Best Campgrounds near Wharton, NJ
The New Jersey Skylands region surrounding Wharton features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and Stephens State Park. These areas provide a mix of camping experiences from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV accommodations, with some locations offering cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in the region are situated near lakes or along the Delaware River, providing water recreation opportunities. The forested terrain creates secluded camping environments despite proximity to urban areas, with many sites nestled within hardwood forests characteristic of northern New Jersey.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most state park facilities operating from April through October. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers paved, mostly level campsites with water and electric hookups, while more primitive options exist at Round Valley Recreation Area. One visitor noted that "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." Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between ridges. Visitors should be prepared for encounters with wildlife including deer and black bears, with proper food storage being essential at all campgrounds.
Campers consistently highlight the surprising natural beauty found so close to densely populated areas. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides boat-in camping opportunities along the river, with several visitors mentioning the privacy and serenity of these sites. A reviewer described Namanock Island as offering "a feeling I have never experienced anywhere else. The campsites on this island are always very clean, if not pristine." Tent campers should note that some private campgrounds primarily cater to RVs, with tent sites sometimes located in less desirable areas. State park campgrounds generally offer more balanced accommodations for both tent and RV camping, though amenities like showers and flush toilets vary significantly between locations. Proximity to hiking trails, particularly sections of the Appalachian Trail, represents another frequently mentioned advantage of camping in this region.
