Rifle Camp Park is an often-overlooked park located directly next to the ever-popular Garret Mountain Reservation. Although the two parks offer many of the same features, Rifle Camp receives only a fraction of the foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking the same amenities in a generally less busy environment. While Rifle Camp may not be as impressive overall as Garret Mountain, it is still a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the area.
Rifle Camp Park
Entrance:
Location: Woodland Park, Passaic County
Restrooms: Yes, at the Warming Shelter and Carnie Bragg areas
Price: Free
Activities
Hiking
The park features about 4 miles of marked trails, plus multiple unmarked trails.
Playgrounds
There are two modern playgrounds, one in the Warming Shelter area and one in the Carnie Bragg area
Picnicking
There are multiple picnic areas in the park, most notably at the Warming Shelter and Carnie Bragg. The Warming Shelter also features a covered pavilion. All picnic areas can be reserved through Passaic County, or are available on a first come-first served basis.
Exercising
The Red Trail features free-to-use exercise equipment along the entire loop.
Concerts
The park hosts multiple free concerts through the summer at the new amphitheater
Camping
The Carnie Bragg area features a lean-to camping area, generally used by scouting groups.
Dog Park
There is a dog park located between the Warming Shelter and Carnie Bragg areas. There is an area for both small and large dogs.
Points of Interest
- New York City Overlooks
- Nature Center and Observatory
- Nature Trail
Review
The park and its facilities are nice, especially the amphitheater, playgrounds, and dog park, and it is noticeably less crowded than nearby Garret Mountain. This does not mean the park will be empty, since it remains a popular spot. Apart from the impressive views of New York City, the trails are not particularly exciting, but they are still a good way to get fresh air. One unusual and unfortunate quirk of the park is the nature center and observatory. Although you might expect them to be open to the public, they are used only for school programs and Passaic County Community College.
Park History and Name
The land that would eventually become Rifle Camp Park, along with the neighboring Garret Mountain Reservation, was initially acquired by Passaic County in the 1920s. Additional parcels were acquired over the following decades. During this period, the expanding parkland was formally divided into two areas, Garret Mountain Reservation and what would later be named Rifle Camp Park. These parks are currently only separated by Weaseldrift Road and a now-demolished bank. Development of Rifle Camp Park progressed slowly, and the park was ultimately completed in 1973 under a master plan by the Kinsey Associates.
The park takes its name from a brief Revolutionary War encampment in 1780 at Great Notch, where Continental Army troops were positioned to guard the pass. Great Notch is a natural gap in the First Watchung Mountain, approximately where Route 46 runs today. Although this site lies just south of the current park boundaries, the park was still named “Rifle Camp Park.”
Nature Center and Observatory
At the back of the park, along the cliff line, is the (under construction as of 2025) nature center and observatory. This building is not a visitor center, and is designated for use by local schools and Passaic County Community College.
Trails
The park features two main hiking trails, both of which are loops: The Yellow and Red loops. Additionally there is an unmarked, but informative nature loop near the nature center.
Posts From Rifle Camp Park
-
Exploring Rifle Camp Park’s Woodland Nature Trail
Many visitors to Woodland Park’s Rifle Camp Park are familiar with the Red and Yellow Loops, but few realize there is a short nature trail tucked between several…
-
Hiking the Yellow Trail at Rifle Camp Park
Located just under a mile from the increasingly popular Garret Mountain Reservation, Rifle Camp Park is an often overlooked alternative. Although the two parks offer many of the…
Gallery
Leave a Reply