4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation's spacious wooded campsites accommodate pets with electric and water hookups at each site. The campground's 12x12 tent platforms provide pets with clean, dry spots to rest alongside their owners. Trails throughout the reservation are leashed dog-friendly, creating numerous opportunities for exercise and exploration. Sites are well-spaced with large fire rings set back in the woods, offering privacy for campers with occasionally nervous pets. Tent, RV, and cabin camping options are available across several pet-friendly campgrounds near Randolph, including Panther Lake Camping Resort, Great Divide Campground, and Camp Taylor Campground. Many visitors appreciate the quiet, peaceful environment at Mahlon Dickerson that allows for undisturbed walks with dogs. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies and require proof of vaccinations upon check-in.
The hiking network surrounding these pet-friendly campgrounds provides extensive recreational opportunities for dogs and their owners. Sites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation back up to forest trails where pets can explore natural surroundings while remaining on leash. Bear warnings are posted throughout the area, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals at all times for safety. Water-loving dogs find opportunities at Panther Lake's shoreline, though some campgrounds charge a modest fee for bringing personal kayaks or canoes to access water with pets. Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas, particularly in the more densely wooded campsites, so pet owners should pack appropriate repellents. Most campgrounds provide trash receptacles for proper disposal of pet waste, though designated pet waste stations are limited. The campgrounds' proximity to shopping areas ensures easy access to pet supplies if needed during longer stays.
"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."
"Police patrolled, and dog friendly."
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
"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."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs."
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
"We drove through here thinking we’d stay a night, but saw the “no pets” in the list of rules and didn’t stay."
"Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it"
"My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog."
"Hikes close by. Other campers friendly. Dog friendly on a leash."
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"That said, it’s great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other. There were 3 groups during our stay. Which got pretty loud if you were in sites in the 30s."
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
- There are outhouses scattered around, or if"
from $7 - $55 / night
"We had our 3 Labs with us and they had plenty of walking space. We were within walking distance of Chili's. Close to shopping if you needed something. Reasonably quiet."
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
from $33 - $42 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWater/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
LegendNestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
LegendLocated just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
Randolph area campgrounds sit within New Jersey's highlands region at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. The area features dense deciduous forests interspersed with glacial lakes and streams. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through March, with summer highs averaging 82°F from June through August.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 9-mile route from Camp Taylor Campground connects to Mt. Tammany for panoramic views. "Hiked to Mt. Tammany from the campsite for the best view in NJ (9 miles round trip)," notes camper Dina S.
Lake activities: free kayak usage at Great Divide Campground provides water recreation during summer months. "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," reports Jojo P.
Wildlife observation: wolf sanctuary tours operate twice daily on weekends from Camp Taylor. "The wolf preserve at the same location was just amazing - we learned so much and could hear the wolves howl from the campsite," explains one visitor.
Primitive camping: 3-6 mile hike required to access backcountry sites at Round Valley. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," writes Stuart K.
Privacy between sites: wooded separation at several dog friendly campgrounds near Randolph creates natural barriers. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views," according to Jocelyn G.
Clean facilities: single-stall showers at Stokes State Forest receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms and shower were all single stall and very clean, only a 5 min walk from our site. Two water sources nearby as well," notes E.M.V.
Quiet environment: enforced quiet hours at dog-friendly camping areas like Camp Taylor maintain peaceful atmosphere. "Unlike many other campgrounds we've been to, they are very good about actually enforcing the quiet hours at night, so you can have an actual peaceful and quiet night around the campfire," writes Dan B.
Tent platforms: 12x12 wooden foundations keep gear dry during wet weather. At Stephens State Park Campground, "our site:29 was plenty big enough for a large tent and a hammock. We could have easily fit another large tent," reports Barbara S.
Bear activity: proper food storage essential throughout the region's campgrounds. "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" reports Kaitlyn S. from Swartswood State Park.
Alcohol restrictions: policies vary between public and private campgrounds. While state parks typically prohibit alcohol, private facilities like Panther Lake Camping Resort permit responsible consumption.
Firewood regulations: outside wood prohibited at many sites to prevent lantern fly spread. At Camp Taylor, "you have to buy their wood you can't bring any in, they are trying to keep the lantern flies away. $5 bundle for 7 pieces," explains Karralee B.
Road noise: highway sounds audible at certain campgrounds despite forest setting. At Jenny Jump, "my only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," notes one camper.
Swimming options: small lakes with designated areas provide safe recreation for children. "The swimming pond is pleasant and great to cool off in," says Kathy G. about Camp Taylor's facilities.
Playground access: central play areas at several pet-friendly campgrounds near Randolph Township encourage socialization. "It's GREAT for kids. A nice playground with tons of kids running all over," notes a Camp Taylor visitor.
Cabin alternatives: rustic shelters at Stokes State Forest offer family-friendly accommodations during cooler months. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs, a wood stove set into a fireplace," explains W.L.
Wildlife education: structured programs teach children about local ecology. "The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," says Jean T.
Site leveling: terrain challenges require preparation at most local campgrounds. "We stayed in one of the RV areas across the pond. It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night," notes Julie from Stokes State Forest.
Seasonal considerations: off-peak visits offer more seclusion at popular campgrounds. "We drove through at the end of October and only saw one camper there," observes Laura M. at Stephens State Park.
Water hookups: varying hose distances require planning. "The spots are spacious and campers were spread out throughout the large campground," mentions Jojo P. about Great Divide during their second visit.
Dump station access: typically available near campground exits. "Dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," notes an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Randolph, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Randolph, NJ is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Randolph, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near Randolph, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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