RV camping near Chatham, New Jersey offers access to regional parks within reasonable driving distance. The northern New Jersey terrain features rolling hills with elevations reaching approximately 400 feet, creating varied landscapes for RV travelers. Winter overnight temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping typically sees daytime temperatures in the 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Explore historical sites near Liberty Harbor RV Park: Located within a mile of the Liberty Science Center and offering ferry access to Manhattan attractions. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Jersey city has a lot of restaurants and bars walking distance. Wonderful state park, liberty park, a bike ride ride away," notes Karen S.
Outdoor recreation at local lakes: Areas around camping facilities offer walking paths and fishing opportunities. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers can access nearby water activities. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful. Definitely come here when you get a chance," reports Paulene-Amanda M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse bird populations and woodland creatures. "The gem is the beautiful grounds, river, and parklike setting. Lots of wildlife around," according to Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure at Tri-State RV Park.
What campers like
Convenience to urban attractions: Many campgrounds serve as strategic bases for city exploration. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," writes Joe R. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Spacious, wooded sites: Several parks feature larger camping spots with natural surroundings. "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," explains Jeff W.
Seasonal availability: Some facilities operate year-round while others have limited seasons. Tri-State RV Park remains accessible during winter months. "Open during the winter. Easy on, easy off. Lots of pull through sites. Next to grocery store. CLEAN bathrooms, showers, laundry," reports BENdejo.
What you should know
Variable site privacy levels: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," notes Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Cellular connectivity challenges: Service quality varies significantly by location and carrier. "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," warns Nick E. at Timothy Lake South.
Limited bathroom facilities at some locations: Check facility availability before booking. "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more," explains arlene S. about Skyline RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playground options: Some facilities offer better recreation for children. At Mountain Top RV Park, "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," according to @HomegrownRV.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects the camping experience. "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night," cautions Rick G. about Tri-State RV Park.
Weather preparedness: Seasonal flooding can affect lower-elevation sites. "If you're booking, it may be best to book on the upper levels because the lower area where we were did flood pretty bad a couple times when there was a lot of rain," advises @HomegrownRV about Mountain Top RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Look for specific site numbers recommended by previous visitors. "We stayed in site #1 with our 21' travel trailer. In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean," recommends Jessica D. about Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center.
Utility placement considerations: Review site layouts before arrival. "All spaces are level concrete with full hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," explains Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park.
Water pressure management: Some campgrounds have unusually high pressure levels. "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi," warns Don C. about Timothy Lake South, suggesting RVers should use pressure regulators.
