Thomas H.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
First trip with travel trailer
Nice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
Best Campgrounds near Keyport, NJ
Keyport, New Jersey provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, primarily offering tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located about 15 minutes southwest of Keyport, serves as a popular base for outdoor recreation with shaded sites and hiking trails. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township and Sandy Hook—Gateway National Recreation Area, which offers oceanfront camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region feature mixed-use camping areas accommodating both tent and RV campers, while some like Pine Cone Resort and Turkey Swamp also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Seasonal availability affects many campgrounds in the area, with most open from April through October or November. Cheesequake State Park, for example, operates from April 1 to October 31. A visitor commented, "The campground is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy or can be close to someone if you want." Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Some facilities have limited electrical hookups, and not all offer full RV services despite being RV-accessible. The terrain is generally flat with good road access, though the proximity to urban areas means traffic noise can sometimes be an issue, especially at Cheesequake which is bisected by the Garden State Parkway.
Campers consistently mention the convenience of these locations relative to major metropolitan areas, making them popular for weekend getaways. The camping areas at Sandy Hook receive positive reviews for their beach proximity and ocean views. A review noted, "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards." Cheesequake State Park features hiking trails, a swimming lake, and wooded campsites providing some privacy despite urban surroundings. Several visitors mentioned bringing bikes to better explore the larger parks. For those seeking more secluded experiences, Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a unique tent camping experience with limited amenities but a peaceful setting among lavender fields. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist but are more limited compared to more remote camping destinations.
Best Camping Sites Near Keyport, New Jersey (60)
1. Cheesequake State Park Campground
19 ReviewsMatawan, NJ3 milesWebsite+1 (732) 566-2161$200 / 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."
2. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
18 ReviewsAtlantic Highlands, NJ11 milesWebsite+1 (347) 630-1124$30 - $50 / 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."
3. Turkey Swamp Park
30 ReviewsFreehold, NJ17 milesWebsite+1 (732) 462-7286$42 - $79 / night
"We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.
Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.
I really liked this park!"
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
4. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
18 ReviewsAllenwood, NJ19 milesWebsite+1 (732) 938-2371"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."
"Nice state park with trails nearby."
5. Pleasant Valley Lavender
1 ReviewAberdeen, NJ4 milesWebsite+1 (732) 740-4832$35 - $50 / night
"So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"
6. Liberty Harbor RV Park
16 ReviewsJersey City, NJ21 milesWebsite+1 (201) 516-7500$145 - $180 / night
"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."
7. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
3 ReviewsBayonne, NJ14 milesWebsite+1 (718) 354-4655$30 / 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"
8. Pine Cone Resort
7 ReviewsFreehold, NJ18 milesWebsite+1 (732) 462-2230"No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"
9. NWS Earle RV Park
1 ReviewColts Neck, NJ12 milesWebsite+1 (732) 866-2448"Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."
10. Butterfly Camping Resort
10 ReviewsToms River, NJ24 milesWebsite+1 (732) 928-2107$64 - $78 / night
"Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."
"4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "
Recent Camping Photos near Keyport, NJ
128 Photos of 60 Keyport Campgrounds
Brenda G.
Cheesequake State Park Campground
Ellen K.
Pleasant Valley Lavender
Craig M.
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
phillip L.
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Jean T.
Turkey Swamp Park
Name
Inn the Woods
Dan X.
Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Marcia K.
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Howard P.
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Jenn M.
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Rebekah B.
Butterfly Camping Resort
Jesse C.
Timberland Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Keyport, NJ
385 Reviews of 60 Keyport Campgrounds
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felicia R.ScoutJugtown Mountain Campsites
Clean, convenient
We stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
Rachel L.ScoutLiberty Harbor RV Park
Liberty Harbor RV Park
I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
- MMark P.Scout
Jugtown Mountain Campsites
A decent, clean campground.
I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
- AAmy P.
GuideSkyline RV Camp - Waterfront
Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms
A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
- SShawn
RangerTurkey Swamp Park
Private wooded sites
Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.
- EEmily L.Ranger
Liberty Harbor RV Park
Functional with excellent access to the City
Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits
Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.
Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.
Happy Camping!
- EErc L.Scout
Liberty Harbor RV Park
friendly staff at the office
Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
Guide to Keyport
Keyport, New Jersey camping sites range from oceanfront opportunities to wooded inland options. Most campgrounds near Keyport operate from April through November, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The area's camping terrain is typically flat with a mix of wooded and open sites, making for accessible outdoor experiences within 30 minutes of downtown Keyport.
What to do
Hiking trails at Cheesequake: Multiple trail options range from easy to moderate difficulty at Cheesequake State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The 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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous."
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers fishing in its small lake. The lake supports various fish species and allows shoreline fishing. According to one visitor, "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on."
Urban exploration: For those seeking unusual activities near a campsite in Keyport, New Jersey, Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area provides urban exploration options. A visitor explained, "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation. At Turkey Swamp Park, boaters have options as noted by a reviewer: "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups."
What campers like
Urban convenience with nature access: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers proximity to city attractions while providing camping amenities. A camper described it as "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."
Beach proximity: Campers appreciate waterfront access at certain locations. One reviewer at Sandy Hook noted, "The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!"
Quiet camping options: For campers seeking more seclusion near Keyport, Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a peaceful experience. A visitor described it as "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ."
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal sites, Allaire State Park offers year-round accommodations. A camper mentioned, "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Many campgrounds near Keyport experience traffic noise due to their proximity to highways. A camper at Cheesequake noted, "Like the title says, its ok. I think it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location. the Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."
Limited amenities at some locations: While some sites offer full facilities, others provide minimal services. At Sandy Hook, a camper pointed out, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite."
Wildlife considerations: Ticks can be an issue at some locations, particularly in wooded areas. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "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."
Campground sizes and privacy: Sites vary in size and privacy levels. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper observed, "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Tips for camping with families
First-timer friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to those new to camping. At Cheesequake State Park, one camper noted, "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. Pine Cone Resort includes "Playground, pool, big open fields, horseshoes, basketball hoop. No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for families. A camper at Cheesequake mentioned, "they do have a swimmable lake on the property. However, the water is pretty dirty. My friends and I walked out with green dirt on us. No worries it rinses right off in the shower!"
Winter cabin options: For families seeking off-season camping near Keyport, New Jersey, Pine Cone Resort provides cabin rentals. A visitor shared, "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement issues: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be inconveniently located. A military RVer at NWS Earle RV Park observed, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Site levelness varies: RV sites range from concrete pads to natural surfaces. At Turkey Swamp, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Limited big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs comfortably. Liberty Harbor has tight spacing: "If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Keyport, NJ?
What camping is available near Keyport, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Keyport, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 60 campgrounds and RV parks near Keyport, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Keyport, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Keyport, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Keyport, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Keyport, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Keyport, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Keyport, NJ.
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