104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Located roughly 30 miles northwest of New York City, Washington Township, New Jersey provides access to campgrounds ranging from developed RV sites with full electric hookups to primitive tent camping and cabin rentals. Campgrounds such as Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Camp Glen Gray offer multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Harriman State Park, situated just across the state line in New York, features several developed campgrounds including Beaver Pond and the rustic Sebago Cabin Camp. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and more primitive camping opportunities along trails like the Stonetown Circular, where backpackers can access designated backcountry sites.
Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from late May through early September. Developed sites at places like Campgaw Mountain Reservation and Croton Point Park provide varying levels of amenities, from basic toilets to full electric hookups and shower facilities. Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with many closing during winter months. Primitive camping options remain accessible year-round but may have weather restrictions. Road access varies considerably, with some locations requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach tent sites. A visitor to Stonetown Circular trail noted, "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view, but the only difficult thing is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble."
Campers consistently mention the region's proximity to hiking trails and water features as major highlights. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center receives positive reviews for its lake access and camping platforms. According to one visitor, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio." Sebago Cabin Camp draws campers seeking a rustic experience with electricity but without indoor plumbing. Those seeking solitude might encounter challenges at some locations—a review of Campgaw Mountain Reservation mentions "super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," though the site becomes quiet after sunset. Many campgrounds in the region balance natural settings with relative proximity to urban areas, making them popular weekend destinations for residents of the New York metropolitan area.
"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"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / 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 👍🏽"
"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"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."
"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."
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.
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.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
RangerI'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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerThe 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.
The area surrounding Washington Township, New Jersey sits within the Highland region, featuring elevations between 400-1,100 feet and mixed hardwood forests. Seasonal changes affect camping conditions significantly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F while fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Hiking near Flag pole peak: The Stonetown Circular trail offers challenging terrain for experienced hikers approximately 2 miles from the trailhead. "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," notes one camper about the primitive camping spot.
Swimming at Lake Welch: Located within Harriman State Park, the lake provides a sandy beach with lifeguard supervision during summer months. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground mentions, "A stones throw from NYC this beautiful area combines Lake Welch and Harriman State Park. This camp ground is laid back away from the busy activity of the big city. If you want to get away and relax you can come here to walk, swim and camp."
Wildlife viewing: Several camping areas provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. At the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, visitors can watch beavers from common areas. According to a camper, "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
Platform campsites: Elevated camping platforms at several locations provide practical advantages in varying weather conditions. A reviewer at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."
Rustic cabin options: Cabins at Sebago Cabin Camp provide minimal amenities but allow for longer stays without extensive equipment. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," explains one visitor. Another adds, "Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Proximity to transportation: Many camping spots near Washington Township, New Jersey offer accessibility to public transit options. As one camper noted, "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station."
Bear precautions: Multiple campgrounds in the area require proper food storage due to active black bear populations. A visitor to Croton Point Park advises, "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules, typically closing in late fall through early spring. One camper at Beaver Pond noted, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas and popular trails can impact the camping experience. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, "The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps. If you like being woken up by folks walking their dog at 7 AM, this is the spot for you."
Lake activities: Family-friendly water access makes several locations particularly suitable for children. "Short distance from NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes a visitor to Croton Point Park about amenities that accommodate families.
Educational opportunities: Several camping locations near Washington Township provide historical and natural learning experiences. Camp Glen Gray visitors appreciate this aspect, with one reviewer noting, "Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Playground access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and other camping areas maintain playground facilities within view of camping areas. One visitor observed, "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical and water hookups but lack full sewer connections. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park explained, "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else."
Spacious sites at Mahlon Dickerson: The reservation offers larger, more private sites for RVs. "Very clean and quiet. 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."
Easy navigation: Despite mountainous terrain, several campgrounds provide manageable roads for larger vehicles. One Mahlon Dickerson visitor noted, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Washington Township, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Washington Township, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington Township, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Washington Township, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington Township, 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 Washington Township, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Washington Township, NJ.
What parks are near Washington Township, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Washington Township, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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