3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Primitive tent camping opportunities near West Milford, New Jersey include sites at Wawayanda State Park and several backcountry locations in the surrounding area. These established campgrounds provide access points for backcountry exploration, with the nearby Stonetown Circular trail offering primitive tent sites that require hiking to reach. The area's wooded landscape and proximity to multiple state parks make it ideal for tent campers seeking both accessibility and seclusion.
Most primitive tent sites feature basic amenities such as fire rings and designated tent pads, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Wawayanda State Park provides drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables at its tent camping areas, while backcountry sites along trails like Stonetown Circular are truly primitive with no facilities. One camper noted that "primitive sites along Stonetown Circular trail are nice spots to set up camp because they are right next to flowing streams with fresh water." These hike-in sites require proper planning and packing as they lack amenities found at more developed campgrounds.
Tent campers throughout the West Milford region can expect varying levels of privacy depending on the chosen site. The Stonetown Circular trail primitive sites offer substantial isolation for tent camping, making them popular with backpackers seeking a true wilderness experience. Areas like Campgaw Mountain Reservation require permits for tent camping and provide toilets and picnic tables while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. Reviews indicate the terrain can be challenging, with one visitor describing the Stonetown trail as having "a difficult uphill rock scramble," advising backpackers to "pack light." Most primitive tent camping areas in the region see low visitor traffic, especially on weekdays, providing excellent opportunities for solitude and nature immersion within a relatively short distance from urban centers.
"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."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
"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!"
from $50 - $275 / night
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
from $30 - $60 / night
"This site was a small tiny home located on an active produce farm."
from $90 / night
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
"There is a ten dollar fee per day to park your car so bring cash as the parking area is not always manned and you’ll have to leave the fee in an envelope that is available just past the entrance."
"There is no public road access to the campsite. Secondly, the site is maintained by the NPS, (National Park Service) within the DWGNRA, (Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area)."
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
LegendThere's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
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.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
Tent camping options near West Milford, New Jersey range from low-elevation river sites to higher forest settings between 700-1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with humid summers averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping typically offers comfortable daytime temperatures between 50-65°F with cooler nights, requiring appropriate sleeping gear rated for at least 30°F conditions.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Wawayanda State Park Campground offers access to water recreation just minutes from tent sites. One camper noted, "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."
Hiking on local trail networks: The area surrounding tent campsites near West Milford provides extensive hiking options with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center mentioned, "Been here a dozen times! Great hiking for all abilities. Free camping at stone shelters. Beautiful lakes all over the place."
Wildlife viewing and bird watching: Camping in the forested areas around West Milford presents opportunities to observe native wildlife in natural habitats. At Namanock Island, one camper reported, "Saw tons of bald eagles flying near the site and while paddles birds playing and baby geese with their mommas!"
Riverside camping experiences: Water-access camping spots provide unique overnight settings. A camper at Namanock Island shared, "How can you go wrong, camping on an island. This is one of the free sites on the Middle Delaware River Trail that is maintained by the NPS. The absence of light sources beyond your camp remind you that you are truly alone in the wilderness."
Rustic cabin options: For those wanting tent camping alternatives near West Milford, Sebago Cabin Camp provides basic structures with some amenities. A reviewer explained, "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. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
Quiet weekday camping: Less crowded experiences can be found during weekdays at most tent campsites. A camper at Croton Point Park noted, "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present. Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come systems. At Campgaw Mountain Reservation, a camper observed, "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps."
Wildlife considerations: Bears and smaller animals are present throughout the region. One camper warned about Croton Point Park: "Keep your food in the dry bag and away from the tent or benches provided or face the packs of fearless racoons at night."
Terrain challenges: Some sites feature difficult access or uneven ground. A reviewer at Wawayanda State Park mentioned, "Not very much completely level terrain but nothing you can't sleep on (that is it is a dirt/grass ground however not too level). It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
Site selection factors: Choose locations with appropriate facilities for children. A visitor to Moon Valley Campground shared, "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. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents."
Activity planning: Incorporate water activities during summer months. At Croton Point Park, one camper noted, "A gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but that's what make it unique experience!"
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature variations, especially during spring and fall. A Sebago Cabin Camp visitor advised, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly-beach like camping. The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge. Ignore the hotplate and just cook on a fire out other outdoor set up."
Site access limitations: Many campgrounds have limited RV accommodations. At the Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a reviewer clarified, "No RV and campers allowed. The parking for your car is 1/4 mile away but they allow you to unload and give you a wagon to take stuff to your site."
Setup considerations: Prepare for primitive conditions at many locations. A camper noted about Sebago, "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
Electric and water hookups: Limited services are available at select campgrounds. At Croton Point Park, a reviewer explained, "A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Milford, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Milford, NJ is Wawayanda State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Milford, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near West Milford, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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