Best Campgrounds near Ringwood, NJ
The forested highlands surrounding Ringwood, New Jersey feature a diverse range of camping options within the Skylands region, where state parks and county reservations provide varied outdoor experiences. Wawayanda State Park, located just 5 miles from Ringwood, offers tent and RV camping with seasonal availability from April through October. Nearby Harriman State Park in New York, approximately 10 miles east, contains multiple campgrounds including Beaver Pond with both tent and RV sites. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides large, wooded sites with water and electric hookups. The area also features primitive options along the Stonetown Circular Trail and boat-in sites within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from April through late October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when New York City residents seek outdoor escapes. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds while still being in short driving distance of restaurants and grocery stores." Wildlife considerations include proper food storage in bear country, especially in the higher elevation areas. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage in developed campgrounds and limited or no service in more remote areas.
Lakeside camping receives consistently positive reviews across multiple state parks in the region. High Point State Park features sites around Sawmill Lake that one visitor described as "large and spread out, with good privacy." Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and alcohol restrictions, with some visitors noting strict rule enforcement. Primitive sites in the Delaware Water Gap area require paddling access and limit stays to one night for river travelers. Campers frequently mention the area's extensive trail networks, including sections of the Appalachian Trail that pass through several parks. Summer humidity and insects are common complaints, with ticks being a particular concern in spring and early summer months.
