Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County's largest park area and is located on the edge of the Highlands Region. With the recent additions of Camp Glen Gray, Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd, the park has grown to over 4,000 acres. Visitors can hike the hills and valleys, enjoy the Ramapo River and several ponds, and admire the vibrant ecosystem.
Hiking and camping are available. Several tent campsites are situated around Scarlet Oak Pond. For sketch maps of the trails, call (201) 634-3140. Tent camping is allowed in designated areas only.
Fishing is permitted. Catch-and-release only. A valid fishing license is required for anyone 14 or older.
Cross-country skiing is available during the winter.
Hiking
The reservation consists of 22 miles (ca. 35 km) of maintained gravel walking trails.
Check out the Vista Loop, a hike you can complete in a day. It explores several vistas, including a waterfall and a panoramic view of New York City.
If you plan to take a hike, be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips to follow regarding bear sightings.
Trail Conference volunteers maintain over 80 miles of trails in Bergen County and publish the authoritative hiking map, North Jersey Trails.
Learn more, volunteer and make a difference at www.nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348.
Camping
Permits are required for camping, Ramapo’s campgrounds have 9 sites you can request a permit for. You may request a permit here.
Permits are issued from 3PM (15:00) on the date selected until 10AM the following day.
Fire permits are required for campers.
Permit Fees: $10 per night, per camp site (plus processing fees).
If you plan to take go camping, be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips to follow regarding bear sightings.
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Camping by permit ONLY. Any violation of rules will terminate your permit.
You must be 21 years old to obtain a camping permit. All minors must be chaperoned by parent or guardian.
All permit holders must display their permits on the dashboard of their vehicle for legal overnight parking. Vehicles parked after dark without a proper permit will be summonsed and towed at owner's expense.
Only tent camping is allowed. RVs and Campers are not permitted on County Property.
Tents must be flameproof or fire resistant.
Small fires are allowed in camping area only when a fire permit has been obtained. In order to obtain a fire permit, email campfirepermits@co.bergen.nj.us. Fire Permits must be requested in advnace and are subject to NJ State DEP restrictions. For current campfire restrictions, please visit the NJ Fire Danger Dashboard.Never leave a campsite with live fire unattended. No open flame in tents.
Alcoholic beverages and narcotics are prohibited on County property, including camp sites.
Loud music is not permitted in camping areas.
Maximum of 6 people per camp site.
Two week limit, per person, per year.
No littering. Bring garbage bags and dispose of refuse in proper containers. Please recycle.
Do not disturb wildlife or plant life.
Weather is unpredictable, and can pose certain health and safety hazards. In severe weather situations, camp grounds may be partially closed and you may be directed to certain areas or directed to leave the Park altogether. Obey all instructions from County employees and officials, if any are given.
Failure to comply with instructions or directives from County employees or violation of Park Rules and Regulations, local, state or federal laws will be cause for revocation of permit. The Department of Parks reserves the right to not issue permits to individuals who have previously violated the terms of a permit.
Hawk Rock viewpoint at the vista loop
MacMillan Reservoir
Vista Loop past the falls
Vista Loop past the falls close to the end
Start/End of Vista loop and other trails
Vista Loop start next to the Scarlet Oak Pond
Campsite 8 next to the Scarlet Oak Pond
Fishing at Scarlet Oak Pond
Entrance to trails at Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Panoramic View at MacMillan Reservoir