M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
47 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey range from beachside tent camping along the Jersey Shore to wooded inland sites with full RV hookups and cabin rentals. Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area serves as the primary tent camping destination with walk-in sites near ocean beaches, while Cheesequake State Park offers developed campgrounds with both tent and RV accommodations approximately 12 miles west. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides more extensive facilities with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically closing from late fall through early spring.
Access to camping facilities varies across the region with most sites requiring advance reservations, particularly during summer months. Sandy Hook campground features tent-only, walk-in sites where campers must transport gear from parking areas to their designated spots. "We are local and have spent most of our beach days at Sandy hook. It's one of our all time favorite places in the world," notes one visitor, though several reviews mention significant roach issues at night during summer months. Campsites throughout the area typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of amenities from basic facilities at Sandy Hook to more comprehensive services at Turkey Swamp Park and Liberty Harbor RV Park.
The Jersey Shore camping experience centers primarily around water-based recreation and beach access. Sandy Hook receives consistently positive feedback for its proximity to beaches, bike trails, and historic sites including an operational lighthouse. Campers appreciate the ability to explore both bay and ocean environments while staying within the recreation area. Inland campgrounds like Cheesequake State Park feature more wooded settings with hiking opportunities. According to reviews on The Dyrt, many visitors value the combination of natural surroundings with relative proximity to urban amenities. Several campgrounds maintain restrictions on alcohol consumption and pet access, with specific regulations varying by property. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide drinking water and toilet facilities, though shower availability differs between locations.
Best Campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands (47)
1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"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."
from $200 / night
Check Availability3. Turkey Swamp Park
"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability4. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"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. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability6. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"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"
from $30 / night
Check Availability7. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"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"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. NWS Earle RV Park
"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."
10. Nickerson Beach Park Campground
"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"Very close to everything."
Drive Time
- 57 min from New York, NY
- 59 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 18 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 25 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
94 Photos of 47 Atlantic Highlands Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Inn the WoodsN
Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Turkey Swamp ParkJ
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Butterfly Camping Resort
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Timberland Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
302 Reviews of 47 Atlantic Highlands Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Adeline M.
GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Guide to Atlantic Highlands
Atlantic Highlands camping spots offer access to both coastal and woodland environments within an hour of New York City. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, closing during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing. The area features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and reservation requirements.
What to do
Visit historic sites: Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook provides easy access to military history exhibits. "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into," notes Susan B. from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Mountain biking: Trails range from paved paths to challenging single track at Allaire State Park. "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year," explains Beau B. who visited Allaire State Park.
Water activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and seasonal swimming options. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," says Dan W. who camped at Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Proximity to New York City: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a convenient base for city exploration. "Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of tue marina parking area," shares Kevin A. from Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," notes Lee D. who stayed at Turkey Swamp Park.
Seasonal flexibility: Some campgrounds in the region offer extended season options. "We have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," shares Patrick M. about Allaire State Park.
What you should know
Site limitations: Many campgrounds restrict vehicle access to camping areas. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" warns Christy K. about Sandy Hook.
Pest concerns: Ticks can be problematic, especially in wooded areas. "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," reports LAURA Y. from Turkey Swamp Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and quantity vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouse has on male and one female stall each. Laundry facilities are free for use and in like new condition," notes Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park, while other parks offer multiple shower houses.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Cheesequake State Park works well for first-time campers. "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc. The best part is all the trails," recommends Maggie A. from Cheesequake State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide designated play areas for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," mentions Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Traffic noise considerations: Some family campgrounds experience highway noise. "Noisy with highway traffic. Sites are a little too close together," reports Justin S. about Allaire State Park, while others mention similar issues at Cheesequake.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Liberty Harbor, position matters. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises Keith and Tia S.
Water hookup preparation: Turkey Swamp Park requires planning for water connections. "Bring a LONG water hose," suggests Shawn who camped at the park.
Leveling challenges: Several RV sites require blocking equipment. "We could not open our awnings, and site was far from level," warns deb K. about Pine Cone Resort, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks to campgrounds in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping amenities are available at Atlantic Highlands?
What camping amenities are available at Atlantic Highlands?
Campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Butterfly Camping Resort features large, shaded sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable hookups. The resort also boasts a large playground, fishing lake, and numerous activities for children. For those seeking a more natural setting, Round Valley State Park Campground offers a semi-mountainous, forested environment surrounding a crystal-clear reservoir perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Is camping allowed year-round in Atlantic Highlands?
Is camping allowed year-round in Atlantic Highlands?
Camping availability near Atlantic Highlands varies seasonally. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands of New Jersey is available for extended stays with paved, mostly level sites featuring water and electric hookups, though it may close during winter months. For those needing year-round options, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers camping throughout all seasons with easy access to Atlantic Highlands. Always check with specific campgrounds about their operational seasons, as many New Jersey campgrounds limit operations during winter due to weather conditions.
Where can I find camping in Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
Where can I find camping in Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
While Atlantic Highlands itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are available within a short drive. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area is the closest option, located near Highlands with drive-in access and basic amenities like water and toilets. For those willing to drive a bit further, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers a beautiful 2,283-acre setting with a 17-acre lake, hiking trails, and well-maintained paved campsites. Both locations provide convenient access to Atlantic Highlands' attractions.
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