Best Tent Camping near Pompton Lakes, NJ

State parks and forests surrounding Pompton Lakes, New Jersey offer diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive. Wawayanda State Park Campground, located 15 miles northwest in Hewitt, provides walk-in tent sites in a forested setting from April through October. Stonetown Circular Trail in nearby West Milford features two primitive tent camping areas along its 11-mile loop. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center in Harriman State Park, just across the New York border, offers tent-only sites with more amenities than most backcountry options. Campgaw Mountain Reservation, only 5 miles from Pompton Lakes, provides permit-required tent camping with basic facilities.

Most tent campsites in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Fire rings are standard at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Primitive tent camping areas like those along Stonetown Circular Trail require hikers to pack in all supplies, including water for drinking and cooking. According to a camper review, the Stonetown sites are "about 4 miles into the hike" with "plenty of level space to set up multiple tents." Bears are present throughout the region, particularly at Harriman State Park and Wawayanda, requiring proper food storage. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, while primitive sites typically lack facilities.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hiking or multi-day backpacking loops. The Appalachian Trail passes near several campgrounds, providing access to extended hiking opportunities. One visitor to Steam Mill Campground noted the "short walk to the blue trail for hiking" and abundant wildlife including "deer, doves, robins, woodpeckers, chipmunks, and squirrels." Sites at Round Valley Recreation Area, though farther from Pompton Lakes, offer what one camper described as "perfectly secluded" tent camping with "plenty of trees to set up a hammock." Weekday camping typically provides greater solitude, with one reviewer mentioning they "went midweek and had peace and quiet" at their site.

Best Tent Sites Near Pompton Lakes, New Jersey (40)

    1. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. The cabins are "rustic" - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge."

    "Theae do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    2. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    6 miles

    "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."

    3. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share.  They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country.  Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."

    "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."

    4. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    7 miles

    "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."

    5. Wawayanda State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Milford, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 853-4462

    "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."

    "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."

    6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

    1 Review
    Ramsey, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-3500

    7. Moon Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Milford, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 900-2773

    $50 - $275 / night

    "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."

    "The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan!  Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"

    8. Croton Point Park

    9 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."

    9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    24 miles
    Website

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

    10. Jenny Jump State Forest

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

    "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting!"

    "It is set up nicely for primitive camping and you are able to hike out straight from the campsite(which is always a plus!). Theres a great look out point as well."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pompton Lakes, NJ

759 Reviews of 40 Pompton Lakes Campgrounds



Guide to Pompton Lakes

Tent camping near Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, offers a variety of scenic spots and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed campgrounds to explore.

Tent campers should check out Croton Point Park

  • Enjoy the spacious tent sites at Croton Point Park, which features picnic tables and allows pets, making it a great choice for families.
  • This campground is big rig friendly and offers drinking water, electric hookups, and showers for added convenience.
  • Located on a peninsula along the Hudson River, it provides a serene environment for camping year-round.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pompton Lakes, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pompton Lakes, NJ is Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pompton Lakes, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Pompton Lakes, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.