Best Campgrounds near Aberdeen, NJ

Campgrounds near Aberdeen, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts, offering diverse accommodations within easy reach of both urban amenities and natural settings. Cheesequake State Park Campground provides shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features pull-through sites with forest views and cabin options. Several facilities in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Pleasant Valley Lavender offering more specialized tent-only experiences in unique natural settings.

Road access to most developed campgrounds in the area is straightforward, with paved entrances and well-maintained interior roads. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some facilities extending into November. As one visitor noted, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station." Weather considerations are important when planning trips, as summer brings humidity and temperatures in the 90s, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity quickly.

The proximity to both woodland settings and urban conveniences makes this region particularly appealing to campers seeking varied experiences. Many campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities, with several visitors highlighting this aspect in their reviews. "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake," noted one camper about Turkey Swamp Park. Sites with more privacy and natural surroundings tend to receive higher ratings, with campers frequently mentioning the value of wooded separation between sites. Highway noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly at Cheesequake State Park where the Garden State Parkway bisects the property. For those seeking more remote experiences, campgrounds further from Aberdeen in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest offer greater seclusion, with one visitor describing it as "beautiful, remote and pristine."

Best Camping Sites Near Aberdeen, New Jersey (56)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "   We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.

     Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.

     I really liked this park!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    4. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    5. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"

    6. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

    7. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    8. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."

    9. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    10. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."

    "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."

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Recent Reviews near Aberdeen, NJ

369 Reviews of 56 Aberdeen Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Lowe's - W Windsor

    Upscale Parking Paradise @ This Home Fixer Upper

    Granted, you’re in Princeton, yeah, that place known for that one certain university, so of course the expectations are going to be high, right? So, no doubt that this Lowes is pretty awesome, well, insofar as parking lots go that is. While there’s a variety of different sized Lowes that you’ll come across, this particular big blue box retailer serves up a fairly decent sized parking patio here for your overnight paved parking pleasure. Despite being conveniently located right off US1  and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there’s no doubt traffic, it’s all manageable. Despite being located right off US1, this Lowes sits back by about 80 yards so the locale doesn’t pick up all of the highway passerby traffic noise.

    Before arriving here, we called Customer Service and spoke with a very friendly lady called Jai-isha, who connected us with the store manager, Amanda, who confirmed it was OK for us to spend the night at this particular Lowes location. So while I don’t think anyone would have any problems just rocking up here for a quick overnighter, you might want to call ahead or stop in first.

    While there was definitely an abundance of parked cars as you enter from the west side, this is the least populated area of this parking corral, as well as the southern perimeter, which is a dash bit slower, less populated and therefor quieter. If that somewhat frequently trafficked retail arena doesn’t dissuade you from parking here at this home fixer upper, then you’ll be treated to a small smattering of additional retail options such as Mattress Firm (just in case you needed a new one for your RV), Trader Joes if you need to stock up on groceries, Starbucks to get jacked up on caffeine for that road trip you’re about to take as well The Container Store in the event that you need any kind of packing materials. While these stores add to the traffic pool, you’ll discover its altogether not terribly congested.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be RVing with your four-legged friends with you, then you’ll be in luck as just due north of here you’ll discover a nice patch of nature called Institute Woods (seems ironic, right?) that offers 589 acres of nicely manicured woods, farmland, wetlands and paths for you and your pet to stretch your legs – but be sure to check out the wooden bridge that spans the stream; (2) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then just across the street you’ll find The Princetonian Diner otherwise there’s some fast food joints like Wendy’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs or further down US1 in either direction you have comfort casual chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and P.F. Changs; (3) If you have a canoe or kayak and want to dip the beak of your vessel into some fresh water, then head due northeast to Carnegie Lake where you can not only get some decent oaring in, but drop a line or two as well to grab a nice dinner of blue gill; and (4) Looking for a fun diversion for the kiddos? Then head on over to Stumpy’s Hatchet House for some really great axe-wielding competitions!

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 5 

    Quality: 5 

    Peace & Quiet: 4 

    Amenities: 4 

    Overall, I scored this location a 5. 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Beautiful park but tons of ticks

    I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it’s really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper. I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us. I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time. My husband had just come out of the shower and found 2 on him( not yet attached). Also the bathroom s don’t have shelves and the showers are not very convenient. You have to come out practically naked to get your towel. And since none of the sites have sewers you have to use them.


Guide to Aberdeen

Camping near Aberdeen, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier." The trails can be challenging, so be prepared for a workout!
  • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and boat rentals. A reviewer noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake."
  • Beach Activities: Visit Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area for beautiful beaches. One camper shared, "We had a breezy afternoon check-in with the fantastic & knowledgeable forest service ranger."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Cheesequake State Park Campground appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor said, "Beautiful park. Great people. Nice internet connectivity."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Tip Tam Camping Resort. One reviewer mentioned, "Great place for kids and tons of activities. Campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond."
  • Quiet and Peaceful: Campers at Butterfly Camping Resort enjoy the tranquility. A guest noted, "Nice & quiet getaway. The campground was very well taken care of."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Washington Crossing State Park, have fewer facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "What kind of camping is going to bed at 10:00? No dogs no fun no music no booze."
  • Trail Access: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the trails can be rocky and challenging. One camper warned, "The path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men."
  • Seasonal Crowds: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area. A visitor advised, "If it’s summer - beware of weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Tip Tam Camping Resort. A family shared, "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go mini golf, swimming, pedal cars."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: Many campers prefer shaded spots for comfort. One reviewer at Butterfly Camping Resort mentioned, "Our site was a level pull-thru with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. It was roomy, shady, and easy to pull in and out."
  • Bring Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "There are a lot of activities within the campground as well that were impressive."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Liberty Harbor RV Park advised, "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer."
  • Use Local Amenities: Take advantage of nearby restaurants and shops. One camper mentioned, "There’s cute good food spots all around."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Maneuvering can be tricky. A visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park said, "You can see the Statue of Liberty from the park, and there were several cafes and restaurants within walking distance."

Camping around Aberdeen, NJ, has its perks and challenges. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Aberdeen, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Aberdeen, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 56 campgrounds and RV parks near Aberdeen, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Aberdeen, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aberdeen, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Aberdeen, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Aberdeen, NJ.