Best Campgrounds near Ridgewood, NJ
Camping options near Ridgewood, New Jersey range from rustic tent sites to developed facilities with cabins and RV hookups. Within a 30-mile radius, several state parks and county reservations offer established campgrounds, with Harriman State Park in nearby New York providing multiple camping areas including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp. Camp Glen Gray in New Jersey features tent sites, cabins, and glamping options, while primitive camping can be found along the Stonetown Circular trail for hikers seeking more remote experiences.
Access to many campgrounds in the region requires advance planning, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Campgaw Mountain Reservation provides free camping with a permit, though the sites are situated close to popular hiking trails. "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," notes one camper. Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Beaver Pond Campground typically open from April through early October. Winter camping options are limited, though some areas like Croton Point Park remain open year-round.
The primitive campsites along Stonetown Circular trail provide solitude but require preparation for a challenging hike. Campers describe the first site as having "a wide area and an amazing view" but caution about "a fairly difficult rock scramble" to reach it. For those seeking more amenities, Camp Glen Gray receives consistently positive feedback for its clean cabins and well-maintained facilities. The AMC Harriman Outdoor Center offers both cabin and platform tent camping with access to a lake for swimming and canoeing. Many campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and communal water sources, with some providing electric hookups suitable for RVs. Bear activity has been reported in several areas, particularly in Harriman State Park, requiring proper food storage and waste management.