Camping options near Washington Township are situated within New Jersey's northern highlands region, where elevations range between 500-1,200 feet above sea level. The area features deciduous forest covering rolling hills and rocky outcrops, creating varied terrain for hikers and campers. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping season brings 70-85°F daytime temperatures with cooler evenings.
What to do
Hiking at Beaver Pond: Access multiple trail systems directly from Beaver Pond Campground within Harriman State Park. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal," notes Zorina N. The campground connects to extensive hiking networks with varied difficulty levels.
Swimming at local lakes: Public swimming areas operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day at several parks. "They have a beach. Their staff is friendly. I love going here," shares Adaly about Beaver Pond. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park, "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," reports Courtney D.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and lakes throughout the region allow shore fishing without permits for campers. "If you are into fishing, there is another lake and two ponds that our neighbor campers said were great for catching panfish - one fisherman said he had caught several bass weighing over 3 pounds!!" mentions Shelly B. about Fahnestock State Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites at county parks: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers generous site dimensions on paved, mostly level pads. "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," explains Greg S. Another visitor adds, "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and dusk provide optimal wildlife spotting chances across regional campgrounds. Wyndie G. reports from Black Bear RV Park: "The best part was at dusk when the animals came out!" Campers frequently report deer sightings, and raccoons are common after dark.
Off-season tranquility: Shoulder season camping from September through mid-November offers reduced crowds and fall foliage. "Off-grid camping experience... Their staff is friendly. I love going here," shares Adaly about Beaver Pond. At Mahlon Dickerson, one camper states: "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campgrounds in the region have significantly different site configurations and privacy levels. "After several visits we have finally found our favorite site... I highly recommend this place but check out the sites online to get one that is private," advises Asher K. about Fahnestock State Park.
Showers and bathrooms vary widely: Facility maintenance differs substantially between parks. "The bathrooms and dishwashing... UGH. So old and dirty!!!" reports one camper about Fahnestock, while others praise Mahlon Dickerson's facilities: "CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners."
Bear precautions required: Black bears inhabit the region, necessitating proper food storage. At Beaver Pond, staff emphasize safety: "'Welcome to Bear Mountain' grumbles the park ranger... 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," recounts Steve W.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Several parks run junior ranger and nature programs during summer weekends. "There were a lot of nice hikes. Great place for kids," shares Stacie S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park, which provides easy access to nearby educational attractions.
Platform tent sites: For families new to camping, platform tent sites offer convenience. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," explains Christina L. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature small farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities. At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," says Faith D. Another visitor mentions, "My daughter loved the horses and goats."
Tips from RVers
Site length verification: Always confirm actual site dimensions before booking, as many older campgrounds have limited turning radius. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," reports Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Seasonal infrastructure: Water systems at many parks shut down during winter months. Harold C. notes about Black Bear RV Park: "Campsite 44 for just one night. I can hear distant cars from time to time but, not like highway sounds. Bathrooms for our area looks well kept outside, but, closed due to covid."
RV site upgrades: Some campgrounds have recently improved their infrastructure for larger rigs. About Mountain Top RV Park, Jason G. explains: "The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience." He adds that "The video posted shows the full hook-up area. The water and electric sites and tent sites were tucked away in a more wooded environment."
