Camping sites near Dunellen, New Jersey range from state parks to county-operated facilities within a 30-mile radius. The topography varies from the flat coastal areas near Sandy Hook to the more rugged terrain of the northwestern highlands where Mahlon Dickerson Reservation sits at elevations around 1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hike through varied ecosystems: At Cheesequake State Park Campground, trails range from easy to moderate with multiple lookout locations. "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," notes one visitor.
Boat rentals and water activities: Panther Lake offers multiple watercraft options during summer months. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," according to a camper. The lake provides opportunities for fishing in relatively calm waters.
Try archery: Several parks including Turkey Swamp provide archery ranges for visitors. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," recommends a regular camper. Some facilities require you to bring your own equipment, while others offer rental options during peak season.
Winter recreation opportunities: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some facilities offer year-round activities. "Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park, making this area suitable for multi-season camping trips.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Spruce Run Recreation Area earns praise for its lakeside sites. "My campsite was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning," shared one camper. Sunset views are frequently mentioned in reviews, with one noting "Most campsite has a view of the Reservoir when sundown has amazing sunsets."
Private, wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park receives consistent praise for site spacing. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," reports one reviewer. Another appreciates that "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Easy access to NYC: For those wanting urban adventures, Liberty Harbor RV Park provides practical connections. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," notes one camper. Another highlights the convenience: "We spent 3 nights here last week. I was in NYC for business and we took our RV. Very convenient location."
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain good standards. "The bathrooms were absolutely spotless and stocked with supplies," reports a visitor. Another mentions "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run."
What you should know
Wilderness camping requirements: Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping that demands preparation. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," explains one camper. However, access requires effort: "I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven."
Wildlife considerations: Ticks and other wildlife can impact camping experiences. One camper at Turkey Swamp reports, "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."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Spruce Run, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down." Similarly, at Cheesequake, reviewers note, "the Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."
Seasonal differences: Campground atmosphere changes drastically by season. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!" reported an early season camper, while summer visitors often mention more insect activity.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides straightforward camping for those with limited experience. "We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly," writes one visitor. The 12x12 tent platforms available at some sites make setup easier for novice campers.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. "Highlights was the flying smores that will be a story for the grandchildren someday," shares one family camper. Another mentions, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well" that keep younger children entertained.
Teaching opportunities: Local parks offer educational experiences. "There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," notes one camper about Staten Island's Gateway park. Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs during summer months that teach children about local ecology and wildlife.
Proximity to conveniences: For families concerned about forgetting essentials, some campgrounds provide easy access to stores. "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants," writes a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup considerations: Prepare for varying water access at different campgrounds. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, reviewers mention "Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump." Another campground requires preparation: "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies considerably across regional campgrounds. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level," notes a camper about one facility, while another warns, "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises one RVer. Another mentions, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill."
Solar options: For more remote sites, alternative power sources help. "We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator. We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water," explains a camper at Spruce Run who prefers the waterfront sites lacking full hookups.
