RV camping near Avenel, New Jersey offers access to coastal parks and urban camping options with varying levels of amenities. Located in Middlesex County, Avenel sits approximately 20 miles southwest of Manhattan, making it a strategic base for campers who want to explore both natural areas and city attractions. Winter camping is limited with most campgrounds in the region operating seasonally from April through November due to the northeast's cold temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features a lake with good fishing opportunities and bait sold at the ranger office. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes one Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Hiking trails: Several parks offer walking paths with varying difficulty levels. "There are several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," according to a Turkey Swamp Park camper.
Archery practice: Some county parks maintain designated archery ranges. "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," shares a Turkey Swamp reviewer.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers secluded camping with natural surroundings. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Convenient city access: The proximity to New York City draws many campers to Jersey City. "The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close," explains a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Military facility option: For those with military credentials, NWS Earle offers an affordable alternative. "Small campground with 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete with full hookups and attached concrete patio. Laundry facilities are free for use and in like new condition," reports a visitor to NWS Earle RV Park.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Quality and amenities vary dramatically between parks. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge," explains a Turkey Swamp visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful," notes a visitor at Indian Rock RV Resort.
Wildlife concerns: Some parks have significant wildlife populations to consider. "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," warns one Turkey Swamp visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Multiple activities: Parks with diverse recreational options keep children engaged. "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," shares a family that stayed at Turkey Swamp Park.
Beach proximity: Some military facilities offer unique beach access. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants. Plenty of space for kids to play in the field/grass area," reports a visitor to Military Park NJ National Guard.
Tips from RVers
Urban navigation challenges: Reaching some RV parks requires careful driving through congested areas. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises a Liberty Harbor visitor.
Hookup logistics: Some campgrounds have unusual utility placements. "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," explains an NWS Earle visitor.
Extended stays possible: While most campgrounds limit stays, some allow longer visits. "Many campers here are seasonal or long term stays and were very quiet and respectful. We had a bad luck of the draw being next to a very loud, inebriated family with unruly dogs but luckily they only were there the one night," shares an Indian Rock RV Resort camper.
