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Camping options near Carteret, New Jersey include several established campgrounds within driving distance of the metropolitan area. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located in Matawan about 12 miles south of Carteret, provides tent and RV sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and electric hookups. Other nearby options include Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City and Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area, offering camping with views of New York City. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Cheesequake open from April 1 to October 31 and Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township available from April through mid-November.
The camping season throughout the region generally runs from spring through fall, with limited winter availability. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. A recent visitor noted, "The campsite is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy or can be close to someone if you want." Access to most sites is straightforward via paved roads, though some campgrounds like Staten Island Gateway have limited tent camping areas. Many campgrounds in the area feature drinking water, restrooms, and trash collection, with electricity available at select locations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas, though camping areas within state parks may have spotty coverage.
Campers frequently mention the balance of natural settings with urban proximity as a key feature of the area's camping experience. While not offering wilderness solitude, these campgrounds provide convenient access to both outdoor recreation and nearby cities. Several visitors highlight the hiking trails at Cheesequake State Park as a notable attraction. One camper described the experience as "a good place if you don't want to go far away," noting the convenience of being close to the city while still enjoying nature. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds like Cheesequake experiencing traffic sounds from nearby highways. Swimming opportunities exist at several parks, though water quality can vary seasonally. Many campgrounds offer decent site separation and shade, providing some privacy despite their proximity to developed areas.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."
"Nice state park with trails nearby."
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
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ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
TravelerBeautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
Scouti 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerThe 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.
Camping sites near Carteret, New Jersey range from accessible drive-in campgrounds to wilderness areas requiring boat access. The region sits at the edge of the Atlantic Coastal Plain with elevations generally below 100 feet, creating mostly level terrain for camping. Summer humidity levels typically reach 65-75% with temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months.
Hiking at various difficulty levels: Trails at Cheesequake State Park Campground range from easy to moderate with multiple lookout locations. "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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous," notes one visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Turkey Swamp Park offers various boating options on their lake. "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."
Visit historic sites: The region contains preserved locations and structures. At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, a reviewer discovered "a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
City access with nature balance: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers a strategic location for exploring both urban and natural areas. A camper noted, "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."
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds feature lakes or ocean access. At Round Valley State Park Campground, a camper reported, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office."
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds cater to first-time campers. At Cheesequake State Park, a visitor shared, "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc."
Traffic noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper described the experience as having "sites in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary in how close sites are to each other. At Allaire State Park, a visitor observed "Close campsites, no privacy. Close to the parkway, constant road noise."
Bathroom and shower facilities: Quality and accessibility of facilities differs significantly. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper reported, "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained."
Insect considerations: Ticks can be an issue in some locations. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "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."
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several camping areas offer play equipment. Turkey Swamp Park has "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door."
Consider short-trip starter locations: For families new to camping, certain locations make easier introductions. A visitor to Allaire State Park shared, "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area."
Bug prevention essentials: Some areas have minimal bugs while others require preparation. At Turkey Swamp Park, one family reported, "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!"
Check seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region have limited seasons. Turkey Swamp Park operates from April 1 to November 15, while Cheesequake State Park Campground runs from April 1 to October 31.
Limited sites with full hookups: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, an RVer noted, "They have hook ups and big laundry room."
Parking and site access: RV sites vary in quality and accessibility. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "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. As mentioned, all roads and camper pads are dirt."
Urban RV options: For RVers wanting city access, specialized parks exist. At Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront, a visitor described the experience: "It's essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there's a metro station within a 10-minute walk."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigation through tight areas. An RVer at Liberty Harbor RV Park advised, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carteret, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carteret, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Carteret, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Carteret, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carteret, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carteret, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Carteret, NJ.
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