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.

Best Camping Sites Near Ridgewood, New Jersey (109)

    1. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

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

    $17 - $20 / 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."

    2. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

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

    $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."

    3. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / 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."

    4. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    9 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"

    5. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

    "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"

    6. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    19 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!"

    7. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    24 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."

    8. Campgaw Mountain Reservation

    1 Review
    Ramsey, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-3500

    9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    12 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

    10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    13 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

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Recent Reviews near Ridgewood, NJ

681 Reviews of 109 Ridgewood Campgrounds


  • Erin N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    Friendly Owners and Reasonable rates

    We just stayed the night last minute. We hit unexpected traffic on the way and the owners were kind enough to wait for us to check in. The sites aren’t anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through. It is by the highway so it can be loud at times but I don’t mind. Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • S
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • 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!

  • 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.


Guide to Ridgewood

Camping near Ridgewood, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Worthington State Forest Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground said, "The site was wooded and very private," perfect for a quiet fishing spot.
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds have swimming areas. A review for Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "Awesome pools and water area," making it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One visitor at Beaver Pond Campground said, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy spacious sites. A review for Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground offer fun for kids. One family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise rules. A camper at High Point State Park Campground experienced issues, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or stores nearby. 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 warnings: Some areas have bear warnings. A 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 family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A review for Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner highlighted, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Pack games and outdoor toys: Keeping kids entertained is key. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Respecting quiet hours helps everyone enjoy their stay. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "Quiet hours were strictly enforced, which we appreciated."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with water and electric. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground said, "Our site was well shaded for most of the day."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A visitor at Stokes State Forest noted, "The roads on the way there are epic but also beautiful."

Camping around Ridgewood, NJ, offers a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful retreats. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ridgewood Campground located and how do I find it?

Ridgewood Campground is located in the scenic Skylands region of New Jersey. For similar camping experiences in this area, you can visit Mahlon Dickerson Reservation which offers wooded, spacious sites with paved, mostly level pads ideal for camping vehicles. Another option is High Point State Park Campground, situated in the same Skylands region. These campgrounds provide excellent access points for exploring the natural beauty of northern New Jersey, with hiking and biking trails connecting directly to the campsites. Most campgrounds in this region are accessible via well-maintained roads suitable for both cars and RVs.

What amenities and facilities are available at Ridgewood Campground?

Campgrounds in the Ridgewood area typically offer a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Stephens State Park Campground provides basic facilities with some sites suitable for smaller camping vehicles, though larger RVs may find access challenging. For water activities, Sandyston Boat In Campsites in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers unique waterfront access. Most campgrounds in the region provide toilet facilities, with many also offering water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some locations have dump stations, electrical hookups, and shower facilities. Amenities vary significantly between primitive sites and more developed campgrounds, so check specific campground details before your visit.

Are there any seasonal closures or best times to visit Ridgewood Campground?

The best time to visit campgrounds in the Ridgewood area is typically late spring through early fall when weather conditions are optimal. Stokes State Forest and other public campgrounds in the region generally operate seasonally, with most facilities closing during winter months (November through March). Great Divide Campground offers a longer camping season as a private facility. Summer weekends tend to be busiest, so consider mid-week visits for a quieter experience. Fall camping is especially popular when the foliage changes color, creating spectacular views throughout the area. Always check official websites for current opening dates as they may vary year to year based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.