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Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Ringwood, New Jersey. Hemlock Ridge MUA in New York offers free primitive tent camping with walk-in access. The site has no amenities or facilities, making it suitable for self-sufficient backcountry campers. According to visitors, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path." The small parking area accommodates only 4-5 vehicles, and campsites must be set up at least 150 feet from the trail.
The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ provides free primitive camping for hikers. This site includes bear boxes but no water source. One camper noted, "No water (nearest is Sunfish Pound - easy hike about 1 mile round trip)." Both Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania and Hickok Brook in New York offer additional primitive camping options but require permits for overnight stays. Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites with extremely limited camping areas and rough access roads with large potholes that demand high-clearance vehicles.
"If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."
"Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
"Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
"I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."
"I've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite."
"I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
"Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
TravelerArrived 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.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
TravelerIf you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night
RangerThere are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.
ScoutI drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.
GuideWe stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!
RangerThis isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.
ScoutI gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!
That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.
Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.
Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Ringwood, New Jersey, though most require hikers to travel into neighboring states. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed in New York offers primitive tent camping with no amenities and requires hiking in from a small parking area that accommodates only 4-6 vehicles. The site allows alcohol and campfires but provides no facilities whatsoever. One camper noted, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path."
The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ provides free primitive camping with bear boxes but no ground fires or water sources. Hickok Brook in New York features lakeside tent sites accessible via a rough road with large potholes, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers a shaded gravel lot where overnight parking appears tolerated. All sites operate under strict Leave No Trace principles, with most requiring hikers to pack in water and pack out waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ringwood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ringwood, NJ is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ringwood, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Ringwood, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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