Campgaw Mountain Reservation
A versatile mountain park offering challenging disc golf, scenic hiking with elevation, and a beginner-friendly ski area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps for hiking
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Best Time
Cooler temps for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A versatile mountain park offering challenging disc golf, scenic hiking with elevation, and a beginner-friendly ski area.
"Great challenging course in NJ with rigorous climbing, but watch out for the grass!"
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Crucial for steep trails! Good grip prevents slips on Campgaw's challenging terrain.
⛳️ Disc Golf Grass Alert
Grass can be high on some holes, making disc searches tough. Be patient!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Challenging Disc Golf
Disc Golf Course
Navigate a rigorous course with multiple baskets and tee boxes, offering a true test of skill.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Various Trails
Explore over 5k of quiet trails with significant elevation, suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Winter Skiing
Ski Slopes
A small but accessible downhill ski area perfect for a quick winter adventure or learning to ski.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for Trails
Disc Golf Course Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Campsite recommendations
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Crucial for steep trails! Good grip prevents slips on Campgaw's challenging terrain.
⛳️ Disc Golf Grass Alert
Grass can be high on some holes, making disc searches tough. Be patient!
Things to do near Mahwah
Anyone here ever ski Campgaw mountain?
❄️ Winter Ski Fun
A great spot for beginner skiers and snowboarders, with rentals available.
🌳 Explore Van Slyke Castle
Hike to the top for amazing views and a glimpse of the historic Van Slyke Castle.
Somewhere to go to be alone?
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Crucial for steep trails! Good grip prevents slips on Campgaw's challenging terrain.
⛳️ Disc Golf Grass Alert
Grass can be high on some holes, making disc searches tough. Be patient!
❄️ Winter Ski Fun
A great spot for beginner skiers and snowboarders, with rentals available.
🌳 Explore Van Slyke Castle
Hike to the top for amazing views and a glimpse of the historic Van Slyke Castle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Campgaw Mountain Reservation is praised for its challenging disc golf course and scenic hiking trails with significant elevation. While the winter skiing is a draw for beginners, some visitors note issues with overgrown grass on the disc golf course, impacting the overall experience. Despite this, it's considered a great spot for outdoor activities and family fun.
"Wonderful course with A LOT of elevation. Make sure to wear proper footwear for hiking!"
Kat
"Good place to go for a leisurely hike, the route we took was just over 5k and very quiet. You can ski there too if that’s your thing"
Scott Stephens
"Great disc golf course filled with challenging holes with rigorous climbing up, down, and across the mountain. If they would only cut the grass !!!! Maybe they never cut it?? I've only been there this year. The grass is high on holes 13, 15, 16, 17, and especially 18 down the main slope of the MTN. It would be so much more fun if they could run a tractor over those holes even to keep the grass manageable. You can waste a lot of time searching for your discs. But definitely a great challenging course in NJ. And there are multiple baskets and tee boxes on some holes....black, blue, and green which is the easiest level. Have fun!"
John Mackert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Campgaw Mountain Reservation is located in Mahwah, New Jersey. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those coming from South Jersey, it's a manageable drive, and you can combine it with a visit to Ramapo College or other nearby attractions.
Yes, Campgaw Mountain Reservation is situated near Ramapo College and the Ramapo Reservation, offering opportunities for further exploration and hiking.
While specific directions depend on your starting point, using a GPS navigation system with 'Campgaw Mountain Reservation, Mahwah, NJ' will guide you directly to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hiking at Campgaw Mountain Reservation is generally free. However, during the winter season, lift tickets are required for skiing and snowboarding.
Operating hours vary significantly by season. During the summer, hiking trails are typically accessible during daylight hours. In winter, the ski area has specific operating hours for skiing and snowboarding, which are best checked on their official website.
There is no general entrance fee for the park for hiking or disc golf. Fees apply only for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Yes, Campgaw Mountain offers a rental shop for skis and snowboards during the winter season.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Campgaw Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes. The trails are known for being quiet and scenic.
Campgaw Mountain features a challenging disc golf course with multiple baskets and tee boxes. While the course is well-regarded, some reviewers note that the grass can be overgrown on certain holes, potentially making disc searches difficult.
Yes, Campgaw Mountain is a small downhill ski area that operates during the winter months. It's a good option for beginners and those looking for a local ski experience.
While some reviews mention camping, others indicate that the huts are fallen apart and camping might not be advisable. It's best to confirm current camping availability and conditions directly with the park management.
Campgaw Mountain has a lot of elevation, offering rigorous climbing and descents, particularly on the disc golf course and some hiking trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the hiking trails, especially near Van Slyke Castle, offers panoramic views that are excellent for photography. During winter, the ski slopes provide a picturesque backdrop.
Yes, the varied terrain and elevation provide opportunities for interesting landscape shots, particularly during the fall foliage season or with snow-covered slopes in winter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The disc golf course, while challenging, could be fun for older kids or teens who enjoy the sport, though the overgrown grass might be a frustration. The Van Slyke Castle hike can be an exciting adventure for kids, adding a touch of exploration to their visit.
👟 Outdoor Enthusiasts & Hikers
Disc golf enthusiasts will find a challenging course here, though they should be prepared for potential difficulties with disc retrieval due to grass length on some holes. The combination of hiking and disc golf makes Campgaw a versatile destination for outdoor adventurers looking for a bit of a challenge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: Hiking at Campgaw
One of the highlights for hikers is the potential to reach the top and discover Van Slyke Castle, a historic structure offering unique photo opportunities and a sense of discovery. The trails are well-suited for a leisurely 5k hike or more strenuous climbs, depending on your preference. Always check trail conditions before heading out, especially after inclement weather.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the rigorous climbing involved in some of the routes provides a good test of endurance. The diverse landscape ensures that each hike can offer a different perspective of the reservation.
Disc Golf: A Challenging Round
However, a recurring point of feedback from disc golfers is the condition of the grass, which can become quite high on certain holes, particularly 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18. This overgrowth can make finding lost discs a time-consuming endeavor. While the course itself is considered great, the maintenance of the grass is an area where improvement would significantly enhance the player experience.
Despite the grass concerns, the challenging course design and the natural beauty of the park make it a worthwhile destination for disc golf players looking for a unique and demanding round. The availability of different tee boxes (black, blue, and green) allows players of varying skill levels to enjoy the course.
Winter Wonderland: Skiing at Campgaw
While not a large resort, Campgaw provides a fun and convenient option for a day of skiing or snowboarding. The elevation and slopes offer a good introduction to winter sports. It's a local favorite for a quick ski trip or for children learning to ski.
Visitors should check the operating hours and snow conditions on the official Campgaw Mountain website before planning their visit, as these can vary. The park's accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere make it a cherished winter destination for the local community.
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