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Camping near West Orange, New Jersey covers a wide range of options within a 30-mile radius, from urban RV parks to wooded state forest campgrounds. The area sits within reach of both the New York City metropolitan region and the more rural northwestern parts of New Jersey, including the Skylands region. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides urban camping with Manhattan skyline views, while more natural settings can be found at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Township and Cheesequake State Park in Matawan. Campers seeking proximity to water can find campgrounds at Sandy Hook in the Gateway National Recreation Area, where sites are within walking distance of beaches along the Atlantic coast.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with some closing as early as September. Cheesequake State Park operates from April 1 to October 31, while Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park (NY) runs from April 22 to October 9. Summer humidity and mosquitoes are common throughout the region, particularly in wooded and lakeside areas. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near urban areas and spotty reception in more remote locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during peak summer months when sites fill quickly.
Campsites near West Orange vary dramatically depending on location. Urban options like Liberty Harbor provide full RV hookups with easy access to public transportation into Manhattan, while state parks offer more traditional camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and natural surroundings. According to reviews, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation features "wooded and large" campsites that are "paved and mostly level" with water and electric hookups. Primitive boat-in sites are available along the Delaware River in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where campers must arrive by canoe or kayak. Pet policies vary significantly between campgrounds, with some prohibiting pets entirely while others welcome them at designated sites only.
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."
"This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availability"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."
"Sites are walk-in (only about¼ mile) and carts are available to haul gear. Two water spigots and bathrooms with flush toilets are also on-premise. No electric, hook-ups, or showers."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
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.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutWe reserved for a day. Very bad service. The river is super dirty and they did not even clean the trash cans. Besides, the fire ring has no grill cooking grate, so if you don’t bring your own NO GRILLING. Ryan was the person in front that took care of us, he was rude, my kids felt weird because he was not welcoming at all. Also, we try to ask for a partial refund since we did not felt comfortable since the beginning, and they said NO. We have experience camping, but this one was simply THE WORST. We lost the money but we won’t put our kids in a difficult situation. Thanks.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dog-friendly campsites with lake access in West Orange?
Yes, several campgrounds near West Orange welcome dogs and offer lake access. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides wooded campsites with water and electric hookups in a dog-friendly environment. Located in New Jersey's Skylands, it's perfect for hiking with your four-legged companion. Turkey Swamp Park is another excellent option featuring a 17-acre lake where you can enjoy water activities while camping with your dog. Their spacious sites provide a comfortable setting for families and pets, with easy access to hiking trails throughout the 2,283-acre property.
Where are the best tent camping sites in West Orange?
The West Orange area offers several excellent tent camping options. High Point State Park Campground provides beautiful lakeside campsites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your tent. The park sits in New Jersey's scenic Skylands region, offering access to the Appalachian Trail and the state's highest point. For a more primitive experience, Stokes State Forest features the Steam Mill Camping Area with 27 sites specifically designed for tents or small trailers, tucked away in a quiet, wooded setting perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.
How much do campsites in West Orange typically cost?
Campsite costs near West Orange vary based on amenities and location. At Butterfly Camping Resort, a family-friendly private campground with activities and a fishing lake, expect to pay premium rates for their well-maintained sites with utilities. In contrast, Great Divide Campground offers scenic camping with lake and pond access at mid-range prices, though it tends to be on the more expensive side for private campgrounds in the area. For budget-friendly options, state and county parks like High Point or Turkey Swamp typically charge $20-35 per night for basic sites, with potential additional fees for non-residents or hookups.
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