Leo C.
Scout
ScoutWinding Hills Park
Nice but dated
Nice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
Camping near Woodcliff Lake, NJ
104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds within 20 miles of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey include several established options offering varied camping experiences. Harriman State Park, located approximately 15 miles northwest, features multiple camping areas including Beaver Pond Campground and Sebago Cabin Camp with tent and cabin accommodations. Camp Glen Gray in nearby Mahwah provides rustic cabin camping with tent sites and limited RV access. Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers primitive tent camping closer to Woodcliff Lake with basic amenities. The region encompasses both New Jersey and New York camping destinations within reasonable driving distance from suburban Bergen County.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with most facilities operating from spring through fall. Harriman State Park camping areas typically open from April through October, while other sites may operate year-round with limited winter services. Many locations require advance reservations, particularly for cabin accommodations at sites like Sebago and Camp Glen Gray. Most campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities including toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, though primitive sites may have minimal facilities. Cell service can be unreliable in the more remote sections of Harriman State Park. A camper noted the practical advantage of cabin camping at Sebago: "These 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."
Campers consistently mention the value of having natural settings so close to urban areas. The Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center receives high ratings for its lake access and organized activities, with platform tent sites offering a comfortable camping experience. Camp Glen Gray maintains rustic appeal with well-maintained facilities and hiking trails. A visitor described Camp Glen Gray as having "cabins always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails." Water features represent significant attractions at several campgrounds, particularly at Sebago which offers "a huge lake and great beach area" according to user reviews. Weekend crowding can be an issue at more popular sites, with several reviewers recommending weekday visits for a quieter experience, especially at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park.
Best Campgrounds near Woodcliff Lake (104)
1. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
"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 $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park
"It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
"This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see. These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge."
from $130 / night
Check Availability3. Croton Point Park
"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."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"This was beautiful campground with an even nicer lake. You are able to do a hike around the lake."
"Great trails to hike for novices looking to branch out but not too large that you'll be lost forever lol highly recommend and can't do so enough 👍🏽"
5. Camp Glen Gray
"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 Availability6. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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 Availability7. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
8. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
9. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
from $21 / night
Check Availability10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"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."
Drive Time
- 24 min from New York, NY
- 26 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 56 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 1 hr 13 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Woodcliff Lake, NJ
336 Photos of 104 Woodcliff Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Croton Point Park
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Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
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Tentrr Signature Site - Hunter Brook Mountain
Recent Reviews near Woodcliff Lake, NJ
621 Reviews of 104 Woodcliff Lake Campgrounds
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'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.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On 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.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- KKelly B.
GuideClarence Fahnestock State Park Campground
Check site photos first
Definitely 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
- KKelly B.Guide
Stephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked 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!
- KKevin F.
TravelerTri-State RV Park
A place to stay in an area lacking campgrounds.
This 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.
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No 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.
Deiludi P.ScoutKittatinny Campground
AWFUL
We 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.
Guide to Woodcliff Lake
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
What camping is available near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Woodcliff Lake, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodcliff Lake, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodcliff Lake, NJ is Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
What parks are near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
What parks are near Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Woodcliff Lake, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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