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Dog-Friendly Camping near Cranford, NJ

73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City permits pets in a gravel parking lot environment with basic water and electric hookups. Sites are positioned close together with limited privacy, requiring pets to be leashed at all times within the fenced property. Cheesequake State Park Campground allows pets with reasonable space between campsites and foliage providing personal space needed for camping with dogs. Turkey Swamp Park and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation both accommodate pets at their tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations. Sites at most of these campgrounds include picnic tables and fire rings, though Liberty Harbor prohibits open fires. The security at Liberty Harbor runs 24 hours, creating a safe environment for late-night dog walks despite the urban setting.

    Nearby hiking opportunities include Cheesequake State Park's trail system, though some visitors report inconsistent trail markers that can make navigation difficult with dogs. Round Valley State Park offers both hiking and water access via boat-in camping options where pets are permitted. When visiting with pets, parking can be challenging near Liberty Harbor, especially with larger rigs requiring careful maneuvering through construction areas and tight city streets. Campers note the location compensates for the basic amenities, particularly at Liberty Harbor where the Statue of Liberty is visible and Manhattan access is simple via ferry or train. Urban noise affects some campgrounds, with Cheesequake's proximity to roadways creating a less peaceful environment for pets sensitive to traffic sounds.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Cranford (73)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

      3.6(20)15mi from CranfordRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

      3.8(16)14mi from Cranford1 siteRVs

      "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

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      3. Round Valley State Park Campground

      4.6(25)29mi from CranfordTents, Glamping

      "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

      "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

      Check Availability

      4. Turkey Swamp Park

      4.4(31)32mi from CranfordRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      from $42 - $79 / night

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      5. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      4.6(19)28mi from CranfordRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Police patrolled, and dog friendly."

      Check Availability

      6. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront

      5.0(1)18mi from Cranford20 sitesRVs

      "A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."

      from $130 / night

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      7. Pleasant Valley Lavender

      5.0(1)20mi from CranfordTents

      "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"

      from $35 - $50 / night

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      8. Panther Lake Camping Resort

      3.5(17)31mi from CranfordRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."

      "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

      Check Availability

      9. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

      4.2(40)41mi from Cranford129 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $17 - $20 / night

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      10. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

      2.0(2)19mi from Cranford28 sitesRVs

      from $85 - $120 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Cranford, NJ

    51 Photos of 73 Cranford Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cranford, NJ

    733 Reviews of 73 Cranford Campgrounds

    • Cynthia K.
      Aug. 30, 2024

      Great Divide Campground

      Rock'in

       Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

           Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.

       One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait. 

       The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.

         We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!

    • Mackenzie B.
      Aug. 4, 2018

      Nickerson Beach Park Campground

      surfers dream

      I grew up in Long Beach. If you’re looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! 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.

      benefits: allows dogs childrens playground beach programs like movie nights throughout the summer

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 24, 2025

      Washington 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!

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 14, 2023

      Stephens State Park Campground

      Might be hard for big rigs

      Lovely campground, but maybe not the best for big rigs. We drove through here thinking we’d stay a night, but saw the “no pets” in the list of rules and didn’t stay. Later, when I was looking at the closeup of the picture of the campground map we took, I saw that some of the sites are designated as pet sites. Would have been nice to know that. Also, no alcohol allowed here. 

      The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time. 

      Showers here are nice and free and clean, water runs continuously (no button to push), and you can adjust the temperature. There’s a playground and volleyball court. There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). 

      ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. 

      Didn’t see any instructions for how to pay if you don’t have a reservation. Reserved sites were marked, so maybe you just pick an empty unreserved site and a ranger will come collect the fees- but I’m just guessing. We drove through at the end of October and only saw one camper there, and another that might have been the host.

    • D
      May. 5, 2024

      Tip Tam Camping Resort

      Nice place to visit

      My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well. There is also a pavillion in the middile of the campground with a Ms Pacman/Galaga classic arcard game, as well as a small library and soda machine. AT&T cell service was good. Te site are very close together, and you can hear your neighbors easily. There is not currently a dog park, but the owner told me that they were going to be constructing one in the future. There is a Monmouth County dog park under five minutes away that is huge. There are many close by food options and stores as well.

    • L
      Jun. 10, 2026

      Nickerson Beach Park Campground

      Great place

      Very nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 7, 2026

      Mohican Walk-In Campsites

      Great Spot for many Adventures!

      The Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!

    • Jeff W.
      Oct. 29, 2018

      Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

      Quiet County Park with Large Sites

      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. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway.

    • Joey
      Aug. 31, 2018

      High Point State Park Campground

      highest park in New Jersey

      Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site. Hike to the monument at the highest point in the state, or maybe along the Appalachian trail, or maybe just a swim in the lake. Either way there’s plenty to see and do at High Point State Park.

    Guide to Cranford

    Campgrounds near Cranford, New Jersey provide diverse outdoor experiences with access to lakes, forests and hiking trails. The region averages 49 inches of rainfall annually with most camping areas located between 100-500 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with many campgrounds open April through October but requiring reservations during peak season.

    What to do

    Kayaking and boating on reservoirs: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can access the 2,350-acre reservoir for water activities. "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," notes James R. about Round Valley State Park Campground.

    Hiking forest trails: Campers find numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking trails nearby, picnic tables and rest areas available," reports Becky G. about Cheesequake State Park Campground. The park offers trail systems suitable for day hikes with dogs.

    Exploring urban attractions: For those wanting both camping and city access, options exist near Manhattan. "Short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night," shares Erc L. about staying near NYC.

    What campers like

    Private wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park receives praise for its natural setting. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park.

    Lakefront camping options: Many campers appreciate water access at their sites. "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," advises Agbi B. about boat-in camping at Round Valley Recreation Area.

    Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for children. "They have age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park's layout.

    What you should know

    Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities spread across large areas. "There is only one bathroom facility on the property which we did not love. The facilities were clean so...yay!" shares kendra P. about Cheesequake State Park.

    Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions in certain areas. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground," recounts Steve W. about Beaver Pond Campground.

    Seasonal considerations: Tick populations can affect camping experiences. "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," warns LAURA Y. about spring camping at Turkey Swamp.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beach access for swimming: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Cranford offer swimming opportunities. "They have a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," mentions Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.

    Beginner-friendly sites: First-time campers with children should consider certain locations. "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," recommends Maggie A. about Cheesequake State Park Campground.

    Kid-focused activities: Some pet-accommodating campgrounds offer organized programs. "Lots of weekend activities. Will be back in the future," notes Scott N. about Great Divide Campground, which provides scheduled children's events.

    Tips from RVers

    Electrical hookup availability: Many campgrounds provide varying levels of service. "Sites came with fire pit, large picnic bench, and lamp stand. Plenty of parking space. Good tree coverage," reports Graham D. about Turkey Swamp Park, which offers electrical hookups for RVs.

    Parking and access challenges: Larger rigs face specific considerations. "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. about navigating to Liberty Harbor RV Park.

    Dump station accessibility: RVers need to plan for waste management. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," shares Nancymike K. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cranford, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cranford, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cranford, NJ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Cranford, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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