Best Campgrounds near Cream Ridge, NJ

Central New Jersey's Cream Ridge area features a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive radius. Timberland Lake Campground, located directly in Cream Ridge, operates from March through December with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas. Nearby Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers a more rustic county park camping experience with pull-through sites surrounded by forest vegetation for privacy. The region balances private resort-style campgrounds like Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson with more natural settings at Brendan Byrne State Forest, which remains open year-round for primitive camping experiences. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running April through October. Sandy soil conditions are common throughout the region, creating potential challenges during rainy periods. As one camper noted about Turkey Swamp Park, "The sites are all pullthrough with lots of vegetation for privacy, but none of the roads are paved - all packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Cell service varies by location but tends to be adequate in most developed campgrounds, while more remote forest sites may have limited connectivity.

Visitors frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere at many Cream Ridge area campgrounds. Swimming pools are common amenities at private campgrounds, while fishing opportunities exist at several locations including Turkey Swamp Park's 17-acre lake. "This was my favorite campground on our trip! There's a rustic retro quality to the place," reported one Turkey Swamp visitor. Campers at Butterfly Camping Resort praised the "large playground and lots of activities for kids" along with "trees and shrubs separating the sites" for privacy. The region's campgrounds typically provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and shower facilities, though quality and maintenance levels vary by location. The proximity to both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore makes the area popular for weekend getaways.

Best Camping Sites Near Cream Ridge, New Jersey (95)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +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"

    2. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    3. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +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! "

    4. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

    5. Tip Tam Camping Resort

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

    "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."

    "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."

    6. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0034

    $78 - $98 / night

    "We had a bad luck of the draw being next to a very loud, inebriated family with unruly dogs but luckily they only were there the one night."

    "Unfortunately, the bathhouse near our site had no hot water, but they were working on it, so I’m sure it won’t be for long. Well stocked store. It was our very first camping day."

    8. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"

    9. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    3 Reviews
    Roosevelt, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him."

    10. Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    1 Review
    New Egypt, NJ
    9 miles
    +1 (609) 562-6667

    $20 / night

    "We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay."

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Recent Reviews near Cream Ridge, NJ

606 Reviews of 95 Cream Ridge Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    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!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • 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!

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

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    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 Cream Ridge

Camping near Cream Ridge, New Jersey, offers a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Turkey Swamp Park, have lakes where you can fish and rent boats. One visitor mentioned, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
  • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Brendan Byrne State Forest, where you can enjoy nature walks. A camper noted, "There’s a 12-13 mile loop with a nice lake area about 3/4 of the way through that is really nice."
  • Playgrounds and activities: Campgrounds such as Wading Pines Camping Resort offer playgrounds and organized activities. A reviewer shared, "The place was clean, and there was no garbage around."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Bass River State Forest said, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Baker's Acres Campground stated, "The staff was GREAT! Very polite, courteous and helpful!"
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Timberland Lake Campground are known for being great for families. A camper noted, "Plenty of activities for kids with park area and pool."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to noise. A camper at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, "There is also a fair amount of plane traffic from a small local airport."
  • Limited cell service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted, "There is little to no signal inside the park."
  • Seasonal campers: Some campgrounds, like Wading Pines Camping Resort, have many seasonal sites, which can make it feel crowded. One review said, "It resembled a trailer park, but one without any rules governing the appearance or cleanliness."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Baker's Acres Campground enjoyed the "large play area and had a blast on the hayride."
  • Plan for bugs: Summer camping can mean bugs. A camper at Bass River State Forest warned, "There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent."
  • Check for activities: Look for campgrounds that offer organized events. A visitor at Timberland Lake Campground mentioned, "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for larger RVs. A review for Wading Pines Camping Resort noted, "The campground spots were right on top of one another."
  • Bring your own equipment: Many campgrounds allow golf carts or bikes for easier navigation. A camper at Timberland Lake Campground said, "They do also offer golf cart rental for those wanting to explore the park."
  • Be prepared for sandy sites: Some campgrounds have sandy ground, which can be messy. A visitor at Timberland Lake Campground mentioned, "The sand for all pull-throughs... so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer."

Camping near Cream Ridge, New Jersey, has something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, you'll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cream Ridge, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cream Ridge, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 campgrounds and RV parks near Cream Ridge, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Cream Ridge, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cream Ridge, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cream Ridge, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cream Ridge, NJ.