My idea of camping got flipped on its head when I arrived on the campgrounds. This was my first time visiting Hillside and my experience was well-enjoyed during Pride Weekend they were having. Staff and the community were very friendly, there was great food available, and the amenities were mind blowing when you put the idea of 'camping' into consideration. From what I gathered among many of the campers I met, the grounds really took on some big upgrades and I'd totally move here if I was able to. Sucks I can't make it to the upcoming Illumination event.. 10/10 want to return another time or two before the end of the season! read more

The ownership and staff are professional and friendly, at least they were to me. My site was pleasant, even charming. I fell asleep to the sound of a gently churning brook. Heaven! The ATVs, however, race around at top speed at all hours. One of the drivers was especially reckless and should be let go or reassigned. It is, indeed, hard to make friends with the perm-site residents. At brunch, somebody (just one person) asked what I did before retiring; "Metropolitan Opera music staff" was met with total silence. Conversation over. But, really, who can blame them for being a little insular? They have built a friendship circle and maintained it for decades. They are happy. However, they are definitely not motivated to engage outsiders. Although these are generally pleasant, exceptionally kind, people...anybody interested in art, politics, drama, literature, or in anything other than banal pleasantries might be bored here. Even sexual banter is hard to come by in these parts. Recollections from the Saturday night bonfire: A Puerto-Rican No-Longer-Boy danced on a picnic table like an aggrieved postal worker who, as a punchline in some long-forgotten 70s sitcom, had been requisitioned the short pants of his Postal Service Summer Uniform two non-trivial sizes too small. Then there is the crowd who take the proposition 'display of the nude human form is by definition beautiful' with absurd earnestness, apparently deeming themselves so beautiful that the occasional "and then I sh@t right in my pants!" might be swept under the rug. In truth, any faint mists of dignity had been swept away early in the season with the Poison Ivy. "No, YOU are a c#nt b#tch!" slices the air, absent any proper foreshadowing. "It was the organ player! The ORGAN player!!!..." rang out from some quarter, with that particular, highly stylized urgency of tone and timbre that one used to hear in dive bars with names like "The Flame" or "The Candle." You get the picture. read more

It's a very welcoming campground. Fun theme weeks, a giant pool and very friendly campers abound. I've been to others but, the community here makes this place a stand out. Love the place. read more

Only been once, so far. The illumination weekend was beautiful. Most everyone was very friendly. Will try going again.

I've been many times over the years. Great community, and always a fun party.

The cafe has good food at reasonable prices. The pool area has new chairs and umbrellas. Most weekends have theme parties which are a lot of fun. read more

I'm sure I am correct in stating that Hillside Campgrounds is the grandfather of all gay campgrounds. Being over 30 years old, it was the first and it was the one that set the tone for all of the other gay campgrounds that have followed. It's been my pleasure to have camped here on several occasions, even going back over 20 years. Other than new and different cabins and upgrades in amenities it's remained pretty much the same over the years. It attracts a huge following out of the areas of Philadelphia as well as New York City and Washington, D.C. Some have even, though of course it is not their land, done add-ons to trailers and camps making them really nice, having put a lot of money into them that the know they'll never recoup. But for them it's their summer vacation home, and where better to have a summer vacation home than being within an all gay clothing optional campground? One thing about Hillside, there is always something to do. Every weekend has a theme to it. It might be bear weekend, jockstrap weekend, leather weekend, dress in drag weekend or whatever, but a theme along with a big evening campfire every Saturday night for everyone to gather around, mix, and show off whatever they have that goes along with the weekend theme. The people, as with all gay campers, tend to be super nice and totally friendly. Though I like the place, I can't say I'm a fan of it as the name, "Hillside" sort of says it all. It's located on a very steep, like really really steep hillside so you better be young, in good shape or part mountain goat to get around the place. It's just not something we flatlanders or Florida swamp dwellers take easy to. Also, the seasonal campers (those that are there all season) tend not to mix all that much with the weekend or day campers. That is of course unless you are VGL (stands for Very Good Looking), young, fresh meat chicken. I also have to agree with other Yelpers that the campground staff, as in the ones that take reservations, are anything but friendly. In fact they can be downright rude obnoxious pricks. I know one time I phoned in for a reservation and got nothing but a response of: "It's a holiday and a leather weekend, were full;" then a mere hang up. In short, I would say that the popularity of the place and its continued success over the years has no doubt given birth to a certain obnoxiousness of the ownership that has trickled on down its staff. read more

Hillside Campgrounds - Campgrounds Near Me - New Milford, Pennsylvania

So I've been coming here for 3 summer's now and I love this place. Like other guys said, it's a campground in the woods so if mud is a problem, stay home. But for a good weekend getaway in nature with some of the nicest, open, gay guys then come. Yes they have indoor plumbing, wifi, electricity, a store for those things you always forget (and some great adult toys) and a kitchen that will cook meals. Could they use a new DJ for the weekend parties? Sure, but that my opinion. Management is really helpful and remember you everytime you call/check in. It's not perfect but for it is, it works for me. read more

UGH! The hills, the rain, the mud, the cold nights! I have never felt more comfortable and welcomed in any other campground. The weekenders and the seasonal residents are among the friendliest people I have ever met. There is always a "Hello, how are ya" or a "Do you need anything?" It's place to relax, unwind and connect. You can do or not do whatever you like. There you will meet people of all races, religions, sizes, shapes and color. and NO ONE CARES! I am excited to have 4 weekends booked this summer AND a full week in between two of them! If you ask the staff for anything...they will accommodate as best as they can, and what more could you want than that? Thank you. read more

My partner and I have visited a multitude of clothing-optional, LGBT-friendly campgrounds along the eastern border of the United States. History and heritage aside, this one ranks at the bottom. Easily. For one, there are absolutely no amenities to speak of. The bathrooms are outdated porta-potties, and there's no staff to ensure their upkeep and cleanliness. On day 2, I discovered a substantial amount of fecal matter on literally every single toilet seat available in my zone. Air-conditioning units are strictly forbidden and will ensure your dismissal....hence why we didn't bring an RV. The place has clearly not been updated or overlooked in any fashion since its opening 30 years ago. People are superficially friendly, as in they'll perhaps say "hello" as you walk by. But there is zero sense of camaraderie on this campground. The seasonal campers refuse to have anything to do with the weekend visitors. Beyond that, there is a very creepy and cult-ish air permeating the campground. Every time I approached a group having a conversation, it instantly turned to piercing glares and silence. The closest thing to community my partner and I experienced here was repeated pressure to perform public sex acts on a camper's porch. On the morning of our departure, we found a soiled, tattered pig stuffed animal (read between the lines) at the entrance of our tent. We won't be back, and we encourage all others that enjoy a clothing optional gay campground to steer clear. History is history, so get with the times. read more

I've only been the this camp 3 times, twice last year, and again this past week. Love the camp,, HOWEVER... OMG the Café is phenomenal!!! . Ordered the lump Maryland Crab cakes and substituted macaroni salad instead of French fries. Amazing .. so good. Last year the food was satisfactory, this year they have set the bar much much higher. ~6 starts out of 5 ~ The new cabin remodeling is worth the trip from anywhere read more

Horrible experience, not anything even close to what I read here. Tent site 303, took off extra days to get there early, relax and leave on Monday and avoid traffic. I was so excited about camping here and looking forward to the activities that weekend. I was SO wrong. Perm site next to me had LOUD disco, strobe lights from Thursday until 3AM then Friday until 2AM (oh and did I mention the dude screaming at the top of his lungs from 3AM to 4AM about his slut boyfriend)? Put up a tarp to stop the lights (which NEVER were off). There was one staff at the cafe who was exceptionally rude and insulting at every encounter. I was charged 25 bucks (I was by myself) for a horrible--repeat HORRIBLE, brunch (if you go there, spare the indigestion and insults and go to Denny's down the road, the people there won't insult you. I regret leaving tips for everyone and I would strongly urge and recommend getting written, printed receipts for EVERY transaction here. The permanent campers all know each other, won't give a stranger the time of day to even answer a question about where Grey Gardens? or Badabing was, laughed at me for not knowing, and of course they don't even put the site location on the announcement. They have parties, but I guess you have to "know a guy" to go to them. The "roads" are billygoat defyingly steep--you need an ATV to get around, and the ATVS (not electric) on the road will run you off (especially at night). Be careful, there is no respect for walkers struggling up these hills even after they were muddy from the rains. Oh, and they never stop running all night. At my humble tent site, I felt like they were coming through my tent, especially the high beam lights. Don't think about staying on after Sunday, there is no food available. Forget about the BS of being 'open' and 'free' to clothing optional. You will be gawked, leered and stared at when you are at the pool by the "reviewing stand" entering and leaving and when I broke my camp down on Sunday, I actually had a gang of 4 campers, literally, stare at me for over 30 minutes, and they weren't looking for a "good time," It was awful. Not one said hello, or waved back when I smiled waved at them. It was downright mean. If you don't get to the pool at 8AM and wait for it to open, you won't get a chair. The campers here go and throw towels down on chairs and walk away, never to return. You'll end up sitting in the back (if you can find an open lounger) and have to struggle through all the chairs to even SEE the pool. The smell from the portable johns, well, I won't even go there. I would NOT recommend this campground. I was told by management I should have moved from my site, AFTER I was set up. Told I was lying because no one else complained about the loud music. I left a day early. I was glad to get out of there. I was not lying. They just don't give a crap. Not a fun, friendly or open place at all. I was really excited and looking forward to going here. It was very, very disappointing. If you aren't permanent campers, they don't give a crap about you or your experience. Don't go here. I wasted my time and money. Please don't do the same. read more

I have been going here since they started. It has grown and gets better all the time. They are also a great asset and support for the gay community. read more

What a terrific find! We spent a beautiful weekend here on route to Maine during a cross-country RV trip. Both management and guests couldn't have been nicer. The weekend activities, including rubber duck races, were a hoot! Gorgeous, heavily wooded grounds (and they don't call it Hillside for nothing! Oh, my aching legs!). Fabulous heated pool with lots of sun. I'd stay here again in a NY minutes. read more

Been going to this campground for 20 years now. Used to love the place but it has changed. The younger crowd seems to think it is ok to party until 3-4 am, not caring about the campers that actually might like to sleep. Love the pool and everyone is very friendly. Great daytime and evening get togethers, food and drinks. Just be aware you might not sleep at night! read more

We just want to write a review filled with gratitude for the overwhelmingly welcoming climate you all have created at Hillside. We are longtime gay campers, but this weekend was our first time with you all. From the beautiful creek, to Greg and David's amazing service at the Cafe, to Richard (the sexiest pool boy around), to William making the grounds sparkle, even the deli, and all of your amazing perms! The pool was super clean and sunny. The showers and bathrooms could use some work but we will for sure be back this summer and will be telling all of our friends the same great stories. Thanks for the great weekend and we will see you soon. read more

This place is great. I've been coming here for weekend trips and day trips for the past 6 years. Hillside may not be the fanciest campground you can go to in PA but it has history and culture. The people who go to Hillside are so friendly and fascinating. I've gone by myself many times and have made friends with people at the pool or cafe. The facilities (bathrooms/showers) need some updating but easy to look past. The pool is new and heated and there are lots of new amenities. The staff is very friendly and its very easy to check in. I notice the staff help older campers and disabled campers to their sites so its very accessible for all. The negative reviews for this place are uncalled for. This place is filled with history and love and is a historical part of gay culture. The owner of Hillside took a risk in the 80's to create a safe place for gay people and it is still around today. We should cherish it, help it grow. Not hinder it down with negative reviews. read more

This campground has been Under New Management for the last 3 years. Things are greatly improved. Online reservations and credit card payments are now available. One must consider that this is a campground, not a resort, so if you're expecting 4-star or 5-star accommodations this is not the place for you. If you're looking to camp in a tent or small trailer amongst hundreds of other gay men just looking to relax and enjoy and have a good time then you'll find this place ideal. read more

Hillside may be 30+ years in operation, but looks closer to 300+. Abandoned vehicles, old trailers mired up to the axles in mud, decorations apparently left over from the ruins of Pompeii...just a generally creepy feeling. And despite having specifically asked about 30 amp service for my RV, I found that they have a 30 amp receptacle but a 20 amp circuit breaker for the outlet. After several trips to reset the breaker, we just packed and left for the nearby Holiday Inn Express. Absolutely cannot recommend that anyone stay here overnight. read more

Hillside Campgrounds is one of the best places I have visited with wonderful staff and food. I recently went to Hillside about 3 weeks ago, first greeted by the wonderful front desk staff - who helped me out with understanding the grounds and dealing with everything at the camp. The Breakfast and Dinner are unbelievable - the food is off the charts - so delicious ! The Breakfast Buffet is awesome !! The place was very clean - and the NEW Cabins ! is like staying at the Four Seasons !! of camping !! Thank you for a great time. I will be coming back. Awesome Place and wonderful friends. read more

For those complaining about the office staff..you might want to try them again. There was a change in management a few years ago in the office, and I'm sure you will find them happy and helpful. Online registrations now as well. I guarantee you won't get hung up on, and they will make all options before saying we're full. read more

Im not giving this place any stars. I tryed to make reservations at 4:05 pm Thursday 8 / 28 and I was told they dont take reservations after 4 so I called Roseland campgrounds and got taken care asap. I wont be going to hillside read more

Worst campground ever. There was not even customer service to talk about. The owner actually pulled gun on us when we arrived the campsite after we pay through the website and even picked the site. If you want live, don't even close to that campground. Now I understand, this campground should call Hellside Campground. read more

Let me say;I am not a camper,but a glamper.I had an opened mind how my ten day stay would be.I stayed in a lodge at another campground nearby this one for the first time in many many years of doing this type of stay. I was pleased at my time there.But I gotta say they had a full kitchen I was afraid to cook in.My groceries were in the community fridge in a locked cooler I would not have left the food in there open.I had to wash the coffee pot reserve in the sink it was so gross.And the kitchen smelled bad.The bathroom was not so clean either.The bedding and towels were provided.For a week I was never contacted to see if I needed anything.I used the two towels for the week.The people were nice though.Ok enough on that one.Staying at Hillside in cabin one.At first glance the covered porch was so cute.I was worried when I unlocked the door but willing to accept whatever I paid for.I honestly can say I stayed in hotel rooms worse than that cabin.You do need to provide your own bedding and towels.It was very (clean) two beds,stove and oven,coffee maker,full size fridge,cold and hot water in a full size sink.Everything you would need to cook.A sponge and dish liquid provided.Even a full roll of paper towels.And refills on request,even gabage bags.And a broom too.They kept a working heater and a fan to use also.Loved that cabin.The bathrooms were close,clean and always stocked with paper goods.They also have a laundry room.The pool,beautiful the lounge chairs comfy.The weekend rec hall was also fun.They have a small store,and thrift shop,but it was closed for the season.I can't express enough on the staff;and the people,all types and all friendly.I am abit shy but I can say they made me feel like I had been there for years.The grounds are amazing,oh and the bon fires;like nothing I have ever seen,a true bon fire.I would be proud to call Hillside my camp ground. read more