Campgaw Campgrounds, Mahwah, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey locals seeking an accessible escape into nature without the long drive to the Poconos or the Catskills, Campgaw Campgrounds presents a unique, convenient solution. Situated within the expansive 1,373-acre Campgaw Mountain Reservation in Mahwah, Bergen County, this location is much more than just a place to pitch a tent. It is a multi-season, county-operated park that provides a crucial opportunity for outdoor recreation in the densely populated Northern New Jersey region.

Unlike large, private resort-style campgrounds, the camping at Campgaw is offered through the Bergen County Department of Parks and focuses on providing a rustic, close-to-nature experience. The camping season generally runs from April through November, allowing residents to enjoy the full cycle of spring, summer, and fall foliage in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. What truly sets Campgaw apart is its seamless integration of a peaceful campground with a high-energy winter sports area, making it a year-round hub for local families, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Locals should understand that camping here is intended to be a relatively basic, nature-immersive experience. Campsites, some of which feature simple Adirondack shelters (lean-tos), are available strictly by permit. This administrative process helps the county manage the flow of visitors and maintain the natural integrity of the reservation. While it offers a valuable opportunity for affordable local camping, prospective visitors should know that the camping areas are nestled within a popular county park, meaning privacy may be limited, particularly on busy weekends, as popular hiking trails are known to run through the camping sections.

Location and Accessibility

Campgaw Campgrounds is conveniently located in Mahwah, NJ 07430, right in the heart of Bergen County's gateway to the Highlands region. Its exact coordinates fall within the boundaries of the Campgaw Mountain Reservation, which extends into the neighboring towns of Oakland and Franklin Lakes.

Accessibility is a major highlight for tri-state area residents. The reservation is remarkably close to the New York metropolitan area—often cited as the closest ski area to New York City, located only about 18 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. This proximity means New Jersey locals can enjoy a weekend camping trip or a day on the slopes without dedicating hours to travel. Major highways, including Interstate 287 to the east and U.S. Highway 202 to the west, provide straightforward vehicular access to the park entrance.

The park is a cornerstone of the Ramapo Mountains region, offering an immediate connection to a network of other state and county parks. Despite its wilderness feel, the park's location ensures that all essential services, supplies, and modern conveniences of Mahwah and its surrounding towns are just a short drive away, providing the ideal balance of outdoor seclusion and suburban accessibility.

Services Offered

As a county-managed facility, the services at Campgaw Campgrounds are designed to support a rustic outdoor experience, rather than a full-service RV park or luxury resort. The focus is on providing necessary infrastructure for safe and regulated recreation across its 1,373 acres.

Permitted Campsites: Offering designated tent sites available by pre-approved permit, with a seasonal limit (typically two weeks per person per year) to ensure broad public access.
Lean-to/Adirondack Shelters: Availability of simple, three-sided wooden shelters at some campsites for slightly more weather-protected overnight stays.
Basic Facilities: Provision of primitive facilities, generally including pit toilets near the parking lots and various points within the park (Note: Visitors should confirm the availability of running water or modern restrooms, as it may be limited).
Archery Range Access: Dedicated range for archery practice, accessible with a valid permit, making it a unique recreational service.
Fishing Access: Provides access to areas for catch-and-release fishing (requiring a valid NJ State Fishing License).
Designated Trail Maps: Clearly marked trail systems for various difficulty levels of hiking and disc golf, maintained by the Bergen County Parks Department.

Features / Highlights

Campgaw Mountain Reservation’s blend of year-round activities makes it a standout feature among local New Jersey campgrounds. It is truly a four-season destination.

Premier Winter Sports Destination: Home to Campgaw Mountain Ski Center, which offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. It serves as an excellent, low-pressure location for beginners and families to learn winter sports close to home.
Extensive Hiking Trails: The 1,373-acre park is crisscrossed with marked trails, offering scenic routes through the wooded park and to the 735-foot peak of Campgaw Mountain, suitable for various skill levels.
Disc Golf Course: A full disc golf course is available for passive recreation, appealing to a growing segment of outdoor sports enthusiasts (players must bring their own equipment).
Proximity to Nature and Wildlife: The large, wooded reservation provides a necessary habitat for local flora and fauna, offering rich opportunities for nature observation and photography in a metropolitan-adjacent area.
Affordable Recreation: As a county park, the reservation provides an inexpensive, community-focused alternative to more costly private resorts for camping and outdoor activities, with only nominal fees for permits and certain activities.
Historical Significance: The area has a rich history, having once housed a Nike Missile station, adding a unique, often-overlooked cultural layer to the experience for history-minded visitors.

Contact Information

For securing camping permits, checking seasonal hours, or inquiring about winter sports conditions, New Jersey residents should contact the Bergen County Parks Department, which operates the Campgaw Mountain Reservation.

Address: Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA (The physical park is generally accessed via Campgaw Road)

Phone for Information: (201) 327-3500 (Often cited for general hiking and camping information, or the Bergen County Parks Department main line.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campgaw Campgrounds is an ideal destination for New Jersey locals because it effectively democratizes access to outdoor recreation and nature immersion. In the highly urbanized environment of Northern New Jersey, Campgaw offers a vital, affordable green space that eliminates the need for a costly, hours-long trip to find quality outdoor time. For families, the dual identity of the reservation is its greatest asset: you can hike and camp in the spring, summer, and fall, and transition seamlessly to affordable skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing lessons for beginners in the winter.

The permit-based camping system, which is part of the Bergen County Parks system, guarantees an emphasis on public service and affordability. This makes it an especially suitable destination for youth groups, scout troops, or families on a budget seeking to introduce children to the experience of camping. By providing a mountain experience—a respectable peak of over 700 feet—complete with varied trails, disc golf, and basic camping amenities, Campgaw serves as a convenient outdoor training ground and a necessary regional retreat. It stands as a testament to the fact that you can enjoy the peace of the wilderness and the thrill of the mountains, all within a remarkably short commute from any Bergen, Passaic, or even Hudson County address.