Near the New York-New Jersey border, the region around Pomona sits within the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, offering diverse camping experiences from riverside sites to wooded retreats. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and snowy winters, making it popular for outdoor activities year-round. Several campgrounds offer both conventional tent sites and upscale glamping accommodations within a one-hour drive from Manhattan.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: West Point FMWR Round Pond Recreation Area offers easy access to scenic trails directly from the campground. "Close enough to NYC area for comfortable and scenic drive. Great setting for a spontaneous camping trip. Plenty of room in tent site area," notes Casey G. The proximity makes it ideal for day trips.
Fishing in multiple lakes: High Point State Park Campground provides access to multiple fishing spots including Steenykill Lake. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," writes Justin P.
Tubing and rafting: The Delaware River offers water recreation opportunities through Kittatinny Campground. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" says Maggie K.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Stokes State Forest offers peaceful camping with both tent sites and cabin options. "We stayed on a beautiful mossy bank, next to a river and a lake. The area was quiet and peaceful, and areas with waterfalls and great views were easily accessible," shares Kiya N.
Clean facilities: West Point FMWR facilities receive consistent praise for maintenance. "Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!" mentions Mindie C.
Wood-burning stoves in cabins: Camp Glen Gray offers well-maintained cabins with practical amenities. "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," reports Christopher M.
What you should know
Military access restrictions: Some campgrounds near Pomona have specific access policies. About Round Pond Recreation Area, Ethan K. notes, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Seasonal water access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides water hookups though distances vary. "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," explains a camper.
Tent platforms at select sites: Many sites feature raised wooden platforms for tent setup. "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," recommends Christina L.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in kid-friendly amenities. "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also. My older kids preferred a deeper pool but they still had a great time," shares Amanda S.
Playground access: Round Pond offers child-friendly facilities. "We were very impressed with the playground on site! Unfortunately, due to our early start in the camping season the weather did not allow us to enjoy fishing or the beach or water hook ups, however all areas looked well maintained," writes Jacey H.
Schedule considerations: Glamping close to Pomona, New York often means scheduled activities. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," mentions Stephanie H. about her Jellystone Park experience.
Tips from RVers
Electric and water hookup details: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers practical RV amenities. "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," notes Paulene-Amanda M.
Navigation considerations: Access roads in the region vary in quality. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about camping at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Site placement: For glamping near Pomona, New York, site selection matters. "Our site (all the way in the back with only one neighbor) is easily the nicest. It is so quiet here. No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods," describes Greg S. about his experience at Mahlon Dickerson.
