcohol while some private campgrounds allow it. Bear activity is common in the region, requiring proper food storage and waste disposal. Elevation changes throughout the area contribute to cooler temperatures even during summer months, particularly at High Point State Park which sits at the highest elevation in New Jersey.

Campers frequently highlight the hiking opportunities accessible directly from campgrounds. The interconnected trail networks in the region receive positive mentions in reviews, with one visitor noting that Mahlon Dickerson offers "miles of hiking trails" and "level paved sites." RV campers appreciate the availability of dump stations and hookups at several locations, though amenities vary significantly between state and county facilities. Sites at Mahlon Dickerson are particularly praised for their spacing and privacy, with reviewers describing them as "wooded and large" with "plenty of room" even when the campground is at capacity. For those seeking convenience to urban amenities, several campgrounds provide easy access to nearby towns while maintaining a forest setting.

Map showing campgrounds near Picatinny Arsenal, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey (151)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    6 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."

    2. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

    "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."

    3. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    " Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."

    "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

    4. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    22 miles
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."

    5. Swartswood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    13 Reviews
    Newton, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-5230

    "We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."

    "The campsites are slightly separated from the lake (maybe 8 min walk to lake) but that also means you aren’t bothered by day guests. The lake is beautiful! Great for swimming and fishing."

    6. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

    "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

    7. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    30 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."

    8. High Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Matamoras, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."

    "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."

    9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    13 miles
    Website

    "Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"

    10. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    31 miles
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

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Recent Camping Photos near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

711 Photos of 151 Picatinny Arsenal Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

924 Reviews of 151 Picatinny Arsenal Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • j
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Cranberry Run Campground

    Don’t Stay here!!

    It’s not a campground. It’s where people stash their rvs, some of whom seem to live here permanently. Caretaker was rude. Sites were all rocky and many on steep inclines. Complete waste of our time. Plus, the site looks nothing like the pictures they post, which is an area you can’t camp at. Don’t stay here.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • b
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    Gravel lot

    It’s a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Janine D.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kittatinny Campground

    Not worth the money or time

    If we could rate this a 0 we would.  We were expecting a weekend of kayaking and relaxation when in fact we got an overcrowded, noisy and dirty weekend that was overpriced.  I will give the river a 10, it was beautiful, welcoming and refreshing in the warm sun.  We arrived at about 8:00 in the evening with several camps blaring different genre of music, not a problem, considering we still like it as loud as possible sometimes, but it didn't end at quiet time, it continue until well over midnight.  The campsites are so close together it was like being packed into a sardine can.  The campsite across the pathway didn't have their dog on a lead and we woke up with a pile of dog excrement next to our trailer, that was a howdy-do morning for ya.  We were super excited to take our kayaks out on the river, paddle up stream and float down with our pup, but we were told that we couldn't launch from this location.  (What kind of crap is that)  This location was a receiving location only and "absolutely no launching" was allowed.  If you are looking for a party spot to come with your friends, this is definitely the place for you!  If your looking for a chill place to camp next to the river where you can tube, kayak and enjoy your peaceful weekend, this is NOT the place.  The amount of money we spent for 2 nights was outrageous for such a sucky weekend, will not be going back!

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

Guide to Picatinny Arsenal

Camping near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One reviewer at Mountain Vista Campground said, "You’re definitely not on top of each other."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight for many. A camper at Great Divide Campground stated, "The customer service is fantastic."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground shared a frustrating experience with noise complaints, saying, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground noted, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."
  • Access Issues: Some campgrounds require a bit of a trek to reach your site. A reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "The campground map they have is pathetic."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. Campers at Driftstone Campground enjoyed the variety, stating, "Pool and playground for the kids."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Camp Taylor Campground appreciated the spaciousness, saying, "The camping site we originally had booked was rather small."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest noted, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Be Prepared for Hills: Some campgrounds have steep access 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."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Great Divide Campground mentioned, "The store has a little of everything."

Camping near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.

What parks are near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?

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

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