Glamping accommodations near Carteret, New Jersey typically operate from April through October, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The area sits at approximately 25 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain ideal for camping with minimal elevation changes. Most campgrounds in the region offer sites within wooded areas or alongside lakes and reservoirs, providing natural settings within a short drive of urban centers.
What to do
Kayaking on Panther Lake: The 17-acre lake at Panther Lake Camping Resort offers water activities from spring through fall. "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 and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," one camper noted.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides targets for archery enthusiasts, requiring visitors to bring their own equipment. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," shared a regular visitor.
Live entertainment: Great Divide Campground hosts regular musical performances during summer months. "This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band," reported one camper. The venue typically schedules performances on weekend evenings.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Round Valley State Park Campground offers wilderness-style camping with generous spacing between sites. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," one visitor shared. The primitive camping areas can only be accessed by hiking or boating in, creating a more secluded experience.
Clean facilities: Many visitors to Spruce Run Recreation Area appreciate the well-maintained campground. "I did my first solo tent camping by the reservoir and it was perfect. There was so much to see and hiking trails in the campground and nearby. Bathrooms were clean and other campers were quiet making for a peaceful trip," reported a solo camper.
Waterfront camping: Several glamping sites offer lake views that enhance the experience. "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," noted one frequent visitor to Spruce Run Recreation Area. Waterfront sites typically book faster than standard sites, especially during summer months.
What you should know
Tick prevention: Several campgrounds report high tick activity, particularly in wooded areas. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But 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," warned a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are close to major roads, affecting the camping experience. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," noted a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area. Sites deeper within campgrounds typically offer more buffer from road noise.
Advance reservations: Mountainview Campground and other popular glamping sites require booking well ahead for peak periods. "The campground was very quiet and peaceful. The owners were very friendly. The spot was spacious and comfortable. The bathrooms were clean. Close by to a couple of nice state parks," wrote one satisfied guest.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers multiple recreational options for children. "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," shared a regular visitor.
Bug management: Families should prepare for mosquitoes and other insects, particularly in summer months. "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! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" reported a parent who visited Turkey Swamp Park.
Weekend programming: Several glamping locations near Carteret schedule family-friendly activities on weekends. "Lots of weekend activities. Will be back in the future," noted a visitor to Great Divide Campground, which offers organized recreation throughout the summer season.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: At many campgrounds, water connections require planning. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," advised an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Pull-through availability: Turkey Swamp Park features convenient access for larger rigs. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. sites are level and well maintained," noted a camper.
Site selection strategy: For larger RVs, consider requesting specific areas of campgrounds. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advised a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
