Northern New Jersey's camping sites range from heavily wooded campgrounds to urban-adjacent parks with views of the Manhattan skyline. The area near Woodland Park sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with primarily deciduous forest cover. Seasonal camping typically runs April through October when temperatures average 45-85°F, though late summer thunderstorms can impact camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Harriman State Park offers extensive trail networks with options for all skill levels. As one visitor noted at Beaver Pond Campground, "The trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging." Multiple interconnected trails allow for day hikes directly from camping areas.
Visit urban attractions: Camp near the city for day trips to NYC landmarks. A camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park shared, "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end. They are nice but a bit rough." This location provides rare urban camping with skyline views.
Water activities: Several camping areas offer lake access for swimming and boating from May through September. A reviewer at Sebago Cabin Camp mentioned, "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day." Most lakes have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the forested settings available near Woodland Park. According to one visitor to 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."
Proximity to NYC: The unique ability to camp near major urban centers draws many visitors. A camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park stated, "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."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms for tent setup. At The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, a camper reported, "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
What you should know
Primitive camping options: For experienced backpackers, free primitive sites exist along trail systems. One hiker at Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1 advised, "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
Bear awareness: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. A camper recounted, "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. It's totally dark inside, lit only by the glow of the outside lamps."
Varying levels of privacy: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. A visitor to Beaver Pond shared, "Offering the peaceful tranquility of sitting under the changing oak, sumacs, maples, and poplars, I wouldn't recommend this site for the quiet hearted. There is a constant buzz in the air of conversation, music, laughter and shrieking toddlers."
Consider cabin options: Several parks offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. At Camp Glen Gray, a family noted, "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."
Check for playground facilities: Some campgrounds include playgrounds. One camper mentioned, "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Tips from RVers
Urban RV parking: Liberty Harbor provides a rare urban RV camping opportunity with transit access. One RVer advised, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore."
Leveling and hookups: Mahlon Dickerson gets positive reviews for site quality. An RVer noted, "Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway."
Campsite layout: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger vehicles. A review mentioned, "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 & restraunts are right next door."
