Best Dispersed Camping near Pittstown, NJ

Dispersed camping near Pittstown, New Jersey is limited to a few primitive sites in the surrounding region, primarily along the Appalachian Trail corridor. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, New Jersey provides a basic backcountry camping experience approximately 30 miles northeast of Pittstown. Additional primitive sites can be found across the Pennsylvania border at locations like Thunder Swamp Trailhead and Bake Oven Knob, which serve as access points for overnight wilderness camping.

Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably. The Appalachian Trail campsite requires hiking in, with no vehicle access directly to the site. Thunder Swamp Trailhead features a gravel parking lot where overnight parking is permitted. Most locations prohibit fires, and none provide amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas require permits, particularly in Pennsylvania state forests, while others maintain strict regulations against alcohol and pets.

These primitive camping areas attract hikers and backpackers seeking minimal-impact overnight options. The Appalachian Trail site offers what one visitor described as "a perfect balance of community and space" with bear boxes provided, though campers should note there is "no water nearby" and the nearest source is at Sunfish Pond, approximately a mile round trip. Thunder Swamp Trailhead serves as a convenient overnight spot with "plenty of shade" in the parking area and access to extensive hiking trails. At Bake Oven Knob, visitors can either sleep in vehicles in the parking lots or hike in to find tent sites, with one camper noting it has "two large lots" where overnight parking has been trouble-free.