Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ramsey, NJ

Camping near Ramsey, New Jersey, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Harriman State Park. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
• Fishing: The waters around Pickerel Point Campground are perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "The site was wooded and very private. We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."
• Wildlife Watching: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, you can spot various wildlife. One happy camper said, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest—so quiet here."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Beaver Pond Campground noted, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
• Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "I don’t think I’ve ever been on a site with so much privacy."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park have tons of activities for kids. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A camper at High Point State Park shared a frustrating experience: "We received complaints about the volume of our music... we were taken aback when the police arrived at our cabin and informed us that we were being evicted."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Stokes State Forest noted, "The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time."
• Wildlife Precautions: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Taylor Campground. A family shared, "The minute we arrived at Camp Taylor we knew we were in for something special."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids engaged. One camper said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks handy can keep everyone happy. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "The site was large and very serene and peaceful."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Camp Taylor Campground said, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."
• Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor noted, "Everything was in great condition. It was nice having plenty of space to not be on top of our neighbors."
• Plan for Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A camper at High Point State Park mentioned, "Our Verizon cell service was practically non-existent and the park’s wifi service was just as horrible."

Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of options for camping around Ramsey, NJ.