Best Campgrounds near Ramsey, NJ
The northern New Jersey landscape surrounding Ramsey provides diverse camping experiences within an hour's drive. State parks and forests dominate the camping scene, with Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp offering developed sites just 15 miles northeast in New York. Closer to Ramsey, Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides more primitive camping options with tent and small RV sites. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 40 miles west, features boat-in primitive sites along the river. Camp Glen Gray and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation round out the local options with facilities for tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals in wooded settings.
Camping regulations vary significantly across these areas, with most state parks prohibiting alcohol and enforcing quiet hours strictly. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some private facilities remain open year-round. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds while still being in short driving distance of restaurants and grocery stores." Bear country precautions are necessary in many locations, particularly in the northwestern forests where proper food storage is essential. Cell service can be spotty in valley areas, especially near the Delaware River and in more remote sections of state forests.
Site amenities range from primitive to fully developed. Lakeside sites at High Point State Park are particularly sought after, with one visitor describing them as "large and spread out, with good privacy." Boat-in sites along the Delaware River offer exceptional seclusion but require paddling access. Several campgrounds feature hiking trail access, including connections to the Appalachian Trail. RV campers should note that many state park roads have tight turns and limited clearance, making navigation challenging for larger rigs. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with campers frequently reporting deer, raccoons, and various bird species, particularly in the more secluded camping areas.
