Best Campgrounds near Ridgefield Park, NJ

Camping options within 30 miles of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey range from urban RV parks to forested state park campgrounds. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides the closest camping to New York City, offering full hookup sites just minutes from Manhattan. Further west, state parks like Harriman State Park and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation feature more traditional camping experiences with tent sites, cabins, and RV accommodations set in wooded surroundings. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October.

Road access varies significantly between urban and rural camping areas. Developed campgrounds like Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park offer paved roads suitable for most vehicles, while more remote sites may require careful navigation. "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," notes one visitor. Weather conditions typically allow for comfortable camping from late spring through early fall, with summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms being the primary considerations. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly due to proximity to the New York metropolitan area.

Campers consistently highlight the surprising natural beauty found so close to urban centers. Several visitors mentioned the contrast between the bustling city and peaceful forest settings just a short drive away. Waterfront sites at locations like Spruce Run Recreation Area and Round Valley State Park receive particularly high ratings for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. A recent review noted, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape." Noise levels vary considerably, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more ambient sound. Most state park campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have restrictions on alcohol consumption. Amenities range from primitive sites with pit toilets to developed campgrounds with shower facilities, playgrounds, and camp stores.

Best Camping Sites Near Ridgefield Park, New Jersey (75)

    1. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."

    "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."

    2. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $21 - $24 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    3. Collective Governors Island

    5 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    4. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

    2 Reviews
    New York City, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 434-6891

    $85 - $120 / night

    5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    6. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    7. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

    8. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

    "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

    9. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

    10. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

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Recent Reviews near Ridgefield Park, NJ

541 Reviews of 75 Ridgefield Park Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    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, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    No frills layover spot

    This place is unique by location alone! We stopped for two nights on our way to CT. They have an onsite buffet with live entertainment if your timing is right. They are also located right on a river that you can easily access by foot. They have a decent laundry facility and full hook ups. No frills at the site but perfect for the commuting RVers just looking for somewhere safe to sleep for the night.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Black Bear RV Park

    Under construction

    I would rate this a 5 when they’re finished with the upgrades. Unfortunately there was nothing on this saying that they have limited spaces due to construction or that they changed the name. We passed it up at first. A little pricey just for an overnight and since no amenities were available. It will be beautiful when they’re finished. Can’t wait to come back and give them a 5 star review! The best part was at dusk when the animals came out!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.


Guide to Ridgefield Park

Camping near Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Worthington State Forest Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
  • Fishing: At Mountain Vista Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the pond. A reviewer noted, "The pond for fishing (catch & release) is a nice touch."
  • Water Activities: If you’re looking for some fun in the water, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner has a small water park that kids love. One parent said, "The kids enjoyed themselves a lot, and that is what matters."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Beaver Pond Campground. A happy camper shared, "I like the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer from Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Camp Taylor Campground said, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground faced issues with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Round Valley State Park Campground lacks showers and toilets, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, one parent noted, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Space to Play: Choose sites that offer enough space for kids to run around. A family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed their spacious site, saying, "Our campsite was very spacious and backed up to a creek."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground appreciated the clean facilities, which made meal prep easier.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for hilly roads. One camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."
  • Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "WiFi is very spotty—I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay."

Camping near Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there’s a campground that fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ridgefield Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ridgefield Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Ridgefield Park, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Ridgefield Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ridgefield Park, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ridgefield Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ridgefield Park, NJ.