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
Dog-Friendly Camping near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
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Cheesequake State Park Campground offers pets-allowed camping with well-shaded sites that provide moderate privacy between neighbors. The family campground includes picnic tables, fire rings, and pet exercise areas where dogs can stretch their legs. Turkey Swamp Park also welcomes pets at their campground, providing electric hookups, water access, and accommodations ranging from tent sites to pet-friendly cabins and glamping options. Both parks maintain clean facilities with showers and restrooms, though guests note facilities at Cheesequake could benefit from more frequent cleaning during peak times. Most sites at these parks require pets to be leashed at all times, with designated areas for pet relief and waste disposal.
The campgrounds provide access to numerous pet-friendly hiking trails where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Cheesequake features multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, though some trails have reported poor markings that can lead to navigation challenges. Both parks offer water features—Cheesequake has a lake with swimming areas (though water quality can vary seasonally), while Turkey Swamp Park provides similar water recreation options suitable for dogs that enjoy swimming. The proximity to major highways makes these pet-friendly campgrounds easily accessible for weekend getaways, though some campers note that highway noise can be heard from certain sites at Cheesequake. Bringing bikes helps navigate the larger park areas more efficiently when traveling between campsites and amenities with pets.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands (34)
1. 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 Availability2. 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!"
"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"
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability3. 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)."
"My wife said she seen feds or some type of authority there with hound dogs when she was driving by one day when they closed it."
4. 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 Availability5. 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 Availability6. 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."
8. 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."
"They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything."
9. Butterfly Camping Resort
"My husband and I came to this campground for a quick weekend getaway with our dogs. We had a great time! The campground was very well taken care of."
"Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."
from $64 - $78 / night
Check Availability10. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"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."
"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."
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 Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
11 Photos of 34 Atlantic Highlands Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Atlantic Highlands, NJ
302 Reviews of 34 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
Campsites near Atlantic Highlands sit at elevations generally below 400 feet, with most in the coastal plains of Central New Jersey. The terrain consists primarily of sandy soil with pine and oak forests. Fall camping season extends through late October with average temperatures ranging from 45-65°F, while summer camping often requires advance reservations due to proximity to both New York City and coastal areas.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake where diverse waterfowl can be photographed, especially during early morning hours. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," notes reviewer Tylen L.
Historic village exploration: Allaire State Park contains a 19th-century iron making town with buildings dating to the 1830s. "There is a lot to do in the area. 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.
Archery practice: Multiple campgrounds offer designated archery facilities with hay bale targets. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "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."
Winter activities: Some area campgrounds remain open year-round, offering unique off-season experiences. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm," recalls Lisa S. about winter camping at Allaire State Park.
What campers like
Wooded privacy between sites: Pine Cone Resort offers sites with significant tree cover. "Camp sites are close together with no privacy but decent sized. You get a table, fire ring without a grill, water, electric, and enough room for a large cabin tent or a few small tents," reports Jesse C.
Seasonal camping communities: Many facilities accommodate longer-term stays. "We are wintering here and it seems to be a great place so far. Most of the neighbors that have been here years are friendly as well as the staff that I have met so far," shares Preston G. about Butterfly Camping Resort.
Free laundry facilities: Some military-affiliated campgrounds offer complimentary amenities. "Laundry facilities are free for use and in like new condition," notes Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park, where active and retired military personnel can camp.
Organized family activities: Scheduled events run throughout high season. "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!" writes Caitlin F. about Butterfly Camping Resort.
What you should know
Urban noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several dog friendly campgrounds near Atlantic Highlands. "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly," explains Theresa G. about Cheesequake State Park.
Tick prevention essential: The sandy forest environment harbors ticks, particularly in warmer months. A reviewer at Tip Tam Camping Resort observed: "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."
Dirt and sand management: Many sites have sandy soil that becomes messy during rain. "Sites were a little too close together and one of the sites we reserved was filled with broken glass, we did call the park office and they promptly sent someone out to clean it up," reported one camper at Cheesequake State Park.
Reservation timing: For summer weekends, book at least 3-4 months in advance. "This is a small beach campground. It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground," notes Michael M. about Nickerson Beach Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground quality assessment: Allaire State Park features a playground, though its surface material can be problematic. "Playground was big, but all sand which every kid had all in their shoes. Good rustic camping experience if that's what you're looking for!" comments Kirsten J.
First-timer friendly options: Introductory campgrounds with full facilities help ease new campers into the experience. "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.," shares Maggie A. about camping near Atlantic Highlands.
Pool availability: Several pet-friendly campgrounds include swimming pools for children. "The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear. The store was stocked with typical essentials like supplies, fire wood, and snacks," reports Matt S. about Butterfly Camping Resort.
Multi-generational activities: Some facilities offer varied recreation options. "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on," notes Caitlin F., highlighting amenities that can engage different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning challenges: At some locations, utility connections may be awkwardly positioned. "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," warns Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park.
Urban camping alternatives: For New York City access, Liberty Harbor RV Park provides a rare option despite limitations. "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," advises Keith and Tia S.
Hose length requirements: Some water connections require additional equipment. "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," recommends Shawn about Turkey Swamp Park.
Dump station logistics: Location and usage policies vary by campground. "Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" writes Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Atlantic Highlands, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Atlantic Highlands, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 dog-friendly camping locations near Atlantic Highlands, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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