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Best Dispersed Camping near West Milford, NJ

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near West Milford, New Jersey include several primitive sites within driving distance. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in Worthington State Forest provides basic accommodations for hikers with no amenities. This site features bear boxes and suitable trees for hammocking, though tent campers should note the somewhat sloped terrain. According to reviews, no water is available at this location, so hikers must stock up at Dunnfield Creek or Sunfish Pond.

Hickok Brook in New York offers lakeside tent sites accessible via rough roads. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to significant potholes and uneven terrain. Several campers noted this area is not suitable for RVs or trailers. The site requires a permit from the New York State Ranger's office for the appropriate county. Only three designated camping spots exist, and motor vehicles are restricted beyond certain points.

Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area features a small parking lot accommodating 4-6 vehicles and approximately 80 acres of forested land. Standard Leave No Trace principles apply, with camping permitted 150 feet from established trails. Visitors report no amenities whatsoever, including no cell service, making this a truly primitive experience. The area attracts rock climbers due to its proximity to "the Gunks" climbing area. The quiet, peaceful setting offers seclusion rather than mountain views. Insect repellent is essential as multiple reviews mention persistent bugs throughout the camping areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near West Milford, New Jersey (5)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    37 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
    37 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
    39 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
    39 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."

    5. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

    Be the first to review!
    Queens, NY
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near West Milford, NJ

8 Photos of 5 West Milford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near West Milford, NJ

6 Reviews of 5 West Milford 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 West Milford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near West Milford, New Jersey, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near West Milford, New Jersey

  • Always check for permit requirements before heading out; for example, Hickok Brook requires a permit on New York state land.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; sites like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offer no facilities, so bring everything you need.
  • Consider the accessibility of your vehicle; some areas, such as Thunder Swamp Trailhead, are better suited for those with high-clearance vehicles.

Enjoy scenic views while free camping near West Milford

Dispersed campers should check out Rest Area I-84

  • The Rest Area I-84 is a safe and clean option for solo travelers, providing a sense of security with other campers around.
  • This location features clean bathrooms and vending machines, making it a convenient stop for those on the road.
  • With no permit required, it’s an easy choice for those looking to camp without the hassle of reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near West Milford, NJ?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near West Milford, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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