Best Campgrounds near Allenwood, NJ

The coastal plains surrounding Allenwood, New Jersey feature several established campgrounds offering multiple accommodation types within a short drive of beaches and natural areas. Turkey Swamp Park in nearby Freehold Township provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals on a 2,283-acre property with a 17-acre lake. Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests with full hookup sites and recreational amenities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Turkey Swamp typically open April through mid-November and others like Tip Tam Camping Resort available from mid-April through October.

Campground reservations are essential during summer weekends when shore-bound tourists fill the limited camping options in this part of New Jersey. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping is limited, with only a few year-round facilities like Allaire State Park. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and bathroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between public parks and private resorts. Roads throughout the area are generally paved and accessible with standard vehicles. Cell service is reliable across most of the region. One camper noted, "The sites are all pullthrough with lots of vegetation for privacy. We had a site on the perimeter, which are forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."

Several campgrounds near Allenwood feature swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, particularly at private resorts like Butterfly Camping Resort. According to one visitor, "Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites." Public properties such as Turkey Swamp Park offer more nature-focused recreation with fishing lakes, hiking trails, and archery ranges. Waterfront sites at various campgrounds tend to book quickly, especially those with lake views or water access. Campers often mention the mix of wooded privacy and developed amenities as a key attraction. The proximity to both natural areas and shore points makes the region particularly appealing for those seeking varied experiences during their stay. Noise levels vary significantly, with highway sounds noticeable at some locations and peaceful forest settings at others.

Best Camping Sites Near Allenwood, New Jersey (59)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    11 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"

    2. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    3 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."

    3. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    11 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! "

    4. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

    5. Pine Cone Resort

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

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

    $50 per night"

    6. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    22 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."

    7. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    8. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    22 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."

    9. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites

    1 Review
    Wall, NJ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 974-4500

    $45 / night

    "In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."

    10. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    9 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."

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Recent Reviews near Allenwood, NJ

362 Reviews of 59 Allenwood Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • 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.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

    VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING STAFF

    Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere. We were made to feel very welcome and well taken care of. Couldn’t ask for any better. The showers are basic but far from the worst I’ve experienced, clean and stocked. Limited store supply selection but Wawa is a 15 minute drive and Walmart is roughly the same so that’s good enough for me. Pool is well taken care of and the lake is nice. Mosquitoes are bad but that’s to be expected being near water of any kind so can’t complain too much it is what it is. Overall a nice spot to stop for some time away from the hustle and bustle of life.

  • 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!


Guide to Allenwood

Camping near Allenwood, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and boat rentals. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
  • Wildlife Watching: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest is great for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The grounds were lovely and a majority of the sites were generously sized."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mountainview Campground. One happy camper said, "Bathrooms/showers are always very clean as well as the grounds."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Bass River State Forest. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are spacious and not on top of each other."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Wading Pines Camping Resort is known for being family-friendly. One reviewer stated, "Very family friendly and pet friendly. Mostly quiet."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park set up - it does the job but it’s seen better days."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise from nearby roads at places like Brendan Byrne State Forest. One camper mentioned, "There was some low flying air traffic going in to the joint base nearby."
  • Check-in Confusion: At Wharton State Forest, check-in can be tricky. A visitor said, "Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to check out the playgrounds and organized activities at Turkey Swamp Park. One camper said, "There’s a nice playground in the campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks for the kids. A reviewer at Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, "Great people. Nice internet connectivity."
  • Choose a Shady Spot: Look for campsites with trees for shade, especially during hot weather. A camper at Mountainview Campground noted, "Sites are huge and very private."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups at places like Bass River State Forest. One RV owner said, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in summer. A visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest mentioned, "Ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year."
  • Arrive Early: Get to your campground early to secure a good spot. A camper at Wading Pines Camping Resort said, "The campground was full of plenty of amenities."

Camping near Allenwood, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Allenwood, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Allenwood, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Allenwood, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Allenwood, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Allenwood, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

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