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Established Camping

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

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Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, near Jefferson, New Jersey, is a charming campground that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With well-spaced sites surrounded by beautiful woods, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground features clean facilities, including heated bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking. Many campers have noted the spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to gather around the fire and share stories. One reviewer mentioned, “If you want to decompress and get out in the woods, this is a great spot.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking trails that wind through the area, providing a chance to explore the natural beauty surrounding the campground. While there aren’t many amenities for kids, the serene environment and the opportunity to spot wildlife make it a great choice for families looking to connect with nature.

With a low price point and a friendly atmosphere, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to enjoy a simple yet fulfilling camping experience. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, this campground has what you need for a memorable getaway.

Description

County

This is the largest park in the Morris County Park System, encompassing 3,494 acres of beautiful near-wilderness and recreational areas. The Reservation is the park to visit with over 24.5 miles of multi-use trails for novice and experienced skill levels. For off-road bicyclists, discover the challenge and adventure of the blazed biking trails. Horseback riding, seasonal camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and softball are recreational activities at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Digital trail maps are available online.

One of the outstanding features of the Reservation is the magnificent view from atop Headley Overlook, a 1,280 foot elevation, one of the highest points in Morris County. The Saffin Pond area is a most scenic location to enjoy a day of fishing. The Saffin Rock Rill area offers space for educational programs.

Some of the unique activities at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation include a radio-controlled car track, and model boat racing. All are operated by nonprofit groups comprised of interested residents.

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation (MDR) is a 3,590+ acre park with miles of trails and a Recreational Campground. MDR is a quiet place to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching and more. There are two (2) camping areas within the park. One (1) area accommodates Recreational Vehicle (RV) campers who travel with Motorhomes (Class A/B/C), Trailers/Fifth Wheels and Pop-up Campers. The second area is for Tent and Adirondack Shelter (Shelter) campers.

This campground is designated for recreational camping only.

This seasonal site is intended for short-term stays and does not allow for monthly or long-term reservations.

RV Sites - Reservations area allowed for up to fourteen (14) consecutive nights and cannot exceed 14 reserved nights in a 30 day period. Tent and Shelter Sites - Reservations are allowed for up to two (2) consecutive nights, three (3) consecutive nights on a Holiday weekend and cannot exceed two (2) reserved nights , three (3) on a Holiday weekend in a 7 day period.

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Location

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is located in New Jersey

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.01323655 N
74.5699364 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

18 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2023

4.3 stars

Very nice forest! The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here. No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods. There are some nice trails around rhe campground as well, but we only stopped for a night so didn't venture too far. There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on. The water hoses provided are plenty long. We didn't need to use our hose at all, just the filter. If you want to decompress and get out in the woods, this is a great spot.

Site9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Greg S., June 26, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Basic and perfect

We got a shelter site. Our 4 person tent fit in the shelter well. The fire pit is a bit too deep and you will need a lot of wood to get the fire tall enough to cook. There is a portable toilet on the side of the tents, and a great bathroom with private showers a short drive in the RV side. The site was large and very serene and peaceful. Only $20 a night is a steal for this experience.

SiteShelter site 1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Zina R., June 19, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2022

Great little campground

Mahlon Dickerson Campground is a true gem. It is a small campground nestled in the woods. There are level padded sites with electric and water (in warmer months). Sites were spaced out with beautiful woods in the background. Hiking trail goes right through the campground. There is a bathroom with showers that is heated in the colder months. There is a water spigot at the bathrooms to fill up your water tanks. Dump station also on site. Each site has a nice picnic table and fire ring. I really enjoyed this campground and would go back again.

Site16
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Elke P., April 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Elke P., April 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Elke P., April 26, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2022

April Camping Trip

Quiet campground with cool hiking trails and VERY clean public bath house. Only thing was is there is not much for kids to do.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by karlee , April 3, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Awesome!!!!

It’s a really good place!!!!

Sitetent 8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Sandra C., September 12, 2021
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Reviewed Apr. 2, 2021

Best ever. Really.

This is my second attempt at posting a review here. I am not a fan of camping "resorts," so keep that in mind if you are looking for an incorporated waterpark,theater, etc.. The spacing is perfect, even packed you have space and privacy. The views are amazing. Plenty of trails, plenty to do near by. Place is perfect. The price is astonishingly low.

Reviewed Apr. 2, 2021

Best. Campground.Ever.

Please keep in mind I am not and have never been a fan of "resort" campgrounds, so things like wifi, pools, etc, are not here (that I know of). There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond,lake,) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room. The price makes it even better. Just best place I have ever been and plenty to do near by.

Reviewed Oct. 7, 2020

Nice, small, spacious campground

We stayed at site 15 for 5 days. The sites are nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup. Although the water spigots were shared between sites, they provide hose caddies that should reach most RV hookups. No sewer hookup, but there is a convenient dump station. There are no fire rings in the RV section, only raised grills. We had the place pretty much to ourselves during the week, but the weekend did get busy. AT&T had ok data connection with 1-2 bars most of the time. There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was very inconsistent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi. There is a very nice network of trails in the reservation, most if not all were leashed dog friendly. There is a very nice restaurant, Stone Water, less than 10 miles away and is right on lake Hopatcong.

Site15
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Ray & Terri F., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Ray & Terri F., October 7, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Quiet

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. Nice and easy little campground. FYI.... Campground rules do not list anything about alcohol on the website or the emailed rules given after reservation, however there is a alcohol prohibited sign as you enter.

  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by antruze .., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by antruze .., June 30, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2019

Peaceful

Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2019

Like it

We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly.

  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Paul N., June 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Paul N., June 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Paul N., June 10, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Love it here!

My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it’s a very easy hike and also very peaceful. Definitely come here when you get a chance. There is electric and water hookups for your RV which is great! And at the campgrounds there is a platform where you can pitch your tent.

  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Paulene-Amanda M., June 1, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2018

Quiet County Park with Large Sites

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. 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.

Site4
Month of VisitNovember
  • Campesite 4
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Reviewed Oct. 27, 2018

Large wooded campsites in the NJ Skylands

This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants.

Site4
Month of VisitApril
  • Our November campsite.
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Reviewed Aug. 10, 2018

Solo Birthday Trip

I have been camping for many years but I chose Mahlon Dickerson for my first solo trip. Super easy to book. Easy to find on a gps and even if you lose service there are signs marking the reservation campground! Very clean and the area is beautiful. They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt. The sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff. Trust me it is worth it and I think it’s the best tent site they have. There are showers on the rv side of the reservation you can use. Very cheap as well. $15/night on Memorial Day weekend! You won’t be disappointed! Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites!

SiteT-7
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Christina L., August 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Christina L., August 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation by Christina L., August 10, 2018
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Mahlon Dickerson Reservation have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation?

    Mahlon Dickerson Reservation allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.