Best Dispersed Camping near Port Murray, NJ
Appalachian Trail backcountry camping options exist within driving distance of Port Murray, New Jersey, primarily at designated sites with specific regulations. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia offers primitive camping with bear boxes and suitable hammock-hanging trees, but lacks water sources. A visitor noted, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." This site requires hikers to stock up on water at Dunnfield Creek or Sunfish Pond, approximately one mile round trip from the camping area.
Several additional primitive camping areas can be found within a 1-2 hour drive, including Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, which provides overnight parking in a shaded gravel lot with access to extensive hiking trails. Bake Oven Knob offers both vehicle overnight options and tent camping along the Appalachian Trail. Hickok Brook in New York features lakeside tent sites accessible via a rough road with large potholes that requires high-clearance vehicles. Most sites prohibit ground fires and have limited or no facilities. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land, according to ranger enforcement mentioned in reviews.
