Camping spots near West Orange, New Jersey range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 45-minute drive. The region sits at the edge of the Watchung Mountains with elevations between 400-600 feet, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August.
What to Do
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers lake access for paddlers. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," notes Cynthia H.
Urban exploration from Staten Island: Camp Gateway Staten Island provides a unique base for city adventures. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping," says Phillip L.
Hiking the area's trail systems: Camp Glen Gray offers extensive trail networks. "Great Camp!!! 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," reports Jose N.
Beach access at Sandy Hook: "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride. There is a cost to enter the park (unless you bike In) but it's free after 5:00," explains Maggie A.
What Campers Like
NYC skyline views: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers urban camping with city vistas. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll," advises Joe R.
Easy access to Manhattan: Campers appreciate the transit connections. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restaurants are right next door," shares Emily L.
Clean facilities at state parks: Cheesequake State Park Campground maintains good standards. "The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside an urban area," notes Kevin C.
Secluded wooded sites: Some campgrounds offer more privacy. "We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around," writes Jojo P. about Panther Lake.
What You Should Know
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell," warns Carrie H. about Panther Lake.
Seasonal camping dominates: Many parks cater to long-term campers. "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages," explains April L.
Wildlife encounters: Panther Lake Camping Resort has active wildlife. "Only issue was a skunk that visited our campsite multiple times in one night. Was not afraid of humans," cautions Colleen C.
Alcohol restrictions vary: Policies differ between parks. "Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter," notes a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson.
Tips for Camping with Families
Rustic cabin options: Beaver Pond Campground offers different accommodation types. "RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring," shares Rebecca S.
Swimming options: "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," says Ethan K. about Panther Lake.
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds get lively. "We felt like we were staying in the middle of a neighborhood. Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice but this place is a party place for sure. One family had a large movie screen outside watching movies every night," notes Julie F.
Facilities for children: "Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," says Christopher M. about Camp Glen Gray, which offers programming for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited site selection: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has specific RV amenities. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares Nancymike K.
Urban RV parking challenges: Liberty Harbor RV Park has tight spaces. "Literally a parking lot with water & electric hookups. Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," warns Ericka T.
Electric hookup details: "Sites very close to one another. Close to ferry for downtown and Statue of Liberty. People are very nice and accommodating. More of a stopping place to see the sites," explains Missy S. about Liberty Harbor.
Water connection logistics: "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," explains a reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson.
