Camping options near Tenafly, New Jersey span the hilly terrain of northern New Jersey where elevations range from 150 to 400 feet above sea level. This region experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters that typically limit tent camping to April through October. Most campsites in the area require reservations during peak summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails and viewpoints: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation maintains over 15 miles of hiking paths through wooded terrain. "Large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities," notes a visitor about this campground located 37 miles from Tenafly.
Fishing opportunities: High Point State Park Campground offers multiple fishing areas across three lakes. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," explains a camper. Lake permits required but available on-site.
Swimming and water activities: Stokes State Forest provides lake swimming from late May through Labor Day. "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away," reports one visitor. Boat rentals available at the main office for $15-25 per day.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Great Divide Campground offers well-spaced sites on hilly terrain. "Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," shares one family.
Lake views: Panther Lake Camping Resort provides waterfront sites among its various accommodation options. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," notes one reviewer. Lakefront sites require early booking, especially for summer weekends.
Yurt options: Mountain Lakes Park features yurts for campers seeking glamping in Tenafly, New Jersey area alternatives. "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. A fun option available at Mountain Lakes is to rent a yurt to camp in. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes," writes one visitor.
What you should know
Military-only campgrounds: Two recreation areas near Tenafly restrict access to military personnel. "Being military-only keeps standards high, the campground clean and well maintained. We've spent years here, with Dan & Janet but, are looking forward to returning this year under new management," explains one visitor about Lake Frederick Outdoor Recreation Area.
Bear safety protocols: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation enforces bear safety measures for food storage. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," notes one family. Sites do not provide bear lockers, so campers must store all food in vehicles.
Site selection considerations: "The campground is on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night," reports a camper about site selection at High Point State Park. Check site photos and descriptions carefully when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Panther Lake Camping Resort maintains playground equipment and organized activities. "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," reports one family camper.
Swimming options: "When we were there it was right after a rain storm and everything was a bit muddy and slippery," explains a visitor to Mountain Lakes Park, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before planning water activities with children.
Weekend activities: West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area schedules family-oriented weekend programs. "The campground is beautiful and the staff was wonderful! We were very impressed with the playground on site!" shares a military family with children. Weekend activity schedules posted at campground entrance.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides water and electric connections at RV sites. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," notes one RVer about the accessibility.
Dump station access: "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," explains an RV camper at Mahlon Dickerson, highlighting the practicality of the amenities.
Site leveling challenges: "Like many of the sites in this area, Great Divide had a large pool which was used by many of the campers. The one downside about this site was that you are not allowed to keep your car at your site. You have to drop your supplies off and drive it back to the parking lot which was slightly annoying," reports one visitor about the logistics of camping with an RV.
