The best camping near Scotch Plains with wildlife watching

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96% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall near the campsites

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%
(1688)
30mi from Scotch Plains · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Twin Oaks - Approaching the site from the parking area.

3. Twin Oaks

99%
(119)
41mi from Scotch Plains · 2 sites · Tents · Columbia, NJ
This campsite provides a great location to use as a base for day hikes. The tent site is situated beneath a canopy of two large Red Oak trees. This property was formerly a farm and has since grown back to a pioneer Hardwood Forest. There are stone rows throughout the farm and some areas that have been cleared of invasive vegetation and planted with native grasses to enhance the deer population. We suggest day hikes such as Catfish Fire Tower, Van Campen's Glen, and Buttermilk Falls. Here's a list of our recommendations for hiking, fishing, and just plain old exploring: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area (DWG) and nearby Walpack Fish and Wildlife Management Area in Layton have many hiking trails (See the National Park Service's website). Great areas for sightseeing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting. Buttermilk Falls, (trailhead on) Mountain Road in Layton. Hike to the top of the beautiful waterfalls near Walpack and take a 6.8 mile loop trail to Crater Lake. Walpack Inn, National Park Service Rd 615, Layton. A beautiful restaurant with an entire back wall of windows with a view of the Kittatinny Valley. The Walpack is open on weekends for dinner only. Appalachian Trail (AT). Check out the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center located along the trail in Blairstown. The AT runs through the DWG. \ Long Pine Pond amp; Crater Lake in Walpack. Both are spring fed and great for swimming and boating (clear water). Van Campen's Glen, Old Mine Road, Hardwick. The 2.1 mile loop trail features several cascades and waterfalls, a narrow stone valley, and a lush hemlock ravine. Catfish Fire Tower, Millbrook Road, Hardwick. A rocky 2.0 or longer 4.4 mile hike to the top of the ridge. Great views on NJ and PA. Also check out "Hiking Our Preserves" on the Ridge and Valley Conservancy's website for information on 4 local hiking trails. Delaware River- Great for swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, fishing. Keep your eye out for Bald Eagles! White Lake - 97 Stillwater Rd. Hardwick, NJ 07825. The Paulinskill (Blairstown) and FlatBrook (Old Mine Road, Hardwick) rivers are local spots for trout fishing. On Saturdays during the summer, you may want to try out the Blairstown Farmers Market on Stillwater Road. Hours 9:30 to 1:00 pm.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Delaware Water Gap private boat launch

7. Organic Farm in the Pocono Mts.

97%
(323)
46mi from Scotch Plains · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · East Stroudsburg, PA
Our chemical free farm is set on 45 acres overlooking the iconic Delaware Water Gap in the Pocono Mountains! We're located 1 hour from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and the closest national recreation area with millions of visitors each year. There are plenty of activities within the 45 acres: hiking, fishing, farming activities, bird watching, biking all on site. We have luscious fields of sustainably produced vegetables, fruit and flowers. Explore the Delaware river from our boat launch or one of the great canoe rental companies. Hike Mt. Tammany, Ski Shawnee Mt, walk the Appalachian Trail, visit America's oldest jazz club in Delaware Water Gap or visit the dozens of water falls surrounding our farm for a swim. (Autumn is camping season in the poconos, bring blankets and plan hikes for excellent fall foliage) We have 3 camping locations which you can park near with your vehicle. They are all private camps and out of sight from others. Our camps sites are for people that like camping in the mountains and near a working farm. Our farm and the community we built is focused on sustainable living with nature, local self reliance, and kindness. Also, feel free to join us in the fields, request a tour, pet a goat, smell a pig, and check out our DIY home renovation, (built with hempcrete). Pets should not be off leash unless well behaved and pets should not be left unattended. truck campers are allowed if they're under 8 feet. No trailers/campers. Also, if you move rocks to secure tents, please move them back, our mower blades thank you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Wildflower Hill

8. Wildflower Hill

100%
(14)
4.4mi from Scotch Plains · 1 site · Tent · Gillette, NJ
Nestled on the ridgeline of the 3rd Watchung Mountain, the property sits above The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. You'll be in a neighborhood, for sure, but a quiet one with lots of room for people and pets to stretch. The property has a 3000 square foot Summer wildflower field with a cozy tent spot in the center. There is also a grand flat grass area for setting up multiple tents. A 100-foot dog trolley run spans the land so your fluffy can run and stay close, too. Numerous outdoor chairs and tables are set up in various spots to best enjoy the land. There is a fire pit and free firewood available. Use of up to two 8-foot single kayaks or a single 17-foot canoe is available. The Passaic River has a number of drop-in spots nearby and Round Valley and Spruce Run reservoirs are a short drive. Hiking trails go throughout the Great Swamp. They have a terrific education center and the famous Raptor Trust.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$50
 / night
Bell's Cabin- The Main Cabin

14. Camp David- 13 acres, Three Cabins

100%
(45)
40mi from Scotch Plains · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$235
 / night
Welcome to our abode

16. 60's Surf Camper

83%
(50)
31mi from Scotch Plains · 3 sites · Lodging · Inwood, NY
Located in the heart of Rockaway Beach NYC, this vintage 1963 Shasta camper is perfect for a small getaway with a few pals to enjoy the sun and the surf! Take a trip back in time! The camper can sleep up to 4, where the second bed is created from the seating area. There is a beautiful city view over the bay that can be seen from the seating area. All linens are provided. A fridge to keep your drinks ice cold, a BBQ, 2 beach chairs with umbrella, a cooler, and a coffee maker with coffee, are all yours to enjoy and are included free in the rental! We also have two surfboards available to rent for an extra fee. Guests have access to a private toilet, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a long day on the beach or shredding the surf. Fishing, and the most amazing city view sunsets are just a 1 minute walk up the block to the bay park. Quality Wifi is included.The Atlantic ocean, the beach, concession stands, and our wonderful new boardwalk are just a few short blocks away, a 4 minute walk. Great neighborhood restaurants and bars are within walking distance. Rent a surf board and hit of the surf beaches or just head to the beach to relax. Perfect for couples or a small family getaway, come and enjoy this vintage camper, and all that this beach town has to offer!
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$117
 / night
MEDITATION AREA

19. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%
(22)
15mi from Scotch Plains · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$119
 / night
96% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall near the campsites

1. Paradise Valley Homestead

99%
(1688)
30mi from Scotch Plains · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$41
 / night
Twin Oaks - Approaching the site from the parking area.

3. Twin Oaks

99%
(119)
41mi from Scotch Plains · 2 sites · Tents · Columbia, NJ
This campsite provides a great location to use as a base for day hikes. The tent site is situated beneath a canopy of two large Red Oak trees. This property was formerly a farm and has since grown back to a pioneer Hardwood Forest. There are stone rows throughout the farm and some areas that have been cleared of invasive vegetation and planted with native grasses to enhance the deer population. We suggest day hikes such as Catfish Fire Tower, Van Campen's Glen, and Buttermilk Falls. Here's a list of our recommendations for hiking, fishing, and just plain old exploring: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area (DWG) and nearby Walpack Fish and Wildlife Management Area in Layton have many hiking trails (See the National Park Service's website). Great areas for sightseeing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting. Buttermilk Falls, (trailhead on) Mountain Road in Layton. Hike to the top of the beautiful waterfalls near Walpack and take a 6.8 mile loop trail to Crater Lake. Walpack Inn, National Park Service Rd 615, Layton. A beautiful restaurant with an entire back wall of windows with a view of the Kittatinny Valley. The Walpack is open on weekends for dinner only. Appalachian Trail (AT). Check out the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center located along the trail in Blairstown. The AT runs through the DWG. \ Long Pine Pond amp; Crater Lake in Walpack. Both are spring fed and great for swimming and boating (clear water). Van Campen's Glen, Old Mine Road, Hardwick. The 2.1 mile loop trail features several cascades and waterfalls, a narrow stone valley, and a lush hemlock ravine. Catfish Fire Tower, Millbrook Road, Hardwick. A rocky 2.0 or longer 4.4 mile hike to the top of the ridge. Great views on NJ and PA. Also check out "Hiking Our Preserves" on the Ridge and Valley Conservancy's website for information on 4 local hiking trails. Delaware River- Great for swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, fishing. Keep your eye out for Bald Eagles! White Lake - 97 Stillwater Rd. Hardwick, NJ 07825. The Paulinskill (Blairstown) and FlatBrook (Old Mine Road, Hardwick) rivers are local spots for trout fishing. On Saturdays during the summer, you may want to try out the Blairstown Farmers Market on Stillwater Road. Hours 9:30 to 1:00 pm.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Delaware Water Gap private boat launch

7. Organic Farm in the Pocono Mts.

97%
(323)
46mi from Scotch Plains · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · East Stroudsburg, PA
Our chemical free farm is set on 45 acres overlooking the iconic Delaware Water Gap in the Pocono Mountains! We're located 1 hour from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and the closest national recreation area with millions of visitors each year. There are plenty of activities within the 45 acres: hiking, fishing, farming activities, bird watching, biking all on site. We have luscious fields of sustainably produced vegetables, fruit and flowers. Explore the Delaware river from our boat launch or one of the great canoe rental companies. Hike Mt. Tammany, Ski Shawnee Mt, walk the Appalachian Trail, visit America's oldest jazz club in Delaware Water Gap or visit the dozens of water falls surrounding our farm for a swim. (Autumn is camping season in the poconos, bring blankets and plan hikes for excellent fall foliage) We have 3 camping locations which you can park near with your vehicle. They are all private camps and out of sight from others. Our camps sites are for people that like camping in the mountains and near a working farm. Our farm and the community we built is focused on sustainable living with nature, local self reliance, and kindness. Also, feel free to join us in the fields, request a tour, pet a goat, smell a pig, and check out our DIY home renovation, (built with hempcrete). Pets should not be off leash unless well behaved and pets should not be left unattended. truck campers are allowed if they're under 8 feet. No trailers/campers. Also, if you move rocks to secure tents, please move them back, our mower blades thank you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night
Wildflower Hill

8. Wildflower Hill

100%
(14)
4.4mi from Scotch Plains · 1 site · Tent · Gillette, NJ
Nestled on the ridgeline of the 3rd Watchung Mountain, the property sits above The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. You'll be in a neighborhood, for sure, but a quiet one with lots of room for people and pets to stretch. The property has a 3000 square foot Summer wildflower field with a cozy tent spot in the center. There is also a grand flat grass area for setting up multiple tents. A 100-foot dog trolley run spans the land so your fluffy can run and stay close, too. Numerous outdoor chairs and tables are set up in various spots to best enjoy the land. There is a fire pit and free firewood available. Use of up to two 8-foot single kayaks or a single 17-foot canoe is available. The Passaic River has a number of drop-in spots nearby and Round Valley and Spruce Run reservoirs are a short drive. Hiking trails go throughout the Great Swamp. They have a terrific education center and the famous Raptor Trust.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$50
 / night
Bell's Cabin- The Main Cabin

14. Camp David- 13 acres, Three Cabins

100%
(45)
40mi from Scotch Plains · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$235
 / night
Welcome to our abode

16. 60's Surf Camper

83%
(50)
31mi from Scotch Plains · 3 sites · Lodging · Inwood, NY
Located in the heart of Rockaway Beach NYC, this vintage 1963 Shasta camper is perfect for a small getaway with a few pals to enjoy the sun and the surf! Take a trip back in time! The camper can sleep up to 4, where the second bed is created from the seating area. There is a beautiful city view over the bay that can be seen from the seating area. All linens are provided. A fridge to keep your drinks ice cold, a BBQ, 2 beach chairs with umbrella, a cooler, and a coffee maker with coffee, are all yours to enjoy and are included free in the rental! We also have two surfboards available to rent for an extra fee. Guests have access to a private toilet, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a long day on the beach or shredding the surf. Fishing, and the most amazing city view sunsets are just a 1 minute walk up the block to the bay park. Quality Wifi is included.The Atlantic ocean, the beach, concession stands, and our wonderful new boardwalk are just a few short blocks away, a 4 minute walk. Great neighborhood restaurants and bars are within walking distance. Rent a surf board and hit of the surf beaches or just head to the beach to relax. Perfect for couples or a small family getaway, come and enjoy this vintage camper, and all that this beach town has to offer!
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$117
 / night
MEDITATION AREA

19. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%
(22)
15mi from Scotch Plains · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$119
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field