119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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"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."
"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"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"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."
"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 👍🏽"
"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 Availability"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.
RangerWe 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.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
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.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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?
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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots 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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