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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wantage, NJ

5 Reviews

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Wantage, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Wantage. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wantage, NJ (4)

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wantage

5 Reviews of 4 Wantage Campgrounds

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • Katharine T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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!

  • Cory D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
    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.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

    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.

Guide to Wantage

Camping near Wantage, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" was a highlight of their stay.
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Pickerel Point Campground - Promised Land State Park. A visitor shared, "The rod into the campground was full of pot holes," indicating the natural beauty and opportunities for fishing.
  • Water Activities: Check out Kittatinny Campground for river rafting. One review noted, "I did like the river rafting and also it was just fine being outdoors."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Beaver Pond Campground stated, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "The staff person... is so sweet! She picked a site for us suitable to our vehicle."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites at places like Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. A review noted, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground complained, "I'm typing this at 2:22 AM as the group site next to us has been playing amplified music."
  • Site Accessibility: Not all sites allow easy access for vehicles. One camper at High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "I booked site 20 online... I thought I was going to be able to park my vehicle near my site."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A review for Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "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. A family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."
  • Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer spacious sites for privacy. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "I can’t believe how quiet it is here. Our site is wooded and very private."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have a plan for meals, especially if you have picky eaters. One family at Mountain Vista Campground appreciated the "clean facilities" for cooking.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Be prepared for hilly roads. A review for 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."
  • Site Size Matters: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites for RVs. A visitor at Mountain Vista Campground noted, "All sites have ample room. Lots of pull through for bigger rigs."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Be aware that Wi-Fi can be spotty. One camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "The Wi-Fi is also bad here."

Camping near Wantage, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

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.