Camping near Clark, New Jersey offers diverse outdoor experiences within an hour's drive of the urban area. The region features a mix of county parks, state recreation areas, and private campgrounds at elevations ranging from sea level at coastal sites to approximately 1,100 feet in the northwestern highlands. Most camping areas experience a humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures around 85°F and winter lows near 25°F.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Cheesequake State Park Campground, the trail system accommodates various skill levels. "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," notes one visitor.
Kayaking on pristine waters: Round Valley State Park Campground features a 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches 180 feet deep. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," explains a camper who enjoyed the waterfront access.
Urban exploration: For those seeking proximity to New York City, several camping options provide access to urban attractions. One visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park 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."
What campers like
Secluded sites despite urban proximity: Turkey Swamp Park offers woodland camping despite being relatively close to urban centers. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge," remarks one visitor.
Waterfront camping: The boat-in campsites at Round Valley State Park receive consistently positive feedback. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," mentions one camper, while another adds, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views."
Diverse recreational options: Many camping areas offer multiple activities beyond just camping. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, visitors appreciate the range of amenities: "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
What you should know
Road noise varies by location: Traffic noise can impact campground experiences, especially at sites near highways. A camper at Cheesequake State Park shared, "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together... If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park, you will hear traffic noises."
Seasonal pests: Some camping areas have significant tick populations. One visitor to Turkey Swamp Park warned, "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."
Weather considerations: Coastal camping areas can experience sudden weather changes and wind. At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, campers should prepare for maritime conditions. "The sunset was a real treat!! Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base. With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring," notes one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Several sites cater to first-time campers. "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. The best part is all the trails. Great place for hiking," says one camper about Cheesequake State Park.
Kid-specific activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas and activities. At Turkey Swamp Park, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well," and another camper mentioned, "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking."
Water recreation for children: Several best places to camp near Clark, New Jersey offer swimming and boating opportunities that appeal to families. A visitor to Panther Lake Camping Resort shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site size and access: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives positive feedback for its spacious RV sites. "Sites were a little too close together and one of the sites we reserved was filled with broken glass, we did call the park office and they promptly sent someone out to clean it up," mentions one RVer. Others note, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Water connection planning: Some campgrounds have unusual water hookup systems. "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," explains a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Full hookup availability: When evaluating camping options near Clark, know that full hookups are limited. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages. Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass."
