Best Tent Camping near Cranford, NJ

State parks and national recreation areas within 50 miles of Cranford, New Jersey offer diverse tent camping experiences ranging from primitive backcountry sites to walk-in tent campgrounds. Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon provides boat-in and hike-in tent camping along a reservoir with sites located 3-6 miles from the trailhead. Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area features 20 tent-only sites spread across four loops, while Jenny Jump State Forest offers both individual and group tent campsites with trail access. Stonetown Circular Trail provides primitive tent camping options along an 11-mile loop trail.

Tent sites at these locations vary significantly in accessibility and amenities. Round Valley requires either a challenging 3-5 mile hike or boat access to reach campsites, with limited water pumps that may be up to 1.5 miles from some sites. According to campers, the trail includes rocky sections and steep hills. Sandy Hook's walk-in tent sites require carrying gear approximately a quarter mile from parking, with carts available to assist. Most tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, but shower facilities are limited. Primitive toilets are available at most locations, though maintenance quality varies. Bear activity is common in several areas, particularly at Round Valley, where food storage precautions are necessary.

Weekday tent camping offers greater solitude at most locations. One camper at Round Valley noted, "I went midweek and had peace and quiet. This place is a gem." Sites at Jenny Jump State Forest provide what one visitor described as "so much privacy we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves." Water access is a highlight at several tent campgrounds, with Round Valley offering waterfront sites where campers can filter water directly from the reservoir. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, birds, and other animals frequently spotted from tent sites. For backcountry tent camping, Stonetown Circular Trail provides primitive sites approximately 4 miles into the hike, with one camper noting it has "plenty of level space to set up multiple tents" and a fire pit for cooking.

Best Tent Sites Near Cranford, New Jersey (33)

    1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."

    "Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."

    2. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +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"

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    "This campground is hike in or boat in. The campsites are primitive and include a fire ring as well as a picnic table."

    4. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +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"

    5. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting!"

    "It is set up nicely for primitive camping and you are able to hike out straight from the campsite(which is always a plus!). Theres a great look out point as well."

    6. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "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."

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    7. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Sloatsburg, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 429-2039

    $74 - $130 / night

    "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. The cabins are "rustic" - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge."

    "Theae do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."

    9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1

    1 Review
    Ringwood, NJ
    29 miles

    "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."

    10. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Cranford, NJ

673 Reviews of 33 Cranford Campgrounds



Guide to Cranford

Cranford, New Jersey, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cranford, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cranford, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cranford, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Cranford, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.