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 Woodland Park, NJ
119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping opportunities around Woodland Park, New Jersey include a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites within a short drive of the area. The region includes notable options like Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping facilities with electric hookups and picnic tables. Camp Glen Gray and Campgaw Mountain Reservation provide alternatives for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a woodland experience. Several locations in the surrounding area accommodate various camping styles, from boat-in primitive camping along the Delaware River to developed sites with amenities like showers and electric hookups.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall. Many campsites require reservations, particularly during summer months when demand increases. A camper noted that "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." Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions that can include summer heat, thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. While some primitive sites offer free camping with minimal amenities, established campgrounds typically provide water access, toilets, and sometimes showers for a fee. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near developed areas and limited or no service in more remote locations.
The camping experience near Woodland Park benefits from proximity to natural attractions and outdoor recreation. Waterfront sites at locations like Round Valley State Park earn particular praise for their views and access to water activities. As one visitor described, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake." Hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, can be accessed from many campgrounds in the region. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting deer, birds, and smaller mammals. Noise levels vary by location, with sites closer to highways or popular recreation areas experiencing more activity, while more remote primitive sites offer greater solitude and natural sounds.
Best Campgrounds near Woodland Park (119)
1. 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 Availability2. 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 Availability3. 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."
4. 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 Availability5. 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 Availability6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
7. 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."
8. 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 👍🏽"
9. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availability10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"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."
Drive Time
- 23 min from New York, NY
- 38 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 7 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 11 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Woodland Park, NJ
448 Photos of 119 Woodland Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
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Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Tentrr Signature Site - Appalachian Trail Hilltop Hideaway - Coleman Cooking Site
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Moon Valley CampgroundD
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Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Recent Reviews near Woodland Park, NJ
794 Reviews of 119 Woodland Park 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.
- Sue B.Ranger
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Great off season camping
We camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
- JJayTraveler
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Large sites & friendly staff!
Another great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
Guide to Woodland Park
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Woodland Park, NJ?
What camping is available near Woodland Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Woodland Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodland Park, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Woodland Park, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Woodland Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodland Park, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodland Park, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodland Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Woodland Park, NJ.
What parks are near Woodland Park, NJ?
What parks are near Woodland Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Woodland Park, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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