Best Dispersed Camping near Summit, NJ
Dispersed camping options near Summit, New Jersey are limited but can be found at designated sites along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, NJ offers free camping with hike-in or walk-in access. No fires, drinking water, or facilities are available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out waste. The site is approximately 40 miles from Summit, accessible from Old Mine Road.
The campsite balances community and solitude with varied tent sites and hammock options. The terrain is somewhat sloped but workable for different camping setups. One camper noted, "There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too." No water sources exist at the site itself, requiring hikers to stock up elsewhere. Another visitor shared, "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond." Bear boxes are provided for food storage, and the site follows standard backcountry regulations. For those willing to travel farther, Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania offers a gravel lot for overnight parking with access to extensive hiking trails.
