The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Hackensack, NJ

603 Reviews

Camping options near Hackensack, New Jersey primarily consist of established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites. The urban-adjacent region encompasses several camping areas including Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City and Camp Glen Gray, which offers a range of accommodations from tent camping to cabins. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within state parks or recreation areas, with Harriman State Park hosting multiple camping facilities including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp within an hour's drive of Hackensack. The metropolitan location limits primitive camping opportunities but provides numerous mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV campers.

Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when facilities fill quickly. Several locations maintain seasonal operations with closures during winter months, though Liberty Harbor RV Park remains open year-round. Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may encounter challenges in some areas. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban centers. A recent visitor noted: "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer. Know your rig and know how to maneuver it in tight spaces."

Campers report significant variety in site experiences within the region. Liberty Harbor RV Park stands out for its prime location with views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, though reviewers consistently describe it as "basically a parking lot with hookups" rather than a traditional campground setting. The premium rates reflect location convenience rather than amenities. In contrast, Camp Glen Gray receives high marks for its rustic experience and hiking opportunities, with one visitor mentioning, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails." Most campgrounds near Hackensack provide basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables, with varying levels of electric hookups depending on the facility. Harriman State Park's campgrounds offer a more natural setting with forest surroundings despite their proximity to urban areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Hackensack, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Hackensack, New Jersey (87)

    1. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / night

    "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."

    "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."

    2. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    3. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    4. Camp Glen Gray

    2 Reviews
    Oakland, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 327-7234

    $5 - $200 / night

    "One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."

    "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"

    5. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $130 / night

    "It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."

    6. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

    2 Reviews
    New York City, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 434-6891

    $85 - $120 / night

    7. Croton Point Park

    10 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"

    8. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."

    "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

    9. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."

    "Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"

    10. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hackensack Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Hackensack, NJ

438 Photos of 87 Hackensack Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hackensack, NJ

603 Reviews of 87 Hackensack Campgrounds

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

Guide to Hackensack

Camping near Hackensack, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing: At Mountain Vista Campground, there's a pond for fishing. A camper noted, "The pond for fishing (catch & release) is a nice touch."
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds like Round Valley State Park Campground offer beautiful water views. One reviewer said, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground mentioned, "The clean shower and bathroom facilities are a plus."
  • Privacy: Many sites are spacious and provide a sense of seclusion. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, "It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Camp Taylor Campground shared, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground experienced issues with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A camper at Stokes State Forest noted, "The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time."
  • Wildlife Caution: Some areas have bear warnings. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here, so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. One family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
  • Space to Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground appreciated, "Our campsite was very spacious and backed up to a creek."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground noted, "The facilities were clean, and we had everything we expected for a camping trip."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Be Prepared for Hills: Some campgrounds have steep roads. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."
  • Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi can be spotty. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here."

For those looking for the best camping near Hackensack, NJ, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful retreats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in and around Hackensack?

The Hackensack region offers diverse camping options including Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, featuring paved, level sites with water and electric hookups in a wooded setting. For a scenic experience, Great Divide Campground near Newton provides a picturesque setting with a small lake and pond surrounded by woods. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park with its 17-acre lake and hiking trails, and the Delaware Water Gap area's boat-in sites for more adventurous campers.

Are there RV rentals available in Hackensack for camping trips?

While there aren't specific RV rental businesses documented directly in Hackensack, several nearby campgrounds are well-equipped for RVs. Stephens State Park Campground is RV-accessible though may not be ideal for larger rigs. For better RV accommodation, consider Panther Lake Camping Resort, which offers full hookup sites. RV rentals are typically available through dedicated rental companies in the greater New Jersey/New York metro area, which allow you to pick up an RV and then travel to these camping destinations.

Where are the best camping sites near Hackensack?

The Hackensack area offers excellent camping at Stokes State Forest, known for its beautiful wooded setting and multiple campgrounds including the more primitive Steam Mill Camping Area. For waterfront camping, High Point State Park Campground provides lakeside sites with extensive hiking and biking trails, plus the opportunity to visit New Jersey's highest point. Both locations offer the perfect balance of natural seclusion while remaining within driving distance of conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants.

Keep Exploring