Sue B.
Ranger
RangerWawayanda Group Shelter
Appalachian Trail Shelter/Campsite
This is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
Camping near Bound Brook, NJ
125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Bound Brook and surrounding Central New Jersey offer diverse camping opportunities at several developed campgrounds within 30 miles, ranging from primitive tent-only sites to RV camping with electric hookups. Round Valley State Park Campground near Lebanon provides primitive camping accessible only by hiking or boating, offering a wilderness experience unusual for the region. Other established options include Spruce Run Recreation Area, Cheesequake State Park Campground, and Turkey Swamp Park, which accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities including electric hookups, water access, and picnic areas.
Camping season at most parks typically runs from April 1 through October 31, with limited or no availability during winter months. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer. "The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging," noted one Round Valley visitor, highlighting the importance of preparation for hike-in sites. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at Round Valley Reservoir where wind warnings may affect water activities. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and fully-developed sites.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Round Valley State Park where sites along the reservoir offer scenic views and direct water access. According to one visitor, "The sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown." Mixed-use campgrounds like Turkey Swamp Park and Spruce Run Recreation Area provide options for both tent camping and RVs with hookups, allowing for various camping styles. Campers seeking more amenities might prefer Mountainview Campground or Cheesequake State Park, while those wanting a more rustic experience gravitate toward primitive sites. Wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking opportunities supplement the camping experience throughout the region, with many sites offering direct trail access.
Best Campgrounds near Bound Brook (125)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
2. 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. Spruce Run Recreation Area
"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
4. 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 Availability5. Mountainview Campground
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
6. Camp Carr Campground
"Both times it was a positive experience. Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing. Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out."
"We’re total newbs but we had a great time parked next to the raritan river. Spot 21 was open on the one side since they weren’t allowing tents during Covid."
from $37 / night
Check Availability7. 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 Availability8. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
9. 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."
"Sites are walk-in (only about¼ mile) and carts are available to haul gear. Two water spigots and bathrooms with flush toilets are also on-premise. No electric, hook-ups, or showers."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
Drive Time
- 43 min from Trenton, NJ
- 48 min from New York, NY
- 57 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 3 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Bound Brook, NJ
377 Photos of 125 Bound Brook Campgrounds
Derek W.
Round Valley State Park Campground
Dan W.
Cheesequake State Park Campground
Vanessa K.
Camp Carr Campground
Ellen K.
Pleasant Valley Lavender
Yolanda T.
Spruce Run Recreation Area
jacquelyn G.
Stephens State Park Campground
phillip L.
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Mark P.
Jugtown Mountain Campsites
Luis B.
Mountainview Campground
Liam S.
Tinicum Park Camping
Jean T.
Turkey Swamp Park
RobJenn ..
Dogwood Haven Family Campground, LLC
Recent Reviews near Bound Brook, NJ
818 Reviews of 125 Bound Brook Campgrounds
- Sue B.Ranger
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Great lodging options and trails!
I've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
- AAimee K.
TravelerTurkey Swamp Park
Great Park
Beautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
- MMakylie P.
ScoutRinging Rocks Family Campground
incredible find
i stumbled on this searching for something almost immediately off the interstate, but with little-to-no booking available for a reasonable price elsewhere local. we detoured about 25 minutes to get here, and it is just incredible. the scenery is gorgeous, they have a camp store with oodles of stuff, there’s a huge playground, and the camping areas are dispersed well and offer beautiful scenic privacy. i wish i could make this place my home. amenities are well taken care of, they have showers in the bathroom, as well as an on-site laundry facility. they have complimentary wifi, which i appreciate with AT&T. signal is slim to none without it. overall, 5/5 stars from my family.
S G.ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
- JJohn S.Scout
Quakerwoods Campground
Great place. Friendliest people
The staff is the GREATEST. They are knowledgeable and helpful. The grounds are clean. The shower rooms are clean and large. Laundry room is perfect. They have pull-thrus, back ins and tent sites. Dog stations are placed throughout the park. The campers are also the friendliest. You can always tell the condition of the camp by the quality of the people staying there.. everyone was respectful, courteous and friendly. We stayed in July, 2026 and would DEFINITELY stay again next time we are thru PA.
Frank J.TravelerSwartswood State Park Campground
The campground is open
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
- SStephanie P.
GuideFloyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY
Not park and camp available
The park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
Greg Z.TravelerSussex County Fair Grounds
Rock Ribs and Ridges 2026
We’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
Guide to Bound Brook
Camping near Bound Brook, 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 Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "Going for a hike here in the morning before heading out" made their stay enjoyable.
- Fishing: Spend a relaxing day fishing at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park. A visitor shared, "The rod into the campground was full of pot holes. Take a hike around Conservation Island."
- Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. One reviewer noted, "If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake, it has a ramp to drop in."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Camp Taylor Campground. A guest said, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
- Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. One camper remarked, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities at Turkey Swamp Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise at High Point State Park Campground. One visitor shared a frustrating experience: "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Worthington State Forest Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough."
- Access Issues: At Round Valley State Park Campground, the hike to the campground can be challenging. One reviewer said, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Taylor Campground. A parent shared, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One family enjoyed the "small arcade and playground" at Camp Taylor, which kept the kids entertained.
- Pack Essentials: Bring along items like a tablecloth for picnics. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground advised, "Their picnic tables also are disgusting, bring a table cloth!"
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We always prefer parks to private RV parks."
- Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A camper at Atsion Family Camp noted, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on firewood and other essentials. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals."
Camping near Bound Brook, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go car camping in Bound Brook?
Can I go car camping in Bound Brook?
Car camping is available near Bound Brook at several well-maintained campgrounds. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers paved, level sites with water and electric hookups that are perfect for car camping. The wooded, large sites accommodate vehicles comfortably. Another option is Stephens State Park Campground, a lovely location for car camping with easy access, though it may not be ideal for larger vehicles. Both locations provide convenient car access while still delivering a genuine outdoor experience.
Are there any camping sites with lake access in Bound Brook?
Are there any camping sites with lake access in Bound Brook?
While there aren't campgrounds with lake access in Bound Brook itself, several options are available within driving distance. Butterfly Camping Resort offers a fishing lake where campers have success catching fish, plus it features large sites separated by trees and shrubs. For a larger water experience, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold provides camping near its 17-acre lake, perfect for fishing and paddling. Both locations offer water recreation opportunities while maintaining wooded, peaceful camping environments.
What are the closest campgrounds to Bound Brook?
What are the closest campgrounds to Bound Brook?
The closest campgrounds to Bound Brook include Spruce Run Recreation Area near Clinton, offering drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. Great Divide Campground near Newton is another accessible option, featuring scenic surroundings with a small lake and pond in a wooded setting. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Cheesequake State Park Campground provides a convenient camping experience with basic amenities. Each offers unique advantages depending on your specific camping preferences.
Keep Exploring