145 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 👍🏽"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here 4th of July weekend, and this is one of the things I love about these sites...they had availability! Our site was very big, and was perfect with sone shade and also lots of sun!
RangerOur travel trailer and our friends' pop up both fit on this site with no problem. The only issue we had is that there is a bit of a ditch that turns to mud after a rain. We were off the beaten path so very little traffic. There was a bathroom with pit toilets down the street. Plenty of places to hike and fish also. We loved it here!
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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?
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?
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 41 reviews.
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?
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.
Keep Exploring
