Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Wanaque, NJ
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Wanaque, New Jersey range from established campgrounds to primitive sites within an hour's drive of the area. The region includes several state parks and recreation areas such as Wawayanda State Park, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, and Harriman State Park, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Many campgrounds in northern New Jersey and nearby New York provide access to lakes, hiking trails, and forested settings while remaining relatively close to urban areas. Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers free primitive camping with fire rings and picnic tables, while more developed facilities like Camp Glen Gray feature cabins and glamping options.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campground 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," noted one visitor. Winter camping is limited, though some year-round options exist at Stokes State Forest. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Terrain varies from relatively flat, accessible campgrounds to more rugged sites requiring short hikes from parking areas. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, especially in the valleys and forested sections of state parks. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage at most campgrounds in the region.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with sites along lakes and rivers being particularly popular. Campers at Round Valley State Park highlight the "breathtaking scenery" and "gorgeous crystal-clear water" despite the hike required to reach some sites. Several visitors mentioned the quality of hiking trails accessible directly from campsites as a significant advantage. Noise levels vary considerably between campgrounds - those near highways like Cheesequake State Park may experience some traffic noise, while more remote locations offer greater solitude. Primitive sites typically provide fire rings and picnic tables, while developed campgrounds offer amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and in some cases, electric hookups. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are commonly reported across campgrounds in the region.
Best Campgrounds near Wanaque (145)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. 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."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
3. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"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."
from $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Glen Gray
"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability5. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Beautiful lakes all over the place. The AMC camp in Harriman is fantastic too! Those are reserved and paid cabins and platforms."
6. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
7. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
9. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
10. 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."
"We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."
from $7 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 25 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 31 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 8 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 18 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Camping Photos near Wanaque, NJ
472 Photos of 145 Wanaque Campgrounds
Jake R.
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Sue B.
Wawayanda Group Shelter
Zina R.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
Dominic G.
Moon Valley Campground
Zorina N.
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
The Dyrt
Woodland Trails
Thomas V.
Black Bear RV Park
Anil S.
Croton Point Park
Erin S.
Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort
Bee L.
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Camp Coal Tree
Recent Reviews near Wanaque, NJ
853 Reviews of 145 Wanaque Campgrounds
- Sue B.Ranger
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
S G.
ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Frank J.
TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
- SStephanie P.
GuideFloyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY
Not park and camp available
The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Greg Z.TravelerSussex County Fair Grounds
Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026
We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
- MMari F.Traveler
Mashipacong Island Campsite — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Not the correct description
Not an NPS location as was described. Now a campsite and canoe rental at $77 a night
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
RETIRED R.TravelerThousand Trails Timothy Lake South
All kinds
There are a lot of sites here. Some in sun some in full shade. Pull through sites have trees and bushes between sites. We are over by cabins in a large gravel site.
Guide to Wanaque
Campgrounds near Wanaque offer diverse terrain and camping conditions within the highlands of northern New Jersey, where elevations range from 400 to 1,500 feet. Most sites are nestled in mixed deciduous forests dominated by oak, maple, and birch, creating dense shade during summer months. The region experiences higher precipitation than surrounding areas, with evening temperatures dropping 10-15°F lower than nearby urban centers even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking from camp sites: At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1, campers can access an 11-mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. "This site is about 2 miles into the hike. This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," reports Ethan K.
Paddling opportunities: The lakes within Harriman State Park provide calm waters ideal for beginners. "You can also rent canoes and take them out on the lake for an afternoon activity," notes Ethan K. about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center. The center offers rentals directly from their waterfront.
Winter activities: Several campgrounds maintain limited winter access for cold-weather enthusiasts. "The wood stove definitely heats the room up nicely. I went through two bundles of wood in one night, and could have used more in the morning," shares W L. about winter cabin camping at Stokes State Forest, where cabins with wood stoves make off-season stays comfortable.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Many campers appreciate the raised wooden platforms available at several campgrounds. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," notes Ethan K. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Proximity to NYC: The quick escape from urban areas without a long drive ranks highly in reviews. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," writes Megan B. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer low-cost or free camping opportunities. "This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," shares Adaly about Beaver Pond, adding it costs "just $15."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area," reports Steve W. about Camp Glen Gray.
Weekend noise levels: Many campgrounds experience higher noise levels on weekends. "Quiet time at night is laughable as the enjoyment of being in nature rages on into the early morning," notes Steve W., though weekdays often provide more solitude.
Water access limitations: Campers should know some sites require moderate hikes to reach water sources. "This site is right next to a flowing stream with fresh water. The site is marked by a sign on a tree that says 'The Island'," shares Ethan K. about Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2.
Tips for camping with families
Look for supervised swimming: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. "The beach is secured with lifeguards and shower and bathroom facilities are available," explains Brian O. about Beaver Pond Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides family-oriented features. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here," shares Greg S.
Cell coverage for emergencies: Some campgrounds maintain better connectivity than others. "Your phone will have signal," confirms Zorina N. about Wawayanda State Park, making it one of the best places to camp near Wanaque for families needing to stay connected.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," notes Jake R. about Campgaw Mountain Reservation.
Water connection specifics: Check water hookup distances before arrival. "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," shares antruze about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations. "Nice and easy little campground. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," explains antruze about the facilities at Mahlon Dickerson, making it among the top choices for RV camping near Wanaque, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wanaque, NJ?
What camping is available near Wanaque, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wanaque, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Wanaque, NJ and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wanaque, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Wanaque, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wanaque, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wanaque, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wanaque, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Wanaque, NJ.
What parks are near Wanaque, NJ?
What parks are near Wanaque, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Wanaque, NJ that allow camping, notably Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Gateway National Recreation Area.
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