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Best Dispersed Camping near Wantage, NJ

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Wantage, New Jersey centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding tri-state region. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Columbia, NJ provides free hike-in camping with strict regulations. Additional options include Hickok Brook in New York state, Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, and Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed in New York. These areas typically require no reservations but may have specific land management rules depending on the jurisdiction.

Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably by location. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers drive-in access, though permits are required. Hickok Brook features a rough access road with large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles, making it unsuitable for RVs or campers. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Hemlock Ridge MUA allows camping anywhere 150 feet from the trail, following Leave No Trace principles. The Appalachian Trail site prohibits ground fires, alcohol, and pets, but provides bear boxes for food storage.

These primitive camping areas appeal primarily to hikers, backpackers, and those seeking solitude. The Appalachian Trail site offers "plenty of space" with "secluded spots" according to visitors, though water must be obtained from Sunfish Pond, about a mile round trip. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides "a quiet peaceful wooded area" with limited parking for 4-6 vehicles and "absolutely no amenities whatsoever." Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites described as "beautiful but buggy" with very limited camping space. Visitors to Thunder Swamp note the "tons of hiking" opportunities in the surrounding area. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wantage, New Jersey (4)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    24 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    28 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    33 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wantage, NJ

8 Photos of 4 Wantage Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wantage, NJ

6 Reviews of 4 Wantage Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

Guide to Wantage

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wantage, New Jersey, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Lakeside Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • The Hickok Brook area provides a peaceful lakeside experience, ideal for those who enjoy quiet surroundings and the sound of water.
  • With only a few spots available, this location ensures a more intimate camping experience, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in access, which adds to the adventure and keeps the area less crowded, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Wantage, New Jersey

  • Always check for any required permits before heading to places like the Thunder Swamp Trailhead, as some areas may have specific regulations.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including water, as many dispersed camping spots, such as the Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, do not offer amenities like drinking water or toilets.
  • Familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of these areas, ensuring they remain pristine for future visitors.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Wantage

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails around Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning forest landscape.
  • Fishing and kayaking are popular activities at nearby lakes, providing a perfect way to relax and connect with nature while camping at spots like Hickok Brook.
  • For those who love climbing, the area around Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is frequented by climbers looking for easy access to the Gunks, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wantage, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wantage, NJ is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wantage, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Wantage, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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