Campgaw Mountain Ski Area

I’ve been skiing for years. This is a great place to learn for first timers or little ones. But once you get better, you grow out of it quite fast.

A small neighborhood mountain that was good to check out once, but I’m not sure that I would be a regular here.
This would be a good ski area to learn how to ski for the first time, as there is a daily limited vertical drop and small number of trails. The two ski lifts are antiques and are in desperate need of being replaced. The beginner lift suffers from long lines and frequent stops, likely because there is a mid station where many of the guests unload.
On their website the boast a decent number of trails, but in reality, there is only one wide primary slope running down the hill between the two lifts, plus a small expert slope at the far right that turns into a handful of narrow beginner trails at the bottom. There did appear to be a former trail on the left hand side of the mountain, but I didn’t see any evidence that they attempted to open it last season.
For what it is, being the closest mountain to New York City (even having a view of the city from the beginner lift), it does its job– but this is definitely not big mountain skiing, and you’re likely to get bored with the trail offerings after an hour or two. Still; a good place to learn before moving into other mountains.

Have not skied here yet but the Campgaw Mountain Reservation in which the ski resort sits is a beautiful, tranquil place. Lots of hiking trails leading deep into the woods, a beautiful little fishing lake (catch and release with license), and Campgaw Mountain itself with nice views from rhe top and total solitude if you hike on the backside of the mountain opposite the 2 ski lifts. There is an extensive disc golf course running up to the top of the mountain. Lots of boulders and stones everywhere in the woods left from glaciation 10,000+ years ago. Lots of deer around.

NOTE: This review is for hiking in Spring, not skiing /​snowboarding.
I went here for a hike over the weekend and it was enjoyable. I think if you’re looking for mountains with viewpoints /​rocky areas, go nearby to Ramapo Mountain State Forest or Norvin Green State Forest, but this was fun if you just want to fit in a quick hike. The ski slope definitely makes it pretty unique for the area, and hiking around the chairlift was really cool.
There’s also a disc golf course here and a few picnic areas. It looks like lots of people had their dogs here for exercise. I’d come back for a nice, easy hike.

I went with a large group of friends yesterday for tubing and was VERY struck with how rude, unhelpful, and even dangerous, the staff was. With the exception of one boy in the cafeteria who rang up our lunch, no one smiled or had a single pleasant thing to say, and everyone barked orders at us every single tubing run we made. Instead of attending to what was going on on the tubing hill, the attendants flirted with each other and engaged in a snowball fight. In addition, once when we were on our way up one of the young girls in our party’s tube came off of the lift and she tumbled off. I was yelling up the line, as was my whole party, to stop the lift so that we could help her. They did not stop the lift at all. Meanwhile, she’s being bumped and tumbled by one person after another who was on the lift because they never did stop the lift so that we could help her. I ended up abandoning my tube to help her and hauled her and her tube up the hill. When I got to the top, I called out the lift operator for what happened and he never apologized, saying only «I didn’t see it. That’s his job down there at the bottom.» I would never spend money here again. There are definitely better alternatives where customers are treated with decency and respect.

I took my kid to this place to learn snowboarding. The snow pass per day for him was about thirty dollar. Together with an one hour lesson, gear rental and food. We spent about $ 200 there. After the class we stayed in the practice ground to let him play. He is 3 years old and needed the parents to be there with him for safety. There was no Campgaw personnel there to attend to small kids. However after a while a middle aged male trainer wearing Campgaw uniform came to me and asked in a very rude way if I had a snow pass. Then he yelled at me «get out». He did the same to a number of other parents to clear the ground. The he started to teach this one kid how to ski. We understand the rule that Campgaw does not want people without snow pass to be in the ground. But as customers who spends hundreds of dollar there, we really don’t appreciate being yelled at in front of our kids. The rule itself is not considerate as well. Campgaw charged a 3 year old for his snow pass and does not allowed his parents to accompany him, and does not provide personnel for small kids’ safety. Then my question to the management is: how do you want your very young customers to use the facility?
Note: I believe the trainer’s name is Craig or Greg based on reading other reviews. It is really sad to see this seemingly child friendly facility does not even care about child safety. Please read the review about a 6 year old stuck on lift. I can really feel the desperate ness of his parents while Campgaw’s attitude is «I don’t care»???
I think supervising agency should really look into this place before allowing it to run in such a dangerous and irresponsible way.

Had lots of fun tubing at Campgaw yesterday! We encountered a slight issue when first arriving but the people behind the desk were quick at accommodating us. We enjoyed the 2−4pm tubing timeslot. We never had to wait in line for very long even though all the tickets were sold out which makes me think they manage things quite well. My only warning would be to anyone looking for a ski «resort» type experience as this is not it. It’s a small snow sport park good for a couple of hours of fun skiing, snowboarding or tubing. My feedback for Campgaw regarding the tubing would be to maybe number the tubing lanes. Employees manage the lanes for safety, I presume, and have to give you the go ahead before you can tube down a lane. It got confusing at times as no one knew who the Campgaw worker was calling. He started calling us by the color of our hats which only helped a little. It would be great if you knew which number lane you were in and the Campgaw worker would call you by your lane. Nontheless we had a lot of fun for not a lot of money, which is pretty hard these days. Looking forward to returning!

Overall fun experience good snow outstanding customer service in cafeteria especially from cashier Tim.

Decided to see what campgaw had to offer instead of going to my usual, ramapo reservation. I was displeased with the hiking trails and will probably never return. It’s small, mis marked and every clearing is overgrown with 1 foot tall grass. Especially up at the top by the ski lifts. I

Went to Campgaw today (holiday) and got a semi-​private snowboarding lesson for my (1^st timer) 5 year old and myself. The coach, Rachel, was great with us and was so sweet and helpful to other children on the snow. Great spot for beginners. Busy but not overly so despite weekday holiday. Entire staff was polite and helpful. We’d return for sure.

I checked out all the Unilocal reviews before going to Campgaw so I knew what to expect and wasn’t disappointed. It’s great because it is only a 20 minute drive from home and much closer than the other ski places around here. Check in and rental process was pretty easy, didn’t run into any issues at all. I went with another beginner like myself and an advanced snowboarder. I do agree with other reviewers, this place is great for beginners but will probably be boring to more advanced people. As a beginner skier I also did find the slope to be extra icy and it was difficult for me to get down but it was a good experience overall. I will probably return to Campgaw, nothing beats the close location.

Our experience is with the adaptive ski program. The staff are knowledgeable and attentive. They are quick to return calls (a bit slower via email) and answer questions. They matched my son with several good instructors who were patient and creative in teaching him to snowboard. The rental process keeps me from giving a 4^th star. Its a very small area and very disorganized, which I imagine is no fun for anyone, but especially for someone who is autistic and/​or has major sensory issues. It would be really great if they worked a better process for rentals during the adaptive program. We plan an hour before his lesson time to get kitted up and sometimes that’s not long enough and leaves no time for him to decompress for the next transition.

I won’t go back to Campgaw although it’s the nearest ski resort for me.
I was first shocked by the chaos in the rental area. It was small, crowded and disorganized.
I was not pleased with the children learning area either. I saw a lot of kids losing control of their skis and crashing onto other kids, yet the staff were not acting proactively.

Awesome place to ski/​snowboard/​snow tube. A friend of mine set up this nice outing but got there late. For about $ 25 you have a 2hr time slot to snow tube which is definitely plenty of time. It was only 40mins away from NYC which is great. You sign a waver, walk a few feet, grab a tube and off you go. They grab ur tube & hook it on this line that brings you up to the top. My friends and I had such an amazing time. We must have gone down 30xs. I was so happy woth the experience that I returned 1 week later with my nephew. He had a grreat time as well. I definitely felt like I was 10. This place is definitely worth it.

Small mountain perfect for learning to ski. They have a great tubing slope. The ski instructors are really patient. Go for some night skiing as well!

I came here with a group of friends to go snow tubing. I loved how close its to NYC and the price wasn’t bad ($ 25 for two hours).
It was really easy process you get there sign some waiver forms and off you go. Everyone that worked there young but helpful. We had a lot of fun and will be coming back.

I recently had a very bad experience with Campgaw. Last Sunday, along with 2 other families, took our kids to Campgaw. The kids are all between 5 and 6 years old. We pre-​registered for one group lesson and one private lesson which had a 3-​hour gap in between. They did pretty well in the first group lesson, and wanted to practice on the bunny slope while waiting for the second.
Now if you have been to Campgaw, you know they use a conveyer lift for the bunny slopes. I was watching closely right outside the fence. The first time my kid went up and came down without any problems. However, the second time after he got off the lift, he appeared to be stuck and was just sitting on the snow for quite some time. When I heard he yelling ‘DAD’ from the distance, I realized that he might have difficulties with his bindings. So I went to find the onsite supervisor (name is Craig or Greg) and asked for help.
His response to me was: «I told you guys stay outside the fence if you don’t have the lift ticket, can’t you see the sign?» I told him «I see the sign, but my 6 year-​old has been stranded up there for a while, he needs help»
Here is the rest of conversation:
Craig: «I can’t help you or him, he will have come down by himself or stay up there»
Me: «I just need you to get someone near the lift area to help him with his bindings so he can come down»
Craig (mind that he had a two-​way radio, and could have radioed his team who were just a few feet away from my son to help): «I won’t do that, and if you stay here I am going to call county police to escort you out»
Me: «He’s only six and is a beginner, can’t you do anything’
Craig:’ NO!‘
Being desperate, I turned to seek help from the management office, a lady from the office finally went to the bunny hill to help. Thanks to the lady, my son finally came down all frightened with tears in his eyes, there was a sheet of ice on his lower back from sitting too long in the snow. Even after the ordeal, my son went on to his private lesson, he loves this sport so much but I’m just not willing to put him in the same situation again.
Campgaw is a facility targeting kids and family, but their actions tells me that they don’t care about the wellbeing and the safety of their customers, not even for a minor. If you must go there, realize that there you’re putting yourself and your kids at risk.
I feel I experienced the worst nightmare of parents, seeing you kid in trouble and not allowed to help.
If you are not tired of the story, please continue to read the following:
When my kid are private lesson, I brought my friend with recorder as witness to talk to Craig (or Greg), here is the concersation:
Me: ‘Hi Craig, I just want to make sure I understand our encounter earlier, when I told you that my son is in trouble and need help, why can’t you help’
Craig: ‘If he can’t come down by himself, he shouldn’t be up there’
Me: ‘I registered him to two class and his only problem is sometimes the binding is hard to tighten up, so I only ask you to help or find someone to help him’
Craig:’ It doesn’t matter’
Me: ‘So when a 6 year old stuck there, you offer no help and doesn’t allow parents to help’
Craig:’ without a lift ticket, parents are not allowed in there’
Me:’ So why you can’t help»
Craig: ’ I don’t care, and have nothing more to talk to you’
He then walked away.
Me and my friend were shocked when he said ’ I don’t care’
Again, parents, if you don’t know how to ski, don’t take you young children to Campgaw. If any incident happy there, the supervisor will put their policy before kids safty.
As I have recording for some of conversation and video from my friend to identify the supervisor, those remain evidence and off the public. If you are going there and you want to know the person you shall be aware of, and don’t want to waste time on him, PM me and I will send you his picture.

I am very displeased with this place. I went here with my family and I didn’t make a reservation ahead of time. When I arrived they gave me an attitude because I didn’t make an reservation and they did not really care to try to squeeze us in either. Im all for hiring young people because im young myself.. . However hire people with respect and professionalism please. Very disappointed

Campgaw is the only ski/​snow tubing facility in Bergen County. My kids have been snow tubing here several times I even came skiing here when I was in my 20’s. There is one mountain and expert skiers might say it’s too easy. I think it’s a great mountain to learn on and it’s also supposed to be good for snowboarding.
There is a separate mountain for snow tubing. For tubing, you have to reserve your slot ahead of time and pay online. If you just show up without a reservation you probably will be turned away.
The tubing is in 2 hour increments. The cost is $ 24 per person. That a great price for two solid hours of fun. The parents can wait inside the lodge. There is a nice snack bar with hot and cold food and soft drinks. No alcohol is served (probably a good idea — we don’t want drunk skiers out there). Last Saturday there was a guitar player there singing classic Jimmy Buffet and Police songs. It was enjoyable.
It’s a fun place and good for local outdoor winter fun.

This is a good place to bring the family tubing in the winter. Its not crowded at all and they have a nice facility to eat in and relax.

My friend (s) and I come here during the summer to play on their disc golf course. The various «holes» are intricate and really give you a nice hike around the park. It’s not too busy and is quiet.

Although listed as a Ski Area it’s also a host to some good hiking and an excellent disc golf course.
Campgaw for disc golf has been a fun excursion for my friends and me for years now. 18 holes and this place has been improved upon and maintained all this time. My most recent trip I was excited to see that they actually added an «advanced» version to all the holes. Many of them with more than double the distances! So if you’re in for a challenge, this place has got it. Don’t let that scare away the novice crowd either. No matter you skill level, there original course is also well maintained with easy to follow signs and fairly clearly marked trails. Eventually as you play, you’ll come across a great scenic view of Bergen County from the top of the ski lift.
A quick tip, wear proper foot ware. Some areas at the bottom of the hill retain water and can stay a little muddy. No flip flops! Bug spray wouldn’t hurt either. Aside from that, remember to bring water and have fun!
Bottom Line: Lots of fun. Try it.

Campgaw is a very good started mountain for beginners. We tried Campgaw because we decided to try snowboarding last minute. It’s only 20 minutes from Fair Lawn and super easy to get to.
The pricing for everything is very reasonable. We paid $ 200 for a private lesson, snowboard rentals and lift tickets for two. Not bad at all.
The mountain was not packed so it was perfect for our first time. to be able to board down and hop right back up is a plus for me.
We will be returning.

Had such an awesome and memorable night snow tubing experience here. I bought a livingsocial deal, and came here with 3 other people. It was all our first time snow tubing, and we all had a spectacular time. It was so fun sliding down the snow tubing hill. It was such an adrenaline rush! The best position to sit in your snow tube is when you lay flat on your stomach. Trust me, you will go flying down the hill like the speed of light. Don’t be afraid, as it is pretty safe. There are fences located at the bottom to prevent people from flying out and getting hurt.
The staff at Campgaw were very helpful and friendly. Facility was very clean, and the waiting was quick at night. The hill was not very steep, but good enough for some adrenaline rush.
P.S — Don’t forget to wear warm clothes when snow tubbing! Do wear ski pants, gloves, a very warm jacket, earmuffs (or something to cover your ears), and snow shoes (not sneakers).
Highly recommend Campgaw Mountain for your snow tubbing experience!

Really exceptional for teaching youngsters to ski. There is a ton of good terrain — from the very easiest to just plain easy — for your young child to learn. I brought my five year old daughter and they started her on what was really barely an incline, a week later, she was on the «mini» magic carpet; two weeks after that, on the magic carpet. After five weeks, we were heading down the modest, unintimidating slope off the regular ski lift. There’s just such an easy, unnoticeable transition from one step to the next, that before they know it, the kids are up and at ‘em.
The instruction is, well, ok. But the customer service and responsiveness is exceptional: one week I felt like there were too many teenagers and not enough real instructors teaching and that my kid kind of lost a week. I sent an email to their customer service line, within twelve hours the manager of the program had contacted me; and the next week my kid had a full complement of attentive instructors.
This is a great place for teaching the little ones if you are in the NYC, northern New Jersey area.

Ski resort has new computer system which issues a smart chip tag that scans you as you pass thru the scanner when lining up at the line to the lifts. Place is nicely maintained, with friendly staff /​ski instructor, and live music.
The slopes is perfect for beginner that wants to try out ski it getting lesson to advance skill level, the 60 deg blue diamond drop at the top of the slope provides some fun run for the experience player.