Dispersed camping near Randolph, New Jersey offers primitive backcountry experiences within a 90-minute driving radius. The Delaware Water Gap region sits at elevations between 300-1,500 feet, creating diverse terrain for backcountry campers. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides entry points to multiple hiking paths through Pennsylvania forest land. One camper noted, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Wildlife observation: Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 positions campers near wildlife habitats including black bears, which necessitates proper food storage. A backpacker observed the site has "good trees for hammocking" and mentioned it was "well maintained w bear boxes provided."
Lake activities: Primitive sites at Hickok Brook offer lakeside camping opportunities. Ranger enforcement ensures proper site selection, with one camper reporting: "Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
What campers like
Hammock camping options: The terrain and tree coverage at several sites accommodate hammock camping better than tent setups. A reviewer at Appalachian Trail Campsite 2 mentioned: "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
Solitude opportunities: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides quiet overnight parking with minimal disturbance. A camper confirmed: "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Balance between isolation and community: Some dispersed camping spots balance social and private options. For those seeking variable spacing options, one camper found Appalachian Trail Campsite 2 offered this flexibility, stating it had a "perfect balance of community and space."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary: New York state land requires camping permits that must be verified by rangers. One Hickok Brook camper shared their experience: "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake."
Limited capacity: Most dispersed camping options near Randolph have very few designated spots. Hickok Brook is particularly restricted, with one camper noting: "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you."
Water planning essential: Water sources are sparse at most sites. At Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, a camper advised: "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Distance considerations: When backcountry camping with children, note that water sources often require additional hiking. One Appalachian Trail camper mentioned water access required "an easy hike about a 1 round trip."
Location verification: Always confirm camping is permitted at your chosen spot, particularly with children. A camper at Hickok Brook found: "It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Holiday planning: Holiday weekends see increased usage at limited dispersed sites. A Hickok Brook camper observed during a holiday: "It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are mandatory for accessing many dispersed camping areas near Randolph. A visitor to Hickok Brook warned: "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly."
Size limitations: Large RVs and campers cannot access most dispersed camping near Randolph. One camper noted their surprise: "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup" but found the area unsuitable.
Overnight parking options: For those with smaller vehicles, some trailheads permit overnight parking for hiking access, though amenities are minimal. One Thunder Swamp visitor simply described it as "a gravel parking lot."
