Camping options near Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey range from basic tent sites to platform camping with lake access. The area sits within the Ramapo Mountains where elevation ranges from 300-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and exploration. Weather conditions typically allow for camping from April through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 80-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Lake swimming at Croton Point Park: The campground features a beach area with lifeguards on duty Wednesday through weekend during summer months. A camper noted, "A gorgeous camping ground right on the Hudson with beach and trails... a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Hiking from your campsite: Many Beaver Pond Campground sites connect directly to trail networks. "The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging. Don't fret, trails that are rated easy and accessible to disabled are equally enjoyable and beautiful," explains a reviewer.
Winter activities: Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers outdoor recreation beyond summer months. The site features disc golf and water access during warmer seasons, while the mountain offers skiing and snowboarding during winter, making it one of the few year-round camping options near Woodcliff Lake.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Multiple campgrounds offer budget-friendly options. At Beaver Pond Campground, a camper mentioned "Camping for just $15. This is an off-grid camping experience. You can use your generator at certain hours. They have a beach. Their staff is friendly."
Platform tent sites: The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center provides elevated camping platforms that campers value. "You are able to do a hike around the lake. They have both cabins for rent and camping spots on platforms which are great, especially when it rains," explains one visitor who appreciated this practical feature.
Weekday peace: For those seeking quieter experiences at the best places to camp near Woodcliff Lake, timing matters. A Beaver Pond visitor shared, "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great."
Meal options: Several campers mention appreciation for meal plans at some campgrounds. At Corman AMC, a visitor noted, "One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef. The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Bears are common in camping areas near Woodcliff Lake. At Beaver Pond, staff provide specific warnings: "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Varying site privacy: Site selection matters significantly at Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground. "This is one of my favorite campsites I have been to but only because after several visits we have finally found our favorite site. This place can book up during camping season in the Northeast so make sure to book early in advance," advised a regular visitor.
Public transit access: Several campgrounds near Woodcliff Lake can be reached without a car. A Fahnestock camper explained, "Came in on MetroNorth from NYC then took a pre-arranged taxi ($25 flat rate) to the campground." Similarly, Corman AMC offers transportation: "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly spaces: Camp Glen Gray receives high marks from family campers. "This is our favorite family campsite. Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," reports a regular visitor.
Beach swimming access: Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming. At Croton Point Park, a visitor noted, "Short 5 minute drive to nearby supermarket to pick up food or firewood. I would highly recommend it. Oh...and did i say, gorgeous scenery along the river and a private beach which is opened from Wednesday to the weekend with life guards on duty!"
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds offer opportunities to observe animals safely. At Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a visitor enjoyed "watching beavers from the dining hall patio," while Croton Point Park campers frequently mention seeing rabbits throughout the grounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Mahlon Dickerson: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers good RV accommodations. "Very clean and quiet. 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. Trash dumpster is an easy walk and the dump station has a flush hose point."
Larger rig navigation: When selecting a campground for an RV, consider road access. A Mahlon Dickerson visitor reported, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Level sites: For RV campers, finding level ground is important. At Mahlon Dickerson, a camper observed, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
