6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campers often stay near Brookside, New Jersey for top RV and motorhome choices. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides 90 sites with electric hookups, water, and sanitary dump stations. Mountain Top RV Park offers full hookup sites with 50-amp service, accommodating larger vehicles with big-rig friendly access. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, RV sites include electric and water hookups with a dump station on premises, though the campground notes limited access for oversized vehicles. Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort features 50-amp service, water, and sewer connections for motorhomes and travel trailers from April through October. "The sites are nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup. Although the water spigots were shared between sites, they provide hose caddies that should reach most RV hookups," noted one camper about Mahlon Dickerson.
Fall foliage season fills many parks fast, requiring advance reservations. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with Panther Lake Camping Resort reporting spotty coverage for all carriers. Several parks offer propane refill stations and on-site laundry facilities. Navigation into mountain parks may require careful planning, as one reviewer cautioned: "This place is not the place for you if you have a fifth wheel. The roads are very narrow, pretty sizable boulders on both sides, trees are very low and need to be trimmed." Most RV parks near Brookside maintain seasonal operations, with many closing between November and March. Pull-through sites are available at Turkey Swamp Park, which features spacious motorhome pads with 30-amp service and water connections in a wooded setting.
"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."
"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
"Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry. Super nice owners. Perfect for an overnight stop."
"This place is unique by location alone! We stopped for two nights on our way to CT. They have an onsite buffet with live entertainment if your timing is right."
"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
Available this weekend
from $85 - $120 / night
"The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment."
"We really enjoyed our stay at Mountain Top. We had to come to the area kind of last minute, and they were very accommodating!"
from $89 / night
"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."
"We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it’s a beautiful campground and the part of PA is great too."
"Pull through spots a a bit tight together but at least they have some. Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway."
"Well kept, wooded sites on a mountain. No lake in site. Standard amenities, like pool, hot tub, laundry, outdoor games a community fire pit etc.. Small store as well. 5 minutes to town."
"The sites are nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup."
"It is a small campground nestled in the woods. There are level padded sites with electric and water (in warmer months). Sites were spaced out with beautiful woods in the background."
"Lots of seasonals and lots of cabins, many RV sites I think all with full hookups. A bit pricey. And also no garbage anywhere near the RV sites!"
"Weekend was busy as usual but during the week it seems to be seasonal that stay. A bit out here in the middle of nowhere, 15-20 minutes from any town. Make sure you have what you need!"
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!
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
RangerWe 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.
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
TravelerThis area seems to be devoid of campgrounds except for this one. It’s basically just a large parking lot with hook ups. Completely open, which is great for Starlink. Bathrooms were slightly above average; fairly clean and places to hang clothes for your shower. Has a laundry but be sure to bring quarters. It is about 100 yards from the interstate so you’ll get a lot of noise and diesel exhaust fumes.
Nestled in northern New Jersey's scenic highlands, Brookside benefits from its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Delaware Water Gap, making it a popular camping destination. The region's elevation ranges from 600-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for campers to explore. Most campgrounds in this area operate from April through October, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Hiking trails access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers direct access to extensive trail networks. "There are plenty of trails, water (creeks, pond, lake,) views and even if the place is packed there is PLENTY of room," notes one camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
NYC excursions: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides convenient access to Manhattan via multiple transportation options. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F," according to a visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Farm experiences: Get close to animals at family-friendly campgrounds. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," writes a camper about Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. Kids can participate in feeding sessions and learn about farm life firsthand.
Natural solitude: Many campgrounds provide peaceful retreats despite proximity to urban areas. "It is so quiet here. No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods," shares a visitor about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Sites are typically spaced with privacy in mind.
Transportation options: Easy access to public transit makes exploring the wider region simple. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes a reviewer at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Modern facilities: Many rv parks near Brookside, New Jersey have invested in updated amenities. "The newly upgraded camp infrastructure elevated the stay, providing amenities for comfort and entertainment. The family-friendly atmosphere was evident through the thoughtfully designed property, including an updated pool, playground, game room, and a brand-new pickleball court," according to a visitor at Mountain Top RV Park.
Site selection tips: Choose sites carefully based on specific needs. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," warns a camper at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. Request sites away from low-hanging branches if you have a taller rig.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited seasonal operations. "We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it's a beautiful campground and the part of PA is great too," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Scotrun.
Cellular coverage: Cell service varies significantly across Brookside area campgrounds. "Cell service is ok. Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South. Prepare for potential connectivity challenges, especially in more remote locations.
Utility specifics: Water access can vary between sites. "Although the water spigots were shared between sites, they provide hose caddies that should reach most RV hookups," explains a visitor about the setup at some campgrounds. Bring extra hose length as a precaution.
Animal encounters: Choose campgrounds with farm animals for added entertainment. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," notes a visitor at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. These interactions provide educational opportunities for children.
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with young children. "There is a small playground, a mini golf, and a large dog walk," mentions a camper at Pleasant Acres. Consider site locations relative to these amenities when booking.
Weekend activity planning: Many rv campgrounds near Brookside offer structured weekend programming. "There were some organized activities which was nice, not as much as a Jellystone Park," shares a family at Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort. Check activity calendars when making reservations.
Natural play spaces: Look for campgrounds with open areas for impromptu games. "We used the rest of the campsite on the drivers side of the RV to throw the frisbee, football and play badminton," mentions a family at Tri-State RV Park, highlighting the importance of spacious sites for active families.
Navigation challenges: Plan your route carefully to avoid difficult roads. "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot," notes a camper at Tri-State RV Park. Use RV-specific GPS apps to navigate to campgrounds safely.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," reports a visitor at Liberty Harbor RV Park. Bring leveling blocks and plan for potential adjustments.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for popular campgrounds. "We restrooms were closed for the winter, so we didn't get to use or see those," shares a camper at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, indicating the importance of understanding seasonal limitations when planning trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Brookside, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Brookside, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Brookside, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 109 RV camping locations near Brookside, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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