Best Campgrounds near South Orange, NJ
The northern New Jersey landscape surrounding South Orange features a mix of camping options within a 30-60 minute drive. State parks, county reservations, and private campgrounds provide varied experiences from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers large, wooded sites with water and electric hookups, while Cheesequake State Park Campground provides seasonal camping from April through October. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the closest options to South Orange, offering urban camping with Manhattan skyline views. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, about an hour west, features boat-in primitive sites along the river, providing a more secluded experience.
Camping regulations vary significantly across the region, with many state parks prohibiting alcohol and enforcing strict quiet hours. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some private facilities remain open year-round. Reservations are essential during summer weekends, particularly for waterfront sites. As one camper noted about Stokes State Forest: "This is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes." Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms common. Cell service ranges from excellent near urban areas to spotty in more remote locations like Round Valley Recreation Area.
Lakeside and riverside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors. High Point State Park earns praise for its spacious sites around Sawmill Lake, with one camper reporting: "The sites were large and spread out, and we felt like we had a good amount of privacy." Several boat-in sites along the Delaware River provide unique experiences, though they require paddling access. Visitors to Stokes State Forest appreciate the extensive trail network, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, various birds, and occasionally bears spotted in the more remote campgrounds. Facilities range from primitive outhouses at boat-in sites to modern bathhouses with hot showers at developed campgrounds.
