[25] The borough's name Wanaque (original pronunciation 'Wa Na Kee') is thought to have been derived from a Lenni Lenape Native American word meaning "land of sassafras".

[29] Both Wanaque (formerly Midvale) and Haskell have their own ZIP Codes and are served by separate post offices.

[30][31][32] The 2010 United States census counted 11,116 people, 4,018 households, and 3,026 families in the borough.

[41] As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 10,266 people, 3,444 households, and 2,689 families residing in the borough.

[6] The borough form of government used by Wanaque is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie.

The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council.

[43][44] As of 2023[update], the mayor of Wanaque Borough is Republican Daniel Mahler, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026.

Members of the Borough Council are Thomas Balunis (R, 2024), Dominick Cortellessa (R, 2025), Edward Leonard (R, 2025), Donald Pasquariello (R, 2023), Bridget A. Pasznik (R, 2024), and Robert Pettet (R, 2023).

[51] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 5th congressional district is represented by Josh Gottheimer (D, Wyckoff).

[54] For the 2024-2025 session, the 26th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Joseph Pennacchio (R, Rockaway Township) and in the General Assembly by Brian Bergen (R, Denville Township) and Jay Webber (R, Morris Plains).

[56] As of 2025[update], Passaic County's Commissioners are: Bruce James (D, Clifton, 2026),[57] Deputy Director Cassandra "Sandi" Lazzara (D, Little Falls, 2027),[58] Director John W. Bartlett (D, Wayne, 2027),[59] Orlando Cruz (D, Paterson, 2026),[60] Terry Duffy (D, West Milford, 2025),[61] Rodney DeVore (D, Paterson, 2027)[62] and Pasquale "Pat" Lepore (D, Woodland Park, 2025).

Wanaque was included in the highlands preservation area and is subject to the rules of the act and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, a division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

[75] Some of the territory in the protected region is classified as being in the highlands preservation area, and thus subject to additional rules.

[77] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 63.7% (vs. 53.2% in Passaic County) were registered to vote, including 80.3% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.8% countywide).

[105] Interstate 287 passes through Wanaque for 2.2 miles (3.5 km), where it is accessible at Exit 55,[106] near the intersection of Union and Ringwood Avenues (County Route 511).

The camp is located high on top of a mountain overlooking Route 287 in Haskell.

Admission is free for the campers, and the camp is funded in part by local New Jersey Elks lodges.