Map showing campground location near New Milford, New Jersey

Camper submitted image from Wawayanda State Park Campground

Wawayanda State Park Campground

Within Wawayanda State Park, this Division of Parks and Forestry campground operates from April through October with drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access options. The sites sit along a narrow strip of grass near the roadway, with some positioned on sloped terrain that affects sleeping comfort. Site 3 specifically sits on a hill that creates uneven ground for tents.

The camping area lacks trees for shade or hammock hanging, placing sites side-by-side with minimal privacy between neighbors. Campers gain access to the park's lake for kayaking and swimming, plus a network of hiking trails that connect to streams running near the campsites. "Clean, access to kayaking/beach/trails" summarizes the key draws according to M P., though the same reviewer notes bathroom ventilation issues.

Cell phone service remains spotty at most sites but improves near the kayak hut and main entrance. The area supports wildlife including ticks and bears, requiring appropriate precautions. Group site 4 offers more space but sits farther from running water and shower facilities. For additional camping options, consider Panther Lake Camping Resort or Moon Valley Campground.

Reservations help secure preferred sites during peak season, and bringing insect repellent proves essential given the tick presence.

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Location

Public Campground

Wawayanda State Park Campground is located in New Jersey

Directions

ROUTE 3 West to ROUTE 46 West to ROUTE 23 North. Take ROUTE 23 North to Union Valley Road exit. Take Union Valley Road for about 6 miles to Stop sign. Go straight at Stop Sign to the 2nd Traffic Light (Shop-Rite Shopping Center on the Northwest Corner) and turn Left, keeping on Union Valley Road. Go another ¾ mile to a fork in the road and bear Left onto White Road (West Milford Florist is on Left). Go another ½ mile to a Stop sign and make Left, onto Warwick Tpk. Take for 4 miles and park entrance is on Left.

Address

885 Warwick Turnpike
Hewitt, NJ 07421

Coordinates

41.19275501 N
74.429159 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

30 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
1 hr 2 min from New York, NY
1 hr 15 min from Kingston, NY
1 hr 36 min from Bridgeport, CT

Add Review

5 Stars

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3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted clean facilities and good trail access at this campground. However, some feedback indicated privacy concerns with closely-spaced sites and mixed terrain conditions across different camping areas.

M P.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2023

Camping on narrow patch of grass by the roadway

Campsites were open in June.

Pros: Clean, access to kayaking/beach/trails. Largely friendly staff and campers,

Cons: Campgrounds are a narrow patch of grass by the roadway. Site #3 is on a hill which doesn't make for a comfortable night of sleep. No trees for shade or to hang a hammock. Campsites are side-by-side - no privacy from neighbors. Primitive bathrooms need ventilation. Clean enough, but hold your breath. Ticks and bears.

No phone service at campsite, but could get phone service by the kayak hut or the main entrance.

Site003

Month of VisitJune

Scott S.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 6, 2023

Love it

Been camping here since I was 3-4yrs old and love it here

Sitetent

Month of VisitMay

John C.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Decent campground

I stayed at group site 4 which was a very nice campsite. Not very much completely level terrain but nothing you can't sleep on (that is it is a dirt/grass ground however not too level). It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance. There is a lake at this campground that does have showers so I would recommend using those but if camping in the off season they may not be open.

Beautiful hiking trails around the area with a cool, shaded stream that runs close by the sites and is fun to walk along (does have paths).

Meredith C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

Great hiking and scenery

Haven't gotten the chance to camp here yet, but will definitely do so this summer. Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time.

Month of VisitNovember

Richard M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Just Passed Through

I was section hiking the NJ section of the AT which passes through Wawayanda State Park. I stopped at the shelter for a break. It is small compared to other shelters, listed capacity is 6, but offers the normal facilities of a shelter in that region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Wawayanda State Park?

Wawayanda State Park offers several camping options including individual sites and group sites (like Group Site 4). The campground features basic facilities with dirt/grass grounds. While the terrain isn't completely level at all sites, it's generally suitable for tent camping. The park lacks running water and showers within walking distance of some camping areas. There's access to a lake for recreation, kayaking opportunities, a beach area, and numerous hiking trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the park.

How do I make camping reservations at Wawayanda State Park?

Reservations for Wawayanda State Park Campground can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service's reservation system. The park offers both individual and group camping sites. Group site reservations may require contacting the park office directly. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during summer months when the campground is busiest. For the most current reservation information and availability, contact the park office directly or visit the New Jersey State Park Service website.

What do visitor reviews say about Wawayanda State Park camping?

Wawayanda State Park Campground receives generally positive feedback for its clean facilities, access to kayaking, beach areas, and extensive trail networks. Many campers appreciate the friendly staff and fellow visitors. The park has loyal patrons who return year after year. Some drawbacks include certain sites (like #3) being situated on hills making for less comfortable sleeping, limited shade at some locations, and narrow camping areas near roadways. The campground is noted for its natural setting, though visitors should be prepared for basic amenities rather than luxury camping.

Where is Wawayanda State Park located in New Jersey?

Wawayanda State Park is located in northern New Jersey in the state's Highlands region. The park spans parts of Sussex and Passaic counties. Its location makes it accessible for visitors from the New York metropolitan area looking for outdoor recreation opportunities. The park encompasses forested areas, lakes, and a section of the Appalachian Trail passes through it, making it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and day visitors seeking natural scenery in northern New Jersey.

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