Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Ringwood, NJ
152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Ringwood (152)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"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 Availability4. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"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 👍🏽"
5. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
6. Camp Glen Gray
"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 Availability7. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"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."
8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"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."
9. Wawayanda Group Shelter
"It’s within 15 mins NOBO of the park office where there is a 24:7 bathroom with sink and trash, and a fresh water spigot outside. Right now there’s also a box of socks at the shelter- trail magic!"
10. High Point State Park Campground
"Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
from $5 - $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 27 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 40 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 7 min from Kingston, NY
- 1 hr 11 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Ringwood, NJ
492 Photos of 152 Ringwood Campgrounds
Jake R.
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Sue B.
Wawayanda Group Shelter
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
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Moon Valley Campground
Shardy N.
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
The Dyrt
Woodland Trails
Thomas V.
Black Bear RV Park
Zina R.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Camp Coal Tree
Anil S.
Croton Point Park
Erin S.
Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort
Jessica D.
Kymers Camping Resort
Recent Reviews near Ringwood, NJ
911 Reviews of 152 Ringwood Campgrounds
- Sue B.Ranger
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I'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.
- DDaniel O.
ScoutDeerfield Campground — Promised Land State Park
Nice for a quick stopover
Stayed for a quick weekday overnight at a primitive site—fine spot overall. Pros: Restrooms and showers clean and in working order. Pet-friendly. Nice surroundings (though nothing extraordinary). Easy access with a sedan. Cons: most sites are very close to one another with little privacy. Fair amount of road noise. Quiet hours didn’t seem to be enforced—some folks playing music until midnight.
S G.ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The 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.
Frank J.
TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
- SStephanie P.
GuideFloyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY
Not park and camp available
The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Greg Z.TravelerSussex County Fair Grounds
Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026
We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
- MMari F.Traveler
Mashipacong Island Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Not the correct description
Not an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
Guide to Ringwood
The Skylands region near Ringwood, New Jersey provides diverse camping experiences at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler nights in the 60s, while spring and fall bring temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between day and night. The surrounding highlands contain multiple watersheds with lakes suitable for paddling and fishing.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Harriman State Park's Beaver Pond Campground, campers can enjoy Lake Welch for swimming and boating. "Beaver Pond is 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," notes reviewer Steve W.
Hiking opportunities: The Stonetown Circular Trail offers challenging terrain with rewarding views. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," says Ethan K. The trail forms an 11-mile loop with moderate to difficult sections.
Group gatherings: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides structured facilities for larger groups. "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef," reports Ilya F.
What campers like
Platform camping: Many sites feature raised platforms that improve comfort in wet conditions. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," explains Ethan K.
Wooded privacy: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers secluded sites with natural buffers. "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," writes Jeff W., highlighting the balance between seclusion and convenience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good standards for comfort. At Camp Glen Gray, Christopher M. reports, "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."
What you should know
Cell service: Reception varies significantly by location. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," mentions Zorina N. about Beaver Pond, while more remote areas often have limited connectivity.
Bear safety: The region requires proper food storage practices. "Wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises Kelvin at Beaver Pond Campground.
Booking patterns: Weekends fill quickly, especially in summer months. A reviewer notes, "During summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading post for treats and other items," reports Jose N. about Camp Glen Gray, making it easier for families with young children.
Beach access: Lake facilities provide recreational opportunities. Regarding Beaver Pond, Zorina N. mentions it "has a playground, showers, bathroom" and a "clean pond," making it suitable for children of various ages.
Educational experiences: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. "They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains. You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," explains Ethan K.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. At Mahlon Dickerson, one camper shares, "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."
Site leveling: High Point State Park requires careful selection for larger vehicles. "So, we got in with no reservation, which was great. It's in the same park as the high point, also great. The sites are varied, some have tent platforms, it's just off the AT, but we have a trailer and the 'trailer' sites aren't level," notes Grant M.
Dump station access: Some camping areas have limited facilities. "Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point. Nice and easy little campground," explains a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, providing practical information for RV waste management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites in Ringwood State Park?
Where can I find camping sites in Ringwood State Park?
While Ringwood State Park itself doesn't offer developed campgrounds, nearby Stokes State Forest provides excellent camping options within the Skylands region. Stokes features multiple campgrounds including Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 primitive sites suitable for tents or small trailers. For more developed camping near Ringwood, consider High Point State Park Campground which offers beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your campsite. Both options are within driving distance of Ringwood and provide a great base for exploring the region's natural beauty. For primitive camping enthusiasts, check the New Jersey State Park Service website for any updated information about backcountry options.
What amenities are available at Ringwood camping areas?
What amenities are available at Ringwood camping areas?
Camping areas near Ringwood offer varying amenity levels to suit different preferences. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides paved, mostly level sites with water and electric hookups, a dump station, and wooded, spacious campsites. For a more rustic experience, Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely setting though it may not accommodate larger RVs, and has some pet restrictions in certain areas. Most camping areas in the region provide basic amenities like pit toilets or restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some have access to lakes for swimming and fishing. Always check with specific campgrounds before your trip as amenities can vary significantly by location and season.
Do I need camping permits for Ringwood State Park?
Do I need camping permits for Ringwood State Park?
Yes, permits are required for camping in the Ringwood area. While Ringwood State Park itself has limited camping, nearby options like Great Divide Campground require reservations that serve as your permit. For more adventurous options, Sandyston Boat In Campsites in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area requires permits that must be obtained in advance through the National Park Service. Most New Jersey state parks and forests require camping permits that can be reserved online through the state reservation system or by calling the park office. Reservation windows typically open 6-12 months in advance, and holiday weekends fill quickly. Always check official park websites for the most current permit information and reservation requirements.
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