Turkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Bordentown, New Jersey covers a wide range of options within a 30-mile radius, from full-hookup RV resorts to more primitive tent camping in state forests. The region sits between the Delaware River and the New Jersey Pine Barrens, providing access to both forested and water-based camping experiences. Notable options include Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, a county-managed facility with pull-through sites, and Timberland Lake Campground in Cream Ridge, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins. Brendan Byrne State Forest, located south of Bordentown, offers year-round camping with more primitive facilities in a natural setting.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, with a few facilities like Brendan Byrne State Forest remaining open year-round. Summer brings humid conditions with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping weather. Many campgrounds feature sandy soil typical of the region, which can become messy after rain. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Cell service varies by location but is generally reliable in established campgrounds closer to urban areas.
The camping options near Bordentown cater to different preferences and needs. RV-friendly resorts like Butterfly Camping Resort and Tip Tam Camping Resort provide full hookups, swimming pools, and organized activities. According to reviews, Turkey Swamp Park offers "lots of vegetation for privacy" with forest views from perimeter sites, though unpaved roads can become muddy after rain. For those seeking a more natural experience, Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Camp provides spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, some with lakeside water access. Campers note that "sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks" to take advantage of the recreation opportunities. The area's proximity to Philadelphia (about 30 minutes away) makes it convenient for visitors wanting to explore both urban attractions and natural settings.
"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
"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."
"Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
from $50 - $100 / night
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
from $3 - $60 / night
"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."
"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"
"Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."
"It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."
"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! "
from $64 - $78 / night
"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."
"Unfortunately, the bathhouse near our site had no hot water, but they were working on it, so I’m sure it won’t be for long. Well stocked store. It was our very first camping day."
from $78 - $98 / night
"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."
from $20 / night
"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."












Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
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!
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!
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!
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
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.
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.
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
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.
Camping near Bordentown, New Jersey offers options for both primitive and full-service sites in the coastal plain region. The area features sandy soil typical of the New Jersey Pine Barrens with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region experience high humidity from June through August, with daytime temperatures frequently reaching 85-95°F.
Lake activities at Atsion Family Camp: Launch kayaks directly from lakeside campsites at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. The recreation center includes beach access and several trails. One visitor reports, "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails). In the area there are historic buildings and ruins you get to by 'off roading' on all dirt roads."
Archery at Turkey Swamp: The county park offers dedicated archery facilities for visitors. According to reviews, "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." The park maintains several shorter hiking trails with the longest measuring 2.5 miles.
Winter activities: Turkey Swamp Park provides year-round recreation options including winter sports. One reviewer notes, "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods." The park maintains several trails that remain open through winter months.
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Brendan Byrne State Forest. According to one camper, "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have. Showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean. Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Privacy between sites: Brendan Byrne State Forest provides good separation between campsites. One visitor mentions, "Nice and quiet, sites are spaced out enough to offer privacy. Good trees for hammocking! Plenty of room for a few tents at each site." The forest's native pine trees create natural buffers between camping areas.
Waterfront access: Lakeside sites at Atsion Family Camp offer direct water entry. A reviewer shared, "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake." Another camper at a different site noted, "It was a really nice size, and the kids could fish right off the dock on the back."
Site conditions vary by campground: Expect different terrain depending on location. At Timberland Lake Campground, one camper observed, "My biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs. They do offer full hookups that include cable if you have the outdoor wire." Many campgrounds in the region have sandy sites that can become messy after rain.
Wildlife considerations: Ticks are common throughout the Pine Barrens region, particularly in warmer months. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, with weekends filling quickly during peak season. At Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp, a reviewer noted, "Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay." This military campground offers an alternative option when other facilities are booked.
Look for organized activities: Butterfly Camping Resort schedules regular family-oriented events. A visitor mentioned, "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!" Many campgrounds in the area offer weekend programming during summer months.
Consider the bathhouse location: At Turkey Swamp Park, the central bathhouse location may require planning. According to a camper, "Since it is located in the D Loop it would have been helpful to have pathways leading from the other loops." When booking with children, check proximity to facilities.
Expect varying noise levels: Campgrounds differ in enforcement of quiet hours. A camper at Tip Tam Camping Resort observed, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."
Check hookup placement: At Tip Tam Camping Resort, full hookups are available but may require extra equipment. One RVer noted, "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." Another camper advised, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger rigs. At Adventure Bound Camping, a reviewer cautioned, "This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45' motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed." Check road conditions when booking, especially after rain.
Seasonal closures affect facilities: Many campgrounds in the region operate with limited services or close entirely during winter months. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground mentioned, "Pool was open for a couple days following the lifting of restrictions for COVID." Most water facilities close by mid-October at the latest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Bordentown, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bordentown, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
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