Camping near Pompton Lakes, NJ

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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."