Campgaw Mountain

Campgaw Mountain is a summit in Bergen County rising about 752 feet and forming the northern edge of the Watchung Mountains, with distinctive plant life and rock formations visible throughout. The mountain features well-maintained hiking trails and recreational facilities that remain open and usable in every season.

The area was home to the Munsee Lenape people who built villages near the Ramapo River long before Europeans arrived in the region. The arrival of European settlers brought major changes that transformed the landscape and altered the lives of those already living here.

The name comes from Lenape Chief Kum-Kow, keeping alive the memory of the people who lived here before others arrived. Visitors encounter this indigenous presence through local stories and markers that honor the Lenape legacy throughout the area.

The mountain offers winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, while hiking trails remain open throughout the year for visitors of different experience levels. Plan your visit around weather conditions, as trails can become challenging during rain or snow, and wear proper footwear for changing terrain.

From 1955 to 1971, the mountain housed a Nike missile base that protected New York City from potential nuclear attacks during the Cold War era. Traces of this military chapter remain visible today, offering visitors an unexpected glimpse into a lesser-known period of local history.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 41.05426,-74.19919

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30