113 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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 👍🏽"
"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."
"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!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Camping options near Ridgewood, New Jersey span across northern New Jersey and southern New York, with campsites nestled within the Ramapo Mountains at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet. The area features deciduous forest terrain with oak, maple and hickory trees, creating seasonal camping experiences that vary dramatically from summer's dense canopy to fall's colorful displays. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
Swimming in natural settings: At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors have access to a peaceful lake for swimming and boating. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes Ethan K., who recommends hiking around the lake perimeter for additional scenic views.
Disc golf courses: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers disc golf among its recreational options, making it a versatile day activity when not hiking. The course is accessible from campsites, allowing campers to easily mix outdoor activities during their stay.
Seasonal beach activities: Croton Point Park features a private beach with lifeguards on duty from Wednesday through the weekend during summer months. "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood," adds Anil S., who recommends the beach for families looking for swimming options along the Hudson River.
Private, elevated sites: Many campers appreciate the platform tent sites available at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, particularly for weather protection. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," explains Christina L., who recommends site 7 for tent campers despite the uphill carry.
Communal facilities: At Beaver Pond Campground, campers highlight practical amenities that make extended stays comfortable. "I particularly enjoyed the communal sink which made it very convenient and easy to wash dishes and fill up water," writes Ethan K., who also notes how the spread-out campsites create privacy even when the campground is busy.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural encounters are common at several campgrounds in the region. "Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," reports Megan B. about Beaver Pond, while others mention rabbit sightings at Croton Point Park and beaver watching at the AMC Harriman Center.
Rock scrambles to primitive sites: The Stonetown Circular trail Primitive site requires proper preparation for challenging access. "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder," cautions Ethan K.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby rail lines. At Croton Point Park, Jonathan C. reports: "The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm. Great site for a party, try to stay away from this end of the site or choose a site away from other bookings if you'd like quiet."
Seasonal booking patterns: Off-season camping offers different experiences than peak summer months. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," shares Rebecca S. about Beaver Pond Campground, recommending Thursday nights in September for quiet camping experiences.
Kid-friendly amenities: Camp Glen Gray receives high marks for family accommodations with clean facilities. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports Christopher M., highlighting the convenience for families needing supplies.
Playground access: Croton Point Park features a playground within sight of RV sites, making it convenient for parents to monitor children while setting up camp. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes Thomas.
Educational opportunities: Several campsites offer historical attractions nearby. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, families can easily access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," explains Kevin A.
Site spacing considerations: RVers at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation appreciate the campground layout. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes antruze, addressing a practical concern for RV setups.
Transit access to NYC: For RVers wanting to combine camping with city exploration, location matters. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be here, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," shares John G. about Liberty Harbor RV Park, which sits near public transportation options.
Campsite sizes and maneuvering: Knowing vehicle limitations helps with site selection. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, confirming accessibility for larger recreational vehicles.
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.
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