104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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 $74 - $130 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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 👍🏽"
"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"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."
"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."
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
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.
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.
ScoutWe stay at a lot of Jellystone parks so have become accustomed to the park layouts and activities. This one was well maintained with clean facilities. Some things like the mini golf and fire pits needed maintenance. The pools were nice but get very busy later in the day. The sites up on the hills are nice but beware, it’s a hill! There is little to no WiFi or cell service or it gets easily bogged down, so be ready for that. Food was basic but good. Some activities like bingo were a bit chaotic and there were a lot of ground hornets around the jumping pillows. Would totally go again.
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.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
TravelerThe campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the 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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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?
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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots 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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