5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping options near Nutley, New Jersey range from urban-adjacent RV parks to more rustic forest settings within day-trip distance. The closest established campgrounds include Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, which provides 90 RV sites with city views, and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several camping areas within an hour's drive include Cheesequake State Park Campground and Camp Glen Gray, which features tent sites and cabins in a more secluded woodland setting.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Cheesequake State Park maintains a camping season from April 1 to October 31, while Beaver Pond Campground at Harriman State Park operates from April 22 to October 9. "This RV park is literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is. The location is great, but the surrounding streets may be hard to maneuver with an RV if you're a newbie," noted one visitor about Liberty Harbor. Road access varies significantly between locations, with urban campgrounds having tighter turning radiuses and more challenging navigation for larger rigs, while forest campgrounds may have rougher roads requiring higher clearance vehicles.
Campers consistently mention the urban-meets-outdoor experience unique to this region. Liberty Harbor receives mixed reviews but high marks for its proximity to New York City attractions. A recent review pointed out, "If you want to visit NYC and surrounding areas, this is the place. Expensive but when you look at local hotel rates, not so much." For those seeking more traditional forest camping experiences, the locations in northern New Jersey and nearby New York offer more nature immersion. Camp Glen Gray visitors highlight the "many hiking trails to choose from" and note that the "cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood." Reservation requirements are common across all camping areas, with many sites filling quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods.
"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
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $20 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $85 - $120 / night
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
Available this weekend
from $130 / night
"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
"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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
from $529 - $1200 / night
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
"Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
from $5 - $200 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWater/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
LegendLocated 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!
LegendThere'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!
ScoutNice campground, bathrooms are clean but dated, first come first serve for the sites.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
ScoutOn 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.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
GuideDefinitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
Camping options near Nutley, New Jersey include a mix of developed campgrounds and rustic sites within a 40-mile radius. Campers can find tent platforms, paved RV pads, and cabin accommodations across various parks. Many sites in the region offer hiking access to the Appalachian Trail segments, with camping seasons typically running from April through October when temperatures range from 50-85°F.
Lake swimming: 5 stars: At Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park, visitors can enjoy excellent swimming. "This place is only an hour away from NYC with so much to do and see... Sebago has a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends," notes Sara P.
Hiking trails: 4 stars: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides extensive hiking options through wooded terrain. "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," according to Jeff W.
Urban exploration: 4 stars: At Camp Gateway Staten Island, visitors can combine camping with urban exploration. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains Phillip L.
Easy NYC access: 4 stars: Liberty Harbor RV Park receives high marks for its strategic location. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City," writes Emily L.
Family-friendly park programming: 5 stars: Sebago Cabin Camp offers structured activities for families. "Ranger Joe is great with the kids and they have firewood for purchase on site... they also have movie nights they do big bonfires on Saturday," reports Hashim C.
Private wooded sites: 5 stars: Camp Glen Gray provides secluded camping in a forest setting. "Great Camp! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," writes Jose N.
Variable site quality: 3 stars: Cheesequake State Park has mixed reviews about site conditions. "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together and one of the sites we reserved was filled with broken glass," reports Katrina Z.
Noise considerations: 3 stars: Some campgrounds near Nutley have noise from nearby roads. "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly," notes Theresa G. at Cheesequake State Park.
Bathroom facilities: 4 stars: Beaver Pond Campground offers well-maintained facilities. "The grounds are clean and quiet. RV hook-ups, tent platforms, and rustic tent sites were available. Our rustic tent site had a few good options for pitching a tent, as well as picnic table and fire ring," writes Rebecca S.
Water activities: 5 stars: Beaver Pond Campground offers excellent swimming options for children. "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. The campsite has a lot of amenities. The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping. Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," advises Kelvin.
Cabin options: 4 stars: For families wanting a middle ground between tents and hotels, consider rustic cabins. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," says Sara P. about Sebago Cabin Camp.
Budget-friendly sites: 4 stars: Some campgrounds offer reasonable rates for family outings. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," writes Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
City access with RVs: 3 stars: Skyline RV Camp provides urban camping but has limitations. "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more... The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place," reports Arlene S.
Site selection strategy: 4 stars: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, choosing the right site makes a difference. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. 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.
Access considerations: 4 stars: Some campgrounds near Nutley have specific access limitations. "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 the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close," notes Kevin A. about Liberty Harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nutley, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nutley, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Nutley, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Nutley, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nutley, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nutley, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Nutley, NJ.
What parks are near Nutley, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Nutley, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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