The New Jersey Skylands region surrounding West Milford offers diverse camping experiences within state forests and parks. Wawayanda State Park Campground, located in nearby Hewitt, provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Other notable options include Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson, which features cabins and glamping accommodations alongside traditional camping, and High Point State Park Campground in Sussex, which sits at New Jersey's highest elevation point. These established campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with some facilities remaining open year-round.
Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol and have specific pet policies that visitors should verify before arrival. "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. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or near streams. Stokes State Forest maintains year-round camping areas with varying levels of amenities, though some visitors report that bathroom facilities may be basic at certain campgrounds.
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion of sites throughout the region. The mixed-use campgrounds provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area expands recreational options for visitors. A review of Stokes State Forest noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Many camping areas feature wooded sites with good spacing between neighbors, though some visitors report that weekend crowds from nearby metropolitan areas can impact the experience during peak season. Cell service can be limited in more remote camping areas, allowing for a more disconnected outdoor experience.
$17 - $20 / night
"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."
"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 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."
$5 - $20 / night
"Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."
"There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."
$7 - $55 / night
"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."
$74 - $130 / night
"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."
$50 - $275 / night
"This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc."
"The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan! Check them out and leave a review with your adventures during your stay!"
$5 - $200 / night
"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"
$82 - $95 / night
"Have stayed here several times - great location and nice, full hook-up sites. Back-in and pull through sites and can accommodate large rigs. A little expensive but everything is included."
"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 👍🏽"
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
TravelerStayed at Silver Lake for a two night camping trip and overall had a solid experience, with a few drawbacks.
The campsite itself is decent in size and easy to set up on, but it’s located along a fairly active road. Expect a couple vehicles per hour, including louder trucks, which takes away from the secluded feel. There are also signs the area may have been used for roadwork dumping in the past, with some leftover blacktop visible.
That said, the site works well for a functional camp. Plenty of nearby downed wood for fires, and the area has a good “working camp” feel if you don’t mind putting in a little effort. We had no issue gathering firewood and keeping a fire going, even after rain.
Weather was rainy for most of the trip, but a simple canopy setup made it manageable. The site drains reasonably well and didn’t turn into a mess.
Wildlife wise, ticks were present, so plan accordingly with repellent and checks.
We also had a brief visit from a forest ranger checking on smoke in the area. Interaction was professional and quick.
Overall, this is a good spot if you’re looking for a straightforward, no frills campsite and don’t mind some road noise. If you’re prioritizing privacy and a true backwoods feel, you may want to explore other sites in Delaware State Forest.
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
RangerWe enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
GuideThis is a trailhead, not a campsite. It is ranger enforced, I can confirm because it happened to me. Super nice ranger, but he said camping here is not allowed and considered “theft” since they do have sites available with purchase of a permit. You can find more information at reserveamerica.com under PA state parks. It is also right across from the Delaware State Forest District Office, so you can buy permits there as well. There is a campsite about a mile down the road from this trailhead that allows “motorized roadside camping” a.k.a. car camping. You can still try this gravel lot if you insist, just know you may be rolling the dice on this one.
RangerThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
ScoutI stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Camping sites near West Milford, New Jersey typically sit at elevations between 700-1,500 feet in the Highlands region, where average summer temperatures range 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options remain available at several locations with temperatures often dropping below freezing, particularly at Stokes State Forest which maintains year-round camping areas with varying amenities depending on season. Most campsites in this region require advance reservations through the New Jersey State Park Service reservation system.
Paddling opportunities: Wawayanda State Park Campground offers lake access for kayaking with rental options available near the beach area. "Haven't gotten the chance to camp here yet, but will definitely do so this summer. Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes," notes one visitor who explored the park's water features.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: The AT passes through multiple camping areas in the region. At High Point State Park Campground, you can access sections directly from your site. One visitor mentioned, "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite."
Winter recreation: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with specific winter accommodations. Stokes State Forest cabins provide cold-weather shelter with wood stoves. A winter visitor reported, "I bought wood from a house across the street from the entrance to the cabins and it was damp, but in November, I wasn't complaining, it took awhile but I got a nice blaze going. You need that wood stove to heat up the cabin."
Platform tent sites: Beaver Pond Campground in nearby Harriman State Park offers raised platforms at many sites which campers appreciate for comfort. "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," reports a camper.
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds maintain reasonable rates even during peak season. At Beaver Pond, a visitor noted, "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. Camping for just $15."
Proximity to metropolitan areas: Most camping options remain within 90 minutes of New York City while providing woodland seclusion. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint," commented one Beaver Pond visitor about the location's accessibility.
Bear safety requirements: Multiple campgrounds report active bear populations requiring proper food storage. At Stokes State Forest, a ranger review notes, "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes."
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer primitive camping experiences with minimal facilities. A Wawayanda State Park camper reported, "It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance. There is a lake at this campground that does have showers so I would recommend using those but if camping in the off season they may not be open."
Shower access varies: Some campgrounds have limited shower facilities or restricted hours. At High Point State Park, a visitor noted, "Showers are at the day use area, from 10-5:30, no trailer dump, website says laundry, but apparently not."
Site selection matters: Some locations have significant terrain variations. "Campsite 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!! The gravel driveway is on a 30-40 degree incline," reported a High Point camper.
Kid-friendly activities: Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities for children during summer months. "Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too," noted a family camper.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically by campground. At Beaver Pond, a visitor mentioned, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Off-season benefits: Several campgrounds offer quieter experiences during weekdays and non-summer months. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. 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," reported a Beaver Pond visitor.
Full hookup options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides electric and water hookups with spacious sites. "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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point," notes one RVer.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. A visitor to Mahlon Dickerson mentioned, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Winter RV accommodations: Some locations offer extended season camping with winterized facilities. "Campground with hookups. Basic sites with full hookups for about $80 a night. All the buildings are closed due to Covid, so no laundry & no bathroom," reported a visitor to Black Bear RV Park, which remains open year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities make camping fun near West Milford?
The West Milford camping area offers diverse recreational activities to enhance your outdoor experience. At Pickerel Point Campground in Promised Land State Park, you can launch kayaks directly from select campsites for immediate water access, with excellent paddling opportunities. For land-based adventures, Stephens State Park Campground provides lovely hiking trails along the Musconetcong River. Throughout the region, activities include hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail, swimming in natural lakes, mountain biking on dedicated trails, fishing in stocked waters, and wildlife viewing. Many campgrounds also offer ranger-led programs during peak season.
Where are the best campgrounds near West Milford?
The West Milford area offers several excellent camping options in New Jersey's scenic Skylands region. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out with its spacious, wooded sites featuring water and electric hookups, paved pads, and convenient access to hiking trails. For a waterfront experience, High Point State Park Campground provides beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking opportunities right from your campsite, plus swimming access and proximity to the highest point in New Jersey. Both campgrounds combine natural beauty with good amenities, making them perfect basecamps for exploring the region.
Are there campsites for quick one-night stays near West Milford?
Stokes State Forest offers flexible camping options perfect for overnight stays, with its Steam Mill Camping Area providing primitive sites ideal for tents or small trailers. For a unique one-night adventure, consider Sandyston Boat In Campsites in Delaware Water Gap, which features six open, spacious sites maintained by the National Park Service. These boat-in sites provide a quick escape into nature without requiring extensive planning, though you'll need a canoe or kayak for access. Both locations accommodate short stays and are conveniently located to West Milford.
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