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Best Campgrounds near Ringwood, NJ

883 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Ringwood, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Ringwood, New Jersey (147)

    1. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    14 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. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    16 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."

    3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

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

    $74 - $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."

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

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    12 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 👍🏽"

    5. Wawayanda State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Milford, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 853-4462

    "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

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    4 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"

    7. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    1 mile

    "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

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    2 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."

    9. High Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Matamoras, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Wawayanda Group Shelter

    1 Review
    New Milford, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 853-4462

    "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!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Ringwood, NJ

771 Photos of 147 Ringwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ringwood, NJ

883 Reviews of 147 Ringwood Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Skyway Camping Resort

    One night stoo

    Nice well maintained park, full hookups with cable and wifi. Office forgot to give us wifi info and had closed early. Very nice staff.

  • 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!

  • Kylie R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mountain Vista Campground

    A mix of being able to unplug but also have the ammenities avavilble if wanted/needed

    This campground is very clean, staff and campers are very friendly. It’s a great spot if you have kids because they have many different activities(pool/arcade games/movie nights/ and more.)

  • 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 Ringwood

Camping near Ringwood, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One reviewer mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: The waters at Pickerel Point Campground - Promised Land State Park are perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "The site is wooded and very private. We went to a bald eagle talk this morning which was very informative and enjoyable."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Stokes State Forest. One camper noted, "I used to camp there every weekend. Even during the cold in the fall. I love it!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Worthington State Forest Campground. A review stated, "Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "This is one of our favorite camping spots. It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner are packed with activities. One parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools and water area."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A camper at High Point State Park shared a frustrating experience: "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Site Accessibility: Not all sites allow easy access for vehicles. One visitor at High Point State Park noted, "I booked site 20 online because I liked the idea of being near the water but I thought I was going to be able to park my vehicle near my site to unload, not so unfortunately."
  • Ticks and Bugs: Some areas can have a lot of ticks. A camper at High Point State Park mentioned, "There was a small gravel area because of how many ticks there were."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Camp Taylor Campground. One family said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Choose the Right Site: Make sure to pick a site that offers enough space for kids to play. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground noted, "Our site was well shaded for most of the day."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "The campground had a lot of activities but some were repetitive."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest said, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Hills: Some campgrounds have steep access roads. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Many campgrounds have spotty Wi-Fi. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here."

Camping near Ringwood, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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