Best Dispersed Camping near Short Hills, NJ
Limited dispersed camping options exist near Short Hills, New Jersey, with the closest primitive sites located along the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, NJ provides free backcountry camping accessible only by hiking in. The site includes bear boxes but lacks water sources, with the nearest water available at Sunfish Pond approximately a half-mile hike away. No ground fires are permitted at this location.
The campsite balances community and privacy with both communal and secluded tent spots. A review mentioned that "there's plenty of space" though some areas are "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping," making it better suited for hammocks. Another option is Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, which requires a permit and is accessible by vehicle. This primitive site consists primarily of a gravel parking area with access to hiking trails. A camper noted it was "chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking."
