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Camping near Pompton Plains, NJ

137 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Campgrounds in the Pompton Plains area of New Jersey feature a mix of county park facilities and primitive camping options within a short drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides developed sites with paved, level camping pads, electric hookups, and water access in a wooded setting. Camp Glen Gray offers both cabin accommodations and tent sites in a rustic forest environment. Several campgrounds in the region maintain RV-friendly facilities with varying hookup options, while primitive campsites can be found along trails such as the Stonetown Circular route, which provides backcountry experiences about 10 miles from Pompton Plains.

    The camping season for most established sites runs from April through October, with some facilities like Panther Lake Camping Resort extending from April 1 to November 1. Several campgrounds require permits or reservations, particularly during summer weekends. "The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it," noted one visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Bear activity warnings are common throughout the area, and campers should prepare accordingly with proper food storage. Terrain varies significantly, with some sites requiring difficult rock scrambles to access, while others offer convenient drive-in options with paved parking pads. Cell phone coverage is inconsistent throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas.

    Many campers report high satisfaction with the spaciousness and privacy of sites in the area. The Stonetown Circular trail includes primitive camping areas that require hiking 2-4 miles from trailheads, with one site positioned at the top of a mountain offering expansive views and another located beside a flowing stream. A recent review highlighted: "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful." Mixed-use campgrounds like Mahlon Dickerson combine RV sites with tent platforms and lean-to shelters, providing options for different camping styles. While some campgrounds lack extensive amenities, visitors consistently praise the natural setting and tranquility of the forested camping areas around Pompton Plains.

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    Best Campgrounds near Pompton Plains (137)

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      1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)15mi from Pompton PlainsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Check Availability

      2. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

      4.2(40)22mi from Pompton Plains129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Camp Glen Gray

      5.0(2)7mi from Pompton PlainsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      4. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

      4.7(6)16mi from Pompton Plains40 sitesTents, Cabins

      "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

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      5. Liberty Harbor RV Park

      3.8(16)22mi from Pompton Plains1 siteRVs

      "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

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      6. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

      4.0(1)8mi from Pompton PlainsTents

      "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."

      7. Panther Lake Camping Resort

      3.5(17)23mi from Pompton PlainsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Check Availability

      8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

      4.0(1)10mi from Pompton PlainsTents

      "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."

      9. Wawayanda State Park Campground

      3.8(5)17mi from Pompton PlainsTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      10. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      3.0(1)9mi from Pompton PlainsTents
      Check Availability
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    Recent Camping Photos near Pompton Plains, NJ

    470 Photos of 137 Pompton Plains Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Pompton Plains, NJ

    855 Reviews of 137 Pompton Plains Campgrounds

    • S G.
      Jul. 5, 2026

      Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      Primitive

      The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.

    • Frank J.
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Swartswood State Park Campground

      The campground is open

      The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 30, 2026

      Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

      Not park and camp available

      The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.

    • Greg Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Sussex County Fair Grounds

      Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026

      We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 25, 2026

      Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

      Charming mossy woods on a ridge

      Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.

    • RETIRED R.
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

      All kinds

      There are a lot of sites here. Some in sun some in full shade. Pull through sites have trees and bushes between sites. We are over by cabins in a large gravel site.

    • K
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Clean and basic

      Basic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!

    • Matthew M.
      Jun. 17, 2026

      West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

      Rest up and Recon the Museum 2026

      Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)

    Guide to Pompton Plains

    Camping sites near Pompton Plains, New Jersey range from primitive backcountry spots to developed campgrounds with amenities. The area sits within the Highlands region at elevations between 200-1000 feet, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Most campgrounds in this region experience typical Northeast seasonal changes with camping season running April through October, though weather can extend or shorten these timeframes.

    What to do

    Hiking on marked trails: Wawayanda State Park Campground provides access to numerous trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail. "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," notes a visitor who plans to bring a trash bag on future hikes.

    Kayaking and water activities: The lakes and ponds throughout the region offer water recreation opportunities during summer months. A camper at Sebago Cabin Camp advised: "Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire or other outdoor set up. Don't expect to swim on site - go to Lake Welch near by!"

    Winter sports: Some camping areas convert to winter recreation destinations during off-season. Campgaw Mountain Reservation transforms into a ski area when temperatures drop, though one camper notes the campground itself can be "busy but lonely" with "super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps."

    What campers like

    Secluded sites: Camp Glen Gray earns praise for its rustic isolation. "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," explains a satisfied camper.

    Clean facilities: Beaver Pond Campground receives consistent positive feedback about maintenance. "The campground was clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring," reports one visitor during off-season.

    Wildlife viewing: While requiring proper precautions, the natural setting offers wildlife observation opportunities. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, a camper mentioned: "We had a great time. Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans."

    What you should know

    Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. A visitor to Beaver Pond Campground noted, "'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... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area. I mean, we are in Bear Mountain, what do you expect?!?"

    Limited cellular coverage: Plan accordingly for spotty or nonexistent phone service. A camper at Wawayanda State Park reported: "No phone service at campsite, but could get phone service by the kayak hut or the main entrance."

    Permit requirements: Several sites require advance permits or reservations. Campgaw Mountain Reservation requires permits for all overnight stays, while other parks have specific booking windows that open months in advance.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for specialized activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming for children. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, one visitor mentioned their "2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls."

    Choose campgrounds with playground access: Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground includes family-friendly amenities. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes one parent.

    Consider camping cabins: For families new to camping, cabin options provide comfort with outdoor experience. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports a Camp Glen Gray visitor.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection strategies: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RV sites are paved but vary in quality. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes one RVer about the convenience.

    Water hookup planning: Some campgrounds have unusual water hookup systems. "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," explains a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson.

    Seasonal considerations: Many RV-friendly campgrounds near Pompton Plains have limited operating seasons. "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. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," says an RVer who found the off-season experience enjoyable.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping options are available in Pompton Plains, NJ?

    While there are no campgrounds directly in Pompton Plains, several excellent options exist within a short drive. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers wooded, spacious sites with water and electric hookups in the nearby Skylands region. The campsites are paved, mostly level, and provide a convenient base for exploring. For a more primitive experience, Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers basic sites with toilet facilities. Both locations are within 30-40 minutes of Pompton Plains, making them ideal for weekend getaways without traveling far from home.

    What hiking trails are accessible from Pompton Plains camping areas?

    Camping areas near Pompton Plains provide access to diverse hiking opportunities. High Point State Park Campground features numerous trails directly from campsites, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and the path to the monument at New Jersey's highest point. Stokes State Forest offers extensive hiking networks through beautiful wooded terrain. For those seeking more challenging routes, the Stonetown Circular trail provides primitive camping options along its path with connections to longer regional trail systems. Most trails in these areas offer moderate difficulty with some more challenging sections available for experienced hikers.

    Are there any RV parks near Pompton Plains with full hookups?

    Great Divide Campground near Newton is one of the best RV options within driving distance of Pompton Plains. This private campground offers full hookup sites in a scenic setting with amenities like a small lake and pond. For those willing to travel a bit further, Liberty Harbor RV Park provides big-rig friendly sites with full hookups and the unique advantage of easy access to NYC. Closer to Pompton Plains, Stephens State Park Campground offers some RV sites, though they may not accommodate larger rigs and have limited hookup options.

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