136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Pompton Lakes, New Jersey range from established state parks to private resorts, with most facilities located within a 30-mile radius of town. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers large, wooded campsites with water and electric hookups for tents, RVs, and cabins, while Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground provides tent and RV sites with various amenities including showers and toilets. Camp Glen Gray features cabin accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities. The region includes both drive-in sites with full hookups and more primitive hike-in options like those found along the Stonetown Circular trail.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with many facilities operating from April through October or early November. Wawayanda State Park Campground remains open from April 1 to October 31, while Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park typically operates from April 22 to October 9. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. The terrain throughout the region features wooded, sometimes rocky sites that may present challenges for larger RVs. Campgaw Mountain Reservation permits tent and RV camping but requires permits and offers limited amenities. As one camper noted about 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."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds offering lake or river access. Wawayanda State Park provides boat-in camping options alongside traditional drive-in sites. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area features multiple boat-in campsites along the river, accessible only by canoe or kayak. Campers frequently mention privacy and natural surroundings as highlights of their experiences. A review of Sandyston Boat In Campsites described it as having "quite a bit of room, and the site was very clean." Many campgrounds in the area maintain a balance between accessibility and natural setting, with several state parks offering hiking trails directly from campsites. Cell phone reception varies significantly throughout the region, with some remote areas having limited or no service.
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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 👍🏽"
"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."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"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
Check Availability
TravelerThis 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.
RangerWe 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.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
Camping spots near Pompton Lakes, New Jersey range from secluded tent sites to full-service campgrounds with cabins. The region sits within the Skylands region at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Most camping areas close during winter months, with main camping season running April through October when average temperatures range from 60°F to 85°F.
Hiking access directly from campsites: At Wawayanda State Park Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. "Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes," reports one visitor who plans to "bring a trashbag next time" to help with trail maintenance.
Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds offer lake swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days," notes one camper about Panther Lake Camping Resort, adding "you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Primitive camping along trails: For more adventurous campers, hike-in sites along hiking routes provide solitude. "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This site is about 4 miles into the hike... right next to a flowing stream with fresh water," describes a camper who found the site marked by a sign reading "The Island."
Wide spacing between sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating privacy at Beaver Pond Campground. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor," writes one reviewer who also enjoyed the "communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water."
Platform camping options: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms for tents. "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," notes a visitor to Beaver Pond Campground.
Variety of camping styles: Campgrounds in the region accommodate different preferences. "I have gone from tent platform, tent camping, tarp, and now hammock camping," shares a long-time visitor to Camp Glen Gray, describing how they "found something new and better each every year." Another camper praised Camp Glen Gray's cabins as "always clean and stocked with firewood."
Bear activity precautions: Multiple campgrounds require proper food storage due to bears. "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" recalls one camper at Beaver Pond Campground who received a "run down on bear activity in the area."
Seasonal availability impacts: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Campsites were open in June," reports a visitor to Wawayanda State Park, though they cautioned about "primitive bathrooms" that "need ventilation."
Variable terrain for tent placement: Finding level ground can be challenging at some sites. A reviewer at Sebago Cabin Camp notes the 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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," enthuses a Sebago Cabin visitor who appreciated disconnecting.
Look for campgrounds with youth activities: Some locations offer structured programming. "The ceramic class was fun for the girls," mentions a visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort, where "two teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around."
Consider cabin options for mixed comfort levels: Cabins provide shelter while maintaining a camping experience. "It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside," explains a reviewer at Sebago Cabin Camp.
Check proximity to attractions: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers significant advantages for families. "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station," notes a camper who appreciated this convenience for day trips.
Water hookup logistics: Some campgrounds require extended hose connections. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, where "our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Navigating larger RVs: Several campgrounds can accommodate larger vehicles despite tight access roads. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," reports a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, while another noted the sites are "paved and mostly level."
Electricity considerations: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides "large, wooded campsites with electric and water" that one camper described as "beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pompton Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pompton Lakes, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Pompton Lakes, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pompton Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pompton Lakes, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pompton Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Pompton Lakes, NJ.
What parks are near Pompton Lakes, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Pompton Lakes, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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