Best Campgrounds near Cedar Grove, NJ
Cedar Grove, New Jersey provides access to mixed-use campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance, though immediate options are limited in this urban area. Notable locations include Mahlon Dickerson Reservation about 25 miles west and Camp Glen Gray approximately 15 miles north. The camping landscape ranges from developed campgrounds with full amenities to more primitive sites along hiking trails. Many sites accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals, with some offering glamping options. Liberty Harbor RV Park in nearby Jersey City provides urban camping with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
Reservations are recommended for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during peak summer months and fall foliage season. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Cheesequake State Park open from April through October and Panther Lake Camping Resort available from April to November. Terrain varies significantly across the region, from relatively flat coastal areas to the more challenging rocky terrain found along hiking trails like Stonetown Circular. Cell service is generally reliable at developed sites but may be spotty in more remote areas. A review noted, "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail with primitive sites about 2-4 miles into the hike, so be ready for a difficult uphill rock scramble and pack light."
Campers seeking more rustic experiences gravitate toward Camp Glen Gray, which earned five-star reviews for its natural setting and hiking opportunities. One visitor mentioned that "cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood" and that the "trading post is well stocked." For those prioritizing urban convenience, Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a base camp for NYC exploration despite its parking lot-like setting. While not offering traditional nature-focused camping, it provides practical access to public transportation and city attractions. Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers budget-friendly camping but reviews indicate trails run through campsites, affecting privacy during daylight hours. The region's campgrounds generally provide a mix of natural settings with varying levels of development and amenity access.