The best mountainous campgrounds in New Jersey

New Jersey’s mountainous campsites pack in rugged ridges, forested slopes, and sweeping valley views—perfect if you like your camping with a side of elevation. You’ll find over 20 options here tailored for mountain terrain, with average nightly rates around $47 and some as low as $45. Top picks include Paradise Valley Homestead (798 reviews), Kittatinny Mountainside (67 reviews), and Jenny Jump Mountain (60 reviews). Hike rocky trails, cool off in clear swimming holes, or saddle up for horseback rides—these mountains deliver. Most sites allow pets and come with showers and toilets, so you can keep things comfortable between adventures.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

New Jersey’s mountainous campsites pack in rugged ridges, forested slopes, and sweeping valley views—perfect if you like your camping with a side of elevation. You’ll find over 20 options here tailored for mountain terrain, with average nightly rates around $47 and some as low as $45. Top picks include Paradise Valley Homestead (798 reviews), Kittatinny Mountainside (67 reviews), and Jenny Jump Mountain (60 reviews). Hike rocky trails, cool off in clear swimming holes, or saddle up for horseback rides—these mountains deliver. Most sites allow pets and come with showers and toilets, so you can keep things comfortable between adventures.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%

(1688)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Oak Ridge, NJ

Always working on improvements! My second glamping site "The Medieval Encampment", is available for booking starting April 1st of 2025. I will have more pictures soon. In April of 2024, my long awaited 1st Glamping site was available for booking. It's been very popular! Please read the description carefully of the "Gypsy Rose Vardo", to see if it's the right fit for you. I also have 10 large camping sites available on our 33 acre property located in Northwest NJ. Sites 1 through 4 are on mowed, fairly level fields and are large enough for campers or RV's up to 30ft, or a couple of tents, and sites 5 and 6 are further back in the woods, available only for a few small tents, sites 7 through 10 are much further into the property and are only accessible with a high clearance AWD or 4WD SUV or you can park and hike your gear in. There are 3 compost toilet outhouses spread out through the property, so it's an easy walking distance from any site. Although we are only 2 1/2 miles from a main highway, the last 2 miles are on a dirt road with no houses. We are surrounded by protected land, so no neighbors and lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear, coyote or raccoon. Keep all food items secured. Because we are surrounded by protected land we are not sprayed for insects, so be safe and do tick checks often and bring the bug spray. We are 45 minutes from NYC or the Delaware Water Gap and an hour away from the NJ shore. There are horse farms nearby that offer trail rides. We are also close to the Highland and Appalachian Hiking trails. There are two reservoirs within a 20-minute drive for canoeing or kayaking. There are walking trails through our property, including a ten-minute hike on a marked trail to a small waterfall in a ravine.

2. Jenny Jump Mountain

98%

(95)

1 site · Tent · Mountain Lake, NJ

Over 26 acres of woods for you to choose where and how you would like to set up camp. There is only one reservation allowed at a time, so the entire property is yours to enjoy. There is an established campsite at the back of the property that is a 0.18 mile walk from the end of the driveway. Or you can set up camp anywhere you’d like! This property sits off of a very quiet back round with limited traffic. This property connects to over four thousand acres of State Land that can be explored as you please. Fourteen miles of hiking trails offer magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake. The UACNJ Observatory at Jenny Jump is a short drive, or a nice hike, from the property where free lectures and observing are open to the public every Saturday evening from April through October. The famous Shades of Death Road and Ghost Lake are also a short drive from the campsite.

3. Moon Valley Campground

92%

(12)

5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Vernon, NJ

Located 50 miles from midtown Manhattan (approx 1:08 minutes) is our brand new campsite located right off the Appalachian Trail. The camp is at the base of Wawayanda mountain right between the iconic hikes "Stairway to Heaven" and "Pochuck Boardwalk" on the Appalachian Trail. Hike right from camp up to "Pinwheel Vista" (named one of NJ's best viewpoints!) At the entrance to the property is the Valley Farmers Cooperative that sells local grass fed meats and artisanal farm goods. You can walk two minutes to Heaven Hill Farm which has plenty of goods, produce, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and haunted hayrides. Drive your car from route 94 directly to your campsite nestled in the woods with a great view of the valley. A perfect getaway from the city with plenty to offer. About 10 minutes down 94 is the beautiful town of Warwick or about 4 minutes in the opposite direction is the town of Vernon. Warwick is a quaint small town with plenty of great restaurants and bars, and famous for its apple picking. Vernon has plenty to offer as well including the popular ski resort/waterpark Mountain Creek and Minerals Spa (Located just under 10 minutes away.) The quiet charm of Wawayanda State Park appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than sixty miles of trails are marked in the park.

4. Carpathia West

1 site · Lodging · Hewitt, NJ

Carpathia West – Ridge-Top A-Frame Getaway Perched high above Greenwood Lake, Carpathia West offers a cozy A-frame glamping escape surrounded by forest and mountain views. This private ridge-top site features a queen bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and power via EcoFlo system with generator backup. Relax by the fire pit, enjoy peaceful sunsets, and explore nearby trails in Sterling Forest. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet nature retreat with just the right touch of comfort. Highlights: • Elevated views over Greenwood Lake • Fire pit, picnic area, and private toilet • Pet-friendly and secluded • Easy access to hiking and lake adventures

5. Camp David- 13 acres, Three Cabins

100%

(45)

5 sites · Lodging · Newton, NJ

Nestled outside the village of Stillwater, NJ right across the Appalachian trail and the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge, Camp David sports three luxurious log cabins: > Bell's Cabin- Main cabin that sleeps up to six > The Chatham House- Sleeps up to ten > Chief's Cottage- sleeps up to ten All cabins have their own separate listing and can be booked together or combined. The main cabin, Belle's Cabin, is made from hand hewed logs and is the only cabin furnished with a king size bed. All cabins come equipped with full bathrooms, updated kitchens, wood stoves, and the main cabin has a walkout porch on the second floor. All cabins have climate controlled heating/cooling units as well as hot water. Camp David was originally a German hunting camp at the turn of the 20th century. It was later donated to the Boy Scouts in the 1940’s. By the 2000’s, it was left abandoned at which time I purchased it and began to restore it back to its true form while maintaining the cabin life integrity. I am a contractor and arborist by trade and the last ten years I have worked hard to bring the site back to life. The camp consists of 13 acres abutted by 100's of acres of state park land. There are two stocked ponds connected by a cascading stream, multiple fire pits with seating, furnished gazebo with wood stove, picnic tables, and multiple park benches located throughout the property. Below are close locations to visit: > Walpack Fish and Wildlife Management Area- Great for sightseeing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting > Walpack Inn- Beautiful restaurant with an entire back wall, window view overseeing Kittatinny Valley > Appalachian Trail- hiking, sightseeing > Catfish Fire Tower- Great hiking and views > Buttermilk Falls- beautiful waterfalls > Long Pine Pond & Crater Lake- Both are spring fed and great for swimming and boating (clear water) > Swartswood Lake- Swimming & boating > Delaware River- Great for swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, fishing > Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area- More sightseeing, hiking, fishing, swimming, Bushkill Falls > Dingmans Ferry

6. Ash to Oak Farm

98%

(28)

1 site · Tent · Lafayette, NJ

Welcome to our picturesque 175 acre bison farm in northern NJ. We have woods for hiking, a pond for fishing and bison to view! One hour from NYC and close to Stokes State Forest, Sussex county fairgrounds, Skylands Ball Stadium and much more. Escape the busyness of city life and unplug for a fee

7. 33 Acre Farm And Retreat

100%

(9)

6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hillsborough, NJ

200 year old Historical farm house, on the Neshanic river in Hillsborough NJ. You can rent the 3 bed 2 bath house or set up your own tent / small RV on the property in one of the 3 large fields we have. Lots to do in the area, hiking, cycling, rock climbing with ninja warrior couurse, lots of country roads for Motorcycle riding. We are near Princeton NJ, Hopewell NJ, Lambertville NJ, New Hope PA, Somerville NJ. All great day tripping spots. There are a few Breweries, Vineyards, Distillery in the area such as Flounder brewing, Bellamara Distillery, Old York Cellars. Sourland Mountain preserve for hiking, Historical Duke farms and much much more! You will come back Again and again!

8. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%

(22)

1 site · Tent, RV · Mendham, NJ

Nestled in the mountainside in Morris County this 10 acre farm estate is home to a plethora of wildlife, small lake, and large brook that runs through the property. The lake is home to native wildlife and the brook is loaded with trout. There are a couple of professionally maintained landscaping areas perfect for camping and firepit. It comes with a firepit, and everything you need for an amazing night out in the wilderness. There are beautiful hiking trails on site as well as right across the way adjacent to the property that are highly regarded in the state. The most secluded property you can imagine, it is home to some truly magnificent wildlife. There is no littering, and absolutely no hunting. As a nature lover, the respect I have shown these animals, is the reason why they love it here. Who knows what you may see! Firewood is available for purchase at the top of the driveway. It is handcut and seasoned for 3 years and stored in a custom hutch. $5 a compartment money goes in the mailbox.

Camper favorites in New Jersey

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Carpathia West

1 site · Lodging · Hewitt, NJ

Carpathia West – Ridge-Top A-Frame Getaway Perched high above Greenwood Lake, Carpathia West offers a cozy A-frame glamping escape surrounded by forest and mountain views. This private ridge-top site features a queen bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and power via EcoFlo system with generator backup. Relax by the fire pit, enjoy peaceful sunsets, and explore nearby trails in Sterling Forest. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet nature retreat with just the right touch of comfort. Highlights: • Elevated views over Greenwood Lake • Fire pit, picnic area, and private toilet • Pet-friendly and secluded • Easy access to hiking and lake adventures

Camp David- 13 acres, Three Cabins

100%

(45)

5 sites · Lodging · Newton, NJ

Nestled outside the village of Stillwater, NJ right across the Appalachian trail and the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge, Camp David sports three luxurious log cabins: > Bell's Cabin- Main cabin that sleeps up to six > The Chatham House- Sleeps up to ten > Chief's Cottage- sleeps up to ten All cabins have their own separate listing and can be booked together or combined. The main cabin, Belle's Cabin, is made from hand hewed logs and is the only cabin furnished with a king size bed. All cabins come equipped with full bathrooms, updated kitchens, wood stoves, and the main cabin has a walkout porch on the second floor. All cabins have climate controlled heating/cooling units as well as hot water. Camp David was originally a German hunting camp at the turn of the 20th century. It was later donated to the Boy Scouts in the 1940’s. By the 2000’s, it was left abandoned at which time I purchased it and began to restore it back to its true form while maintaining the cabin life integrity. I am a contractor and arborist by trade and the last ten years I have worked hard to bring the site back to life. The camp consists of 13 acres abutted by 100's of acres of state park land. There are two stocked ponds connected by a cascading stream, multiple fire pits with seating, furnished gazebo with wood stove, picnic tables, and multiple park benches located throughout the property. Below are close locations to visit: > Walpack Fish and Wildlife Management Area- Great for sightseeing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting > Walpack Inn- Beautiful restaurant with an entire back wall, window view overseeing Kittatinny Valley > Appalachian Trail- hiking, sightseeing > Catfish Fire Tower- Great hiking and views > Buttermilk Falls- beautiful waterfalls > Long Pine Pond & Crater Lake- Both are spring fed and great for swimming and boating (clear water) > Swartswood Lake- Swimming & boating > Delaware River- Great for swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, fishing > Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area- More sightseeing, hiking, fishing, swimming, Bushkill Falls > Dingmans Ferry

Ash to Oak Farm

98%

(28)

1 site · Tent · Lafayette, NJ

Welcome to our picturesque 175 acre bison farm in northern NJ. We have woods for hiking, a pond for fishing and bison to view! One hour from NYC and close to Stokes State Forest, Sussex county fairgrounds, Skylands Ball Stadium and much more. Escape the busyness of city life and unplug for a fee

33 Acre Farm And Retreat

100%

(9)

6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hillsborough, NJ

200 year old Historical farm house, on the Neshanic river in Hillsborough NJ. You can rent the 3 bed 2 bath house or set up your own tent / small RV on the property in one of the 3 large fields we have. Lots to do in the area, hiking, cycling, rock climbing with ninja warrior couurse, lots of country roads for Motorcycle riding. We are near Princeton NJ, Hopewell NJ, Lambertville NJ, New Hope PA, Somerville NJ. All great day tripping spots. There are a few Breweries, Vineyards, Distillery in the area such as Flounder brewing, Bellamara Distillery, Old York Cellars. Sourland Mountain preserve for hiking, Historical Duke farms and much much more! You will come back Again and again!

Historical Lake Front Barn

91%

(22)

1 site · Tent, RV · Mendham, NJ

Nestled in the mountainside in Morris County this 10 acre farm estate is home to a plethora of wildlife, small lake, and large brook that runs through the property. The lake is home to native wildlife and the brook is loaded with trout. There are a couple of professionally maintained landscaping areas perfect for camping and firepit. It comes with a firepit, and everything you need for an amazing night out in the wilderness. There are beautiful hiking trails on site as well as right across the way adjacent to the property that are highly regarded in the state. The most secluded property you can imagine, it is home to some truly magnificent wildlife. There is no littering, and absolutely no hunting. As a nature lover, the respect I have shown these animals, is the reason why they love it here. Who knows what you may see! Firewood is available for purchase at the top of the driveway. It is handcut and seasoned for 3 years and stored in a custom hutch. $5 a compartment money goes in the mailbox.

Stories from the community

C

Carens

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Our campsite was beautiful and clean as always. Especially greatful that our campsite had a chopping block making it easy for us to split logs for our wood stove. We’ll definitely be returning soon.

Martin

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Jenny Jump Mountain

Bring a rake lol. But it's a nice get away. My dog and I loved it.

Mordechai

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Paradise Valley Homestead

Another great trip to Kathleen’s property. Was surprised to wake up to snow on the ground. But how pretty, definitely recommend you check it out even if it’s winter time it’s beautiful. Plenty of firewood to keep your warm.

T

Tiffany

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Only 1.5 hours from NYC but you truly feel like you’re away from the city and in the quiet serene woods. Kathy was an amazing host and checked in on us to make sure we were comfortable. We were on site 9 which was very isolated and spacious enough to fit all of our needs. Everything was also clean and the trails were marked and easy to follow. There’s also firewood for purchase if needed. I would highly recommend and will be coming back!

A

Asher

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

We had a wonderful 2 night stay in early November. And really affordable too! Kathleen met us at the entrance and led us to site 10. She was welcoming, entertaining, and helpful, and also answered my call and gave directions when I was lost the first evening. As mentioned in the description, we certainly needed a SUV (Mazda with 7.5 inches of ground clearance) to get to the site and made sure to take it slow and drive our wheel over rather than straddling big rocks. Site 10 is extremely secluded past all the other ones, with a beautiful view of the ridge since the leaves have fallen off the trees near the site. It was large with a nice flat part up at the top where one of us camped, and a stone campfire pit and space for several more tents and tables. It was very peaceful and beautiful and we could hear the waterfall. The outhouse was a couple of mins walk away and was very nice. Having wood to purchase at the entrance was nice too. One of my favorite parts was exploring the beautiful trails around the property. Make sure to check out the waterfall and also take a right at that sign and check out the pond and more! We hope to be back again soon! What a wonderful place and time we had!

N

Noemi

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Jenny Jump Mountain

Would definitely come again! The site was beautiful. The fire pit, benches, and lights in the tree were so cozy and peaceful. We saw the second site and was amazed! We loved walking around, Shawn was always available if we needed to call or anything. It was so quiet and far away from people and still had service. We really enjoyed our time.

Z

Zahava

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Paradise Valley Homestead

Kathy was an incredible host and her land is a true haven - a real paradise. I felt so safe and comfortable able to deeply relax amongst the trees. She was so attentive and caring but also made sure I had the most quiet peaceful alone time that I needed. Already looking forward to coming again and experiencing other spots too each one felt so special and unique. So much gratitude for my time there.

K

Kelcey

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Jenny Jump Mountain

Beautiful, private, clean….. we loved this spot and plan to come back with family and friends soon.

J

Jerry

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

It was a beautiful trip for some RTT camping with the pups. The site was clear and prepped and well cared for. Wood was plentiful and the scene so quiet and peacefull. Would definitely recommend 👌

T

Tracie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Kathleen was so welcoming and as our first Hipcamp booking, years ago, we were happy to be back ! She greeted us upon arrival and acknowledging our return visit, provided us with a homemade wooden “plaque” kit to leave our name, address, and personal message so it could be displayed on the site. We will absolutely be back!

M

Max

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Everything was perfect and Kathleen was extremely kind and helpful. I could write more but I’d be repeating the other 100 stellar reviews for the site

Site 9. Note the epic rock in the background!

p

patrick

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Overall it was a nice place. Very clean including the outhouses. Some decent little trails and a thoughtful owner who takes care of the property. Tip… Buy her wood, not the store bought crap. Trust me, it’s cheaper and drier also hardwood. Can’t go wrong.

K

Katelynn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

My group loved tent camping on Kathleen’s land! The area we could use was very big and extremely well maintained. The directions were clear and Kathleen was around and eager to answer any and all questions. There are other sites nearby as well. We loved this site and will be back!

C

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Perfect place to camp with my friend and our young children. The composting toilet in the outhouse was stellar. Not at all smelly, and very clean. We neglected to bring drinking water, but Kathleen brought us 2 jugs +2 jugs of water for washing dishes. We were also able to buy firewood for $10 that supplied us with enough wood for a fire at night and one in the morning. We had a very positive experience and would come back.

Rosalyn

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

I had a lovely time on Kathy's land. She's super attentive and ready to answer questions to tend to your needs. She's also very friendly and approachable. Every detail was taken into account including accessible water, tools for each campsite and firewood. The grounds were lovely, everything was spread out but easy to get to and I enjoyed hiking on the trails. Would definitely love to return!

Ted

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

This was my second time here, and my daughter and I quickly decided it was, of all the places we've been, our favorite campsite. It has everything we want: sites actually in the woods, covered by trees (this can be hard to ensure, sometimes), trails right there on the land (including a pretty cool mini-waterfall and lagoon), lots of firewood onsite, decent privacy, and amenities like outhouses and campfire grills. Not to mention that Kathleen is just so friendly and wonderful and makes the whole experience easy. We're coming back next Spring, because why bother anywhere else?

T

Todd

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Ash to Oak Farm

What an amazing place. Host greeted us and lead us to site. We were checked on via text once and made sure we were set. After that we were left to enjoy the site and we did! We spent two nights camping on the vast land and even walked over to see the bison one afternoon. Perfect place to get away for a day or two and disconnect.

C

Casey

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Jenny Jump Mountain

The upper site is beautiful. Plenty of secluded space with good hammock trees around a good, established fire pit. There's a little loop trail a little uphill from the site for an easy ~ 1/2 mile hike. We were pretty careful with food and trash cleanup, and had no critter visitors. Pleasant! That upper site is fairly easy access with enough clearance. Most SUVs could drive up just fine, right up to the site, but probably not most cars. It's only about a 5 minute walk up from easy parking though, if needed. I'll say the drive was a little overgrown and could use a trim so as not to scratch the paint, so if I came back I'd want to bring a hedge trimmer. There is a lower site too but we didn't spend time there, and it didn't look nearly as inviting.

W

Wil

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Paradise Valley Homestead

Nestled deep in West Milford, this campground delivers a true back to nature experience starting with the long, rugged dirt road that sets the tone for adventure. Once you arrive, you’re surrounded by towering trees, hushed trails, and a tranquil sense of solitude. Despite its remote feel, it’s just a short drive from Bergen County and NYC, making it an ideal spot for a spontaneous weekend escape. Wild enough to feel off-grid, close enough to keep it easy.