125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Dunellen, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts within a 30-mile radius, offering options from developed RV sites with electric hookups to primitive tent camping. Cheesequake State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and showers, operating from April through October. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides pull-through sites for tents and RVs, plus cabin accommodations with forest views. Several facilities in the region feature water recreation opportunities, with Round Valley State Park Campground offering boat-in and hike-in access to primitive sites along its reservoir.
Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds in the area, with the majority open from April 1 through October 31. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. "This is a really nice campground with inviting pool and facilities. We can't wait to go back!" noted one visitor about Butterfly Camping Resort. Terrain varies considerably across the region, from the flat, sandy sites at Cheesequake to more rugged, wooded settings at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, though most developed campgrounds maintain good connectivity. Weather conditions typically allow for comfortable camping from spring through fall, with summer humidity being a consideration.
Campers consistently rate water access as a significant draw for the region's campgrounds. Round Valley Recreation Area receives high marks for its crystal-clear reservoir, though visitors should note that "if the wind-warning strobe lights go off you should get off of the water ASAP because the waters can get very rough." Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, fishing lakes, and boat rentals to enhance the outdoor experience. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with Turkey Swamp Park earning praise for vegetation that creates natural separation between campsites. Noise levels depend largely on location and time of year, with holiday weekends typically busier across all facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the more wooded campgrounds, with deer, various birds, and small mammals commonly spotted by campers.
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"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."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"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."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
"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"
from $30 / night
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ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
ScoutOn Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
RangerWe stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
GuideBooked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dunellen, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dunellen, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunellen, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dunellen, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunellen, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunellen, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Dunellen, NJ.
What parks are near Dunellen, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Dunellen, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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