Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
157 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey range from county parks to state forests with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins, with several camping options found within a 30-mile radius. 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.
Best Campgrounds near Picatinny Arsenal (157)
1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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
"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
"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
"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."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. Swartswood State Park Campground
"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
"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 in Harriman State Park
"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability8. High Point State Park Campground
"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."
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"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
"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."
Drive Time
- 45 min from New York, NY
- 49 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 20 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
551 Photos of 157 Picatinny Arsenal Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
977 Reviews of 157 Picatinny Arsenal Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink 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.ScoutCheesequake 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.
- eedgar V.Scout
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
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence 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
- KKelly B.Guide
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!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-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.Ranger
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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
Great cabins!
We booked a cabin at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin had heat and electricity! It was very close to the awesome heated bathroom also! We were also able to catch a beautiful sunset! Great camp all around!
Guide to Picatinny Arsenal
Camping near Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey offers access to northern New Jersey's varied terrain, with elevations ranging from around 600 feet to over 1,800 feet at High Point State Park. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping sees average highs in the mid-80s. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October due to the region's cold winters, though a few offer limited winter camping options.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Many campsites provide access to lakes perfect for kayaking and canoeing. At Swartswood State Park, campers can enjoy boating on the lake, though the swimming area is separate from the camping section. "We did roam a bit, there was a nice lake, with seating every so often and a boat dock ramp thing in the campground," notes one visitor.
Hiking to scenic points: The region offers numerous hiking trails at various difficulty levels. At High Point State Park, "You can drive to High Point monument that is 1803 feet above sea level and you get a spectacular panorama view. There are hiking trails and fresh water for kayaking." From Stokes State Forest, you can access "21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries."
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Near Worthington State Forest, "We especially enjoyed seeing the wolves-- it was really neat and definitely a draw to the area (you can hike from the campsite to the preserve)." Campers at several parks report regular deer sightings, and black bears are native to the region.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between campsites at certain locations. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views." One visitor noted their spot was "very private but the smell from the pit toilets wafted over after a while."
Lake views and access: Waterfront camping sites are highly valued. At Worthington State Forest, "Our campsite was located along the Delaware river with a short walk down to be able to launch our canoe and kayak. The water is rather warm and swimming was enjoyable." Another camper observed, "They have sites which have river access right from your site."
Rustic camping experience: Some campers seek out the more primitive options. At Stokes State Forest, "The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans." Sites often include "a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform."
What you should know
Bear activity regulations: Black bears are common in the region. At Beaver Pond Campground, "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground." Proper food storage is essential, and some campgrounds provide bear-resistant containers.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on a limited schedule. At Great Divide Campground, the season runs "May 1 - Oct 14," while Panther Lake Camping Resort is open "Apr 1 to Nov 1." Off-season camping is rarely available due to harsh winter conditions and lack of winterized facilities.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. At Worthington State Forest, campers report "a lot of noisy neighbors who ignored the quiet hours by playing loud music into the night and yelling in their drunken states. It would have been nice if the Rangers had properly enforced the quiet hours." Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites for wet conditions: Several campgrounds offer elevated tent platforms that keep campers dry. At Beaver Pond, "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." This feature is particularly helpful for family camping when spring rains are common.
Activities for different ages: Campgrounds like Panther Lake offer various recreation options. "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. The welcome center has a store where you can buy essentials you may have forgotten and then some." Another camper noted, "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly, especially at popular family-friendly sites. One camper at Great Divide Campground mentioned, "This was a last minute trip so our site was ok. The W loop is by far our favorite!!!!" Planning ahead ensures access to preferred sites with the best amenities for family needs.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At High Point State Park, one RVer noted, "we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level. Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump." Be prepared with leveling blocks and equipment.
Water hookup distances: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "Very clean and quiet. 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." RVers should verify hookup distances when booking sites.
Limited big-rig options: Larger RVs have fewer suitable sites in the area. According to one camper at Great Divide Campground, "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night. Each site had a water spout and electric plug in." However, many campgrounds aren't designated as big-rig friendly, so verify site dimensions before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?
What camping is available near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?
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 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Picatinny Arsenal, NJ?
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?
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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