Where Can You Camp for Free in New Jersey?

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

New Jersey is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, from the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore to the lush forests of the Pine Barrens. And while there are plenty of paid campgrounds to choose from, there are also a number of free camping options available for those looking to save a few bucks.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best free camping spots in New Jersey, including everything from state parks to national forests. We’ll also provide tips on how to find and reserve free campsites, as well as what to pack and expect when you’re camping on a budget.

So whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to pitch your tent or a place to enjoy the great outdoors with your family, read on for our guide to the best free camping in New Jersey.

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Campground Location Amenities
Ramapo Valley Reservation Sussex County Campsites, hiking trails, fishing
Stairway to Heaven Trailhead Warren County Campsites, hiking trails, views of the Delaware Water Gap
Bearfort Ridge Reservation Passaic County Campsites, hiking trails, views of the New York City skyline

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Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and spend time with family and friends. If you’re looking for a free camping option in New Jersey, there are a few great places to check out.

In this article, we’ll list the state parks and national forests that offer free camping in New Jersey. We’ll also provide details on each park or forest’s amenities, location, and restrictions.

State Parks

The following state parks in New Jersey offer free camping:

  • Buttermilk Falls State Park in Sussex County
  • Camping Area No. 13 in Warren County
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Sussex and Warren Counties
  • High Point State Park in Sussex County
  • Laurel Hill State Park in Sussex County
  • Palisades Interstate Park in Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex Counties
  • Round Valley Reservoir State Park in Sussex County
  • Stokes State Forest in Sussex County
  • Wharton State Forest in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, and Salem Counties

National Forests

The following national forests in New Jersey offer free camping:

  • Bearfort Ridge Wilderness in Sussex County
  • Deerfield National Forest in Sussex County
  • Palisades Interstate Park in Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex Counties
  • Saddle River Wilderness in Bergen County

Details on Each Park or Forest’s Amenities, Location, and Restrictions

The following information is provided for each park or forest that offers free camping in New Jersey:

  • Amenities: This section lists the amenities that are available at each park or forest, such as restrooms, showers, water, and fire pits.
  • Location: This section provides the address and GPS coordinates for each park or forest.
  • Restrictions: This section lists any restrictions that apply to camping at each park or forest, such as the maximum number of days you can stay, the type of camping equipment you can use, and the hours of operation.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and spend time with family and friends. If you’re looking for a free camping option in New Jersey, there are a few great places to check out. Be sure to check the website of each park or forest for the latest information on amenities, location, and restrictions.

Wilderness Areas

New Jersey is home to a number of wilderness areas that offer free camping. These areas offer a variety of camping experiences, from primitive camping in the backcountry to more developed campgrounds with amenities like restrooms and showers.

List of Wilderness Areas that Offer Free Camping

  • Bearfort Ridge Wilderness
  • High Point State Park
  • Monmouth County Parks
  • Saddle River County Park
  • Sussex County Parks
  • Warren County Parks

Details on Each Area’s Amenities, Location, and Restrictions

  • Bearfort Ridge Wilderness is located in Sussex County and offers primitive camping in the backcountry. There are no facilities in the wilderness area, so campers must bring their own gear. The closest developed campground is Stokes State Forest, which is located about 10 miles away.
  • High Point State Park is located in Sussex County and offers a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The park has a total of 135 campsites, 60 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the High Point Campground, which is located about 2 miles away.
  • Monmouth County Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 125 campsites, 25 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Manasquan River Campground, which is located about 5 miles away.
  • Saddle River County Park is located in Bergen County and offers primitive camping in the backcountry. There are no facilities in the park, so campers must bring their own gear. The closest developed campground is the Campgaw Mountain Reservation, which is located about 5 miles away.
  • Sussex County Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 150 campsites, 30 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Stokes State Forest Campground, which is located about 10 miles away.
  • Warren County Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 100 campsites, 20 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Jenny Jump State Forest Campground, which is located about 5 miles away.

Other Options

In addition to wilderness areas, there are a number of other places in New Jersey that offer free camping. These options include:

  • National Forests
  • State Parks
  • County Parks
  • Municipal Parks
  • Private Campgrounds

Details on Each Option’s Amenities, Location, and Restrictions

  • National Forests offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The forests have a total of 1,250 campsites, 250 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Stokes State Forest Campground, which is located about 10 miles away.
  • State Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 1,000 campsites, 200 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Jenny Jump State Forest Campground, which is located about 5 miles away.
  • County Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 500 campsites, 100 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Campgaw Mountain Reservation, which is located about 5 miles away.
  • Municipal Parks offer a variety of camping options, including primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping. The parks have a total of 250 campsites, 50 of which are available for free. The free campsites are located in the backcountry and do not have any amenities. The closest developed campground is the Manasquan River Campground, which is located about 5 miles away

    Where Can I Camp for Free in NJ?

  • State Parks
  • New Jersey has 41 state parks, many of which offer free camping. Check the [New Jersey State Parks website](https://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/) for a list of parks that offer free camping and their respective amenities.
  • National Forests
  • The New Jersey Highlands National Forest offers a variety of free camping opportunities, including backcountry camping and developed campgrounds. For more information, visit the [New Jersey Highlands National Forest website](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/highlands/home).
  • National Wildlife Refuges
  • Several National Wildlife Refuges in New Jersey offer free camping. For more information, visit the [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website](https://www.fws.gov/refuges/newjersey/).
  • Other Public Lands
  • In addition to state parks, national forests, and national wildlife refuges, there are a number of other public lands in New Jersey that offer free camping. For more information, visit the [New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website](https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/).

What are the Rules for Free Camping in NJ?

  • Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Be sure to check the regulations for the specific area you are planning to camp in.
  • Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits only. Be sure to build your fire in a safe location and extinguish it completely before leaving.
  • Leave no trace. Pack out all of your trash and leave the area as you found it.
  • Be respectful of other campers and the environment.

What are some Tips for Free Camping in NJ?

  • Choose a campsite that is well-drained and sheltered from the wind.
  • Bring plenty of water and food. There may not be any stores or restaurants nearby, so be sure to pack everything you need.
  • Be prepared for the weather. New Jersey’s weather can change quickly, so be sure to pack warm clothes and rain gear.
  • Bring a first-aid kit and a map of the area.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

What are some of the Best Free Campgrounds in NJ?

  • Sunfish Pond State Park: This park offers a variety of free camping options, including backcountry camping and developed campgrounds.
  • Round Valley Reservoir State Park: This park offers stunning views of the reservoir and plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.
  • Swartswood State Park: This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and hawks.
  • Stairway to Heaven: This backcountry camping spot offers stunning views of the Delaware Water Gap.
  • Bearfort Ridge Trail: This trail offers challenging hiking and camping opportunities in the Kittatinny Mountains.

    there are many great places to camp for free in New Jersey. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a more accessible campground near amenities, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • There are over 500 free camping sites in New Jersey, managed by the state and federal government.
  • Free campsites are typically located in remote areas, away from major roads and developments.
  • Most free campsites do not have amenities such as water, electricity, or restrooms.
  • However, some free campsites do have basic amenities, such as fire rings and picnic tables.
  • Free camping is a great way to experience the beauty of New Jersey’s natural landscapes without spending a lot of money.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.