Campgaw Campgrounds

For residents of Northern New Jersey looking for an authentic, convenient, and affordable outdoor experience, the Campgaw Mountain Reservation Campground in Mahwah represents an ideal local escape. As part of the expansive, 1,373-acre Campgaw Mountain County Reservation, this campground offers a rustic and engaging base for exploring one of Bergen County's largest wooded parks. It’s a cherished local resource that provides a quick transition from the everyday bustle to the quiet serenity of the Ramapo Mountains foothills.

Unlike the large, amenity-driven RV resorts often found in the southern part of the state, Campgaw delivers a more traditional, primitive camping experience. The emphasis here is on connecting with nature through hiking, archery, and enjoying the wooded landscape. This setting caters perfectly to tent campers, scouting groups, and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a simple site located directly within a vast, active county park. The campground operates seasonally, typically from April 1st to November 30th, giving North Jersey locals access to the outdoors for the majority of the year.

The unique value of Campgaw lies in its dual identity. While widely recognized as a popular ski and snow tubing destination during the winter months, in the warmer seasons, it transforms into a hiker's and camper's sanctuary. This seasonal shift highlights the reservation's versatility and makes it a four-season attraction, ensuring that there is always a reason for New Jersey residents to visit and enjoy its natural offerings. It serves as a fantastic, close-to-home destination for those spontaneous weekend trips or a mid-week break.

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### Location and Accessibility

The Campgaw Mountain Reservation Campground is strategically situated in Mahwah, NJ 07430, in the heart of Northern Bergen County. Its location makes it remarkably convenient for residents of Bergen, Passaic, and even Essex counties, and it is frequently noted as the closest significant natural reserve to the New York metropolitan area.

The official address for the reservation is 200 Campgaw Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA. Accessibility is excellent, with major roadways like Route 17 and Interstate 287 providing direct routes to the reservation. The relatively short drive ensures that New Jersey families can maximize their weekend camping time rather than spending hours on the road. Despite its proximity to major population centers, the 1,373-acre park retains a surprisingly secluded feel, with the campground nestled in the wooded section of the mountain. Campers should be aware that, as a county park, camping is by permit only, which helps manage visitor volume and maintain the quality of the resource.

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### Services Offered

Campgaw Mountain Reservation Campground offers a rustic camping experience, meaning the services are focused on providing essential needs for tent and group camping rather than extensive modern amenities like full RV hookups.

• Permit-Required Camping: Camping is strictly managed by the Bergen County Department of Parks and requires a permit for all overnight stays. This process ensures compliance with park regulations and a safer environment.
• Site Variety: The campground offers a mix of designated tent campsites and rustic Adirondack-style lean-tos (shelters), offering campers a choice between full tent setup or semi-sheltered camping.
• Seasonal Operation: Camping is available annually from April 1st through November 30th, providing eight months of opportunity for spring, summer, and fall outdoor enjoyment.
• Basic Amenities: The sites are typically equipped with basic outdoor essentials such as fire rings and picnic tables for meal preparation and gathering. Campers should be prepared for a more primitive style of facility, often with shared restrooms (check with the Bergen County Parks Department for current facilities like water and restrooms).
• Group Accommodations: Due to the nature of its facilities, Campgaw is popular for accommodating organized groups, such as Boy Scouts or youth organizations, making it an excellent location for youth development programs.

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### Features / Highlights

The true draw of Campgaw Mountain Reservation lies in its wealth of year-round recreational features and its pristine natural setting.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park features a comprehensive network of marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, perfect for a short morning walk or a full day of trekking through the wooded hills. These trails often run directly through the reservation, offering campers immediate access to exploration.
• Diverse Outdoor Activities: Beyond hiking, the reservation offers unique activities like an Archery Range (permit required) and a designated Disc Golf Course, providing varied ways to enjoy the park's open spaces.
• Four-Season Recreation: The property is renowned for its Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing operations in the winter, making it a unique destination that transitions seamlessly between summer camping and winter sports.
• Natural Setting: Located on the Campgaw Mountain peak (at an elevation of 735 feet), the reservation boasts diverse forestry, including oak, chestnut, and red cedar trees, providing a rich environment for nature observation and photography.
• Close Proximity to Urban Centers: Campgaw’s location is a highlight for local users; it offers a full wilderness experience without requiring a long, multi-hour drive, serving as an easily reachable haven for outdoor lovers in North Jersey.

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### Contact Information

Since Campgaw Mountain Reservation is a Bergen County park facility, all inquiries regarding camping, permits, and current rules must be directed to the Bergen County Parks Department.

Campground Address: 200 Campgaw Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA

Managing Authority (For Camping Permits and Rules): Bergen County Department of Parks

Phone Number (General Reservation Information): (201) 327-7800

Permit Requirements: All campers must be 21 years or older to purchase a permit, and permits must be secured in advance from the Bergen County Parks Department. Alcohol is strictly prohibited within the campground.

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### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Campgaw Campgrounds is choosing an authentic slice of the New Jersey wilderness, easily accessible right off the major routes of the northern region. It is the perfect choice for the local camper who values proximity, affordability (permits are typically very reasonably priced), and a connection to the environment.

It is particularly worth choosing for those who:

• Prefer tent camping and rustic lean-tos over RV parks.
• Are primarily interested in hiking, disc golf, and archery as their main activities.
• Need a camping destination that is less than an hour's drive from Bergen, Passaic, or even parts of Essex County, minimizing travel time.
• Seek a location that supports organized youth group camping due to its history and county management.

Campgaw is a genuine Bergen County gem that provides a rewarding, no-frills outdoor adventure, proving that you don't have to leave North Jersey to find a peaceful spot under the stars. By securing your permit, you gain access to a fantastic recreational hub where you can camp in the summer and hit the slopes in the winter, all in the same exceptional location.

Campgaw Campgrounds

Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA