R
Russell A.
Scout
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Tranquility, NJ
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Great Divide Campground near Tranquility offers multiple pet-friendly camping options with designated areas for dogs. The campground maintains clean facilities with regular maintenance checks to ensure comfortable stays for both pets and their owners. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the property except in designated exercise areas. Tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin accommodations all welcome pets with proper supervision. Visitors consistently note the spacious campsites provide adequate room for pets to relax while maintaining appropriate distance from neighboring campers. Picnic tables and fire rings come standard at each site, creating convenient spaces for families to gather with their pets.
Panther Lake Camping Resort provides additional pet-friendly options with walking trails surrounding the lake where leashed dogs can enjoy exercise with their owners. The nearby trails at Jenny Jump State Forest and Stokes State Forest offer extensive hiking opportunities for campers with dogs. Most campgrounds in the area require proof of current vaccinations upon check-in and enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances. The water access at several locations allows dogs to cool off during summer camping trips, though swimming policies vary by location. Local veterinary services can be found within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds, with emergency care available in Newton. Seasonal considerations include tick prevention during warmer months and appropriate shelter during occasional thunderstorms that pass through the region.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Tranquility (127)
1. Great Divide Campground
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs."
2. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
3. Jenny Jump State Forest
"My husband and I Tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog."
"Hikes close by. Other campers friendly. Dog friendly on a leash."
4. Camp Taylor Campground
"Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you. "
"They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."
Check Availabilityfrom $33 - $42 / night
5. Swartswood State Park Campground
"We booked a campsite at the far end of the loop by the lake, which looked to be the right spot for some privacy, but a longer walk to the bathroom and water spigot."
"That said, it’s great for large groups that book a few sites next to each other. There were 3 groups during our stay. Which got pretty loud if you were in sites in the 30s."
6. Stokes State Forest
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
- There are outhouses scattered around, or if"
Check Availabilityfrom $7 - $55 / night
7. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
"Police patrolled, and dog friendly."
8. Driftstone Campground
"Pet friendly. We love it at Driftstone!"
"Driftstone is set on a beautiful location on the Delaware River. River Road on which it is located, is picturesque and quiet enough to run, walk or bike on."
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $74 / night
9. Stephens State Park Campground
"We drove through here thinking we’d stay a night, but saw the “no pets” in the list of rules and didn’t stay."
"Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it"
10. Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
"The site was very kid and pet friendly, outfitted with both a pet and children's playground(see pictures and videos)."
"Also a small pet area. We enjoyed it and would go back."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $250 / night
Drive Time
- 58 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 1 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 2 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 22 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Tranquility, NJ
90 Photos of 127 Tranquility Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Great Divide CampgroundJ
Panther Lake Camping ResortJ
Swartswood State Park Campground
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Camp Taylor Campground
Driftstone Campground
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Stokes State Forest
Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Mountain Vista CampgroundE
Namanock Island — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tranquility, NJ
1077 Reviews of 127 Tranquility Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Stuart K.LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Leo C.ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Guide to Tranquility
Located in northwestern New Jersey's highlands region at about 800 feet elevation, Tranquility offers access to diverse camping environments ranging from mountain forests to riverside settings. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F, while spring and fall camping often requires layered clothing for temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Hiking through forest preserves: Jenny Jump State Forest offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "There are miles of hiking trails and direct access to the Appalachian Tr. The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located on the camp and offers discounted tours for campers," notes Jean T. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Lakefront recreation: Multiple water activities are available at several lakes within 15 minutes of Tranquility. "The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms. Very clean and enjoyable," shares Paul N. about his experience at Swartswood State Park Campground.
Wolf watching tours: A unique local activity that draws visitors specifically to this region. "You can take a short hike up the mountain there to see the wolves in the sanctuary. There are moments by the fire you can hear them howl in the distance," explains Julie F. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Kayaking on the Delaware: The Delaware River provides calm waters suitable for beginners and families. "Accept the Delaware River from campground and kayak trips offered. Plenty of things to do," mentions George from Driftstone Campground, which sits directly on the river.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many campgrounds offer sites with more privacy than typical commercial campgrounds. "This campground is lovely. Very wooded. Some sites are more private than others but all have a wooded and private feel," reports Kathy G. about Driftstone Campground.
Affordable accommodations: State park campgrounds provide budget-friendly options with basic amenities. "Probally our go-to campground in NJ. The lake is great to kayak and fish, and the campsites are spacious and has bathrooms," shares Paul N. about Swartswood State Park.
Direct trail access: Campers appreciate sites with immediate access to recreational opportunities. "Our site was a good size and the facilities were clean. We live not to far away and wanted to stay close to home for our first trip with the camper," notes Teresa about Mountain Vista Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!" reports Kaitlyn S. about her stay at Swartswood State Park.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: The region has an active black bear population requiring proper food storage. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," explains Trip Over Life about Stokes State Forest.
Seasonal crowd patterns: Some campgrounds experience significant differences in noise and activity levels depending on season. "We went out of season so there were no lifeguards, or anything 'open' at the pavilion. We are always after campgrounds with as little going on as possible other than the nature so this would not be a place for us during the summer when I imagine it gets quite packed," shares Rob M. about Swartswood State Park.
Vaccination requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds require current documentation. "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," notes Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground.
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "Only down side is the internet is terrible u have to be near the wifi zones," mentions Umar A. about Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Several campgrounds offer structured programs for younger campers. "The ceramic class was fun for the girls. Lots of seasonal campers so not much room for spots for weekend visits unless you want to be in the field areas with not much shade cover," explains Jojo P. about Panther Lake Camping Resort.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas when booking with children. "Our camp site was great (52), backed onto a wooded area and a big playground was directly in front of us, which worked out perfectly since we have school age kids," shares Penny C. about Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA.
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds feature significant elevation changes challenging for small children. "Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down," warns Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground.
Weather preparations: The region experiences sudden weather changes requiring adaptability. "This was our second visit to the campground and the first weekend they opened to RVs after Covid. No amenities were open but we had a great time fishing in the lake," notes Jojo P. about Great Divide Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV sites vary significantly in privacy and shade. "There is a section of RV spots that are each cut out in the woods so very private. Once you have backed into the spot and leveled out it's a good time," advises Julie F. about Camp Taylor Campground.
Utility hookup lengths: Prepare for potentially long distances to water connections. "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," mentions antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "PLEASE NOTE: if you are towing or have a motorhome, make sure you follow the directions on the website. Coming in from the wrong road could lead you to a hairpin turn and steep hill," warns Jim G. about Driftstone Campground.
Seasonal campsite availability: Many campgrounds have limited spaces for non-seasonal campers. "Majority of sites are season all campers with LOTS of cottages. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," notes April L. about Panther Lake Camping Resort.
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