Turkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping options within reach of Edgewater, New Jersey span from urban RV parks to more traditional forest settings. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides the closest established camping to Edgewater, offering 90 RV sites with hookups just minutes from Manhattan with views of the Statue of Liberty. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park (about 40 minutes north) and Cheesequake State Park Campground (30 minutes south) offer tent and RV camping with wooded sites. Croton Point Park along the Hudson River provides year-round camping with tent, RV, and cabin options in a scenic riverside setting.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Reservations are essential, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc." Weather conditions vary significantly with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit camping options. Many state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol and have specific pet policies that vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though signal strength diminishes in more remote areas.
Waterfront sites consistently receive high ratings from visitors, particularly at Croton Point Park where campers praise the Hudson River views. According to one review, "This must be one of the most breathtaking campgrounds right on the Hudson. Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out." Urban camping options like Liberty Harbor are described as "basically a parking lot with a dump station" but valued for their proximity to New York City attractions. Noise levels vary significantly, with highway sounds audible at Cheesequake State Park and urban noise at city-adjacent campgrounds. Wildlife encounters are common in the more remote parks, with bears present in Harriman State Park and Stokes State Forest requiring proper food storage.
"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
Available this weekend
from $85 - $120 / night
"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $24 / night
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
Available this weekend
from $130 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
from $529 - $1200 / night
"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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!"
from $30 - $60 / night
"It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around."
"Very close to everything."












Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
Definitely a wide variety of sites—look at the site pictures before booking—there are two areas where it’s just an open field with bonfires and picnic tables that I’d avoid. I could see a large group going there or something but personally it doesn’t offer any privacy.
BUT if you book one of the other sites that DOES have privacy you’ll be in camping heaven. The “hike in” sites are more like “walk-in,” I was worried at first but it’s some are as little as a few yards from the road. The most annoying part was lugging the cooler back and forth, but totally worth it
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
No 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.
I 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.
Stayed 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.
Camping options near Edgewater, New Jersey range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, with varying distances from urban amenities. Most campgrounds in the region operate on reservation systems with sites often booking weeks in advance during peak season. Cell service remains strong at most locations, though campers report spotty coverage in more remote areas of Harriman State Park.
Beach access: At Nickerson Beach Park Campground, visitors can enjoy Atlantic Ocean swimming and surfing. "Right on the beach! Great spot to camp at if the waves are pumping at Lido Beach on Long Island," notes Michael K. The campground provides dedicated beach access just a short walk from camping areas.
Urban exploration: Brooklyn's Camp Gateway Staten Island provides opportunities for exploring abandoned structures within the park boundaries. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains Phillip L. These ranger-led tours operate on weekends during summer months.
Hiking networks: The trail system at Beaver Pond Campground connects to the historic Appalachian Trail. "A quick 40 minutes north of NYC, Harriman State Park has an eclectic little campground called Beaver Pond," writes Steve W., who adds "the trails in the area are friendly to hikers, bikers, and the non arthritic kneers, as most are rated moderate to challenging."
Platform tent sites: Beaver Pond Campground offers elevated camping platforms that provide better weather protection. "Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained or if you are expecting rain during your stay," explains Ethan K. These platforms remain dry even after heavy rain and provide a stable surface for tent setup.
Urban skyline views: Skyline RV Camp offers Manhattan skyline views from select sites. However, campers note recent changes: "Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to: 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property," warns John T. Check current location before booking.
Transportation connections: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides exceptional public transit access to Manhattan. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" notes Keith and Tia S. The ferry terminal sits approximately 100 yards from campground sites.
Noise considerations: Cheesequake State Park Campground experiences highway noise from adjacent roadways. "Like the title says, it's ok. I think it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location. The Parkway is right there so it's not a nice quiet place," explains Stacey R. The campground sits between two busy roads with traffic sounds present throughout the day and night.
Wildlife interactions: Beaver Pond Campground requires proper food storage due to active wildlife. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness," recounts Steve W., noting rangers provide specific instructions about bear activity. Secure all food items in vehicles or designated storage containers when not in use.
Urban camping limitations: Liberty Harbor RV Park functions primarily as a base for city exploration rather than a traditional camping experience. "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. If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig," cautions Keith and Tia S.
Seasonal considerations: Many best places to camp near Edgewater, New Jersey close during winter months. Croton Point Park remains one of the few year-round options, though winter facilities may be limited. Sites with water hookups typically shut down from November through March to prevent pipe freezing.
Playground access: Croton Point Park offers family-friendly amenities within view of camping areas. "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper," notes Thomas. The playground accommodates various age groups with equipment for both toddlers and older children.
Beach swimming: Nickerson Beach Park provides lifeguarded swimming areas during summer months. "They recently installed a path that goes all the way down to the beach area so you don't have to walk on the sand for so long," explains Ethan K. The paved path makes beach access easier for families with small children or strollers.
Beginner-friendly options: Cheesequake State Park works well for first-time campers due to its amenities and location. "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," shares Maggie A.
Site spacing: Liberty Harbor RV Park requires careful navigation due to tight sites. "Our experience was very good. Basically a parking lot, but the location can't be beat," notes Karen S. Request end-row sites when available for slightly more space between units.
Utility connections: Most campgrounds near Edgewater offer only partial hookups. "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," advises Joe R. regarding Liberty Harbor access.
Parking limitations: Camp Gateway Staten Island restricts vehicle access in camping areas. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" warns Christy K. Plan to transport equipment from parking areas to campsites, particularly challenging for RVers with extensive gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Edgewater, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Edgewater, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Edgewater, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Edgewater, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edgewater, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Edgewater, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Edgewater, NJ.
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