97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Edison, New Jersey ranges from developed RV and tent campgrounds to cabin accommodations, all within roughly an hour of the city. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles northeast in Matawan, offers tent and RV sites in a wooded setting. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, and Pleasant Valley Lavender, providing tent-only sites in a unique setting with lavender fields. While not wilderness camping, these campgrounds allow convenient access to nature without lengthy travel from metropolitan areas.
Camping availability follows seasonal patterns, with most public campgrounds operating from April through October. Cheesequake State Park, Round Valley Recreation Area, and Spruce Run Recreation Area typically operate from April 1 to October 31, while Turkey Swamp Park extends slightly longer from April 1 to November 15. Facilities vary widely between locations, with some offering electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations while others provide more primitive experiences. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when metropolitan residents seek outdoor escapes. Some campgrounds restrict alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies. One camper noted, "The campsite was nice and was drive up. It was partially shaded which offered some privacy."
Several visitors highlight the mixed-use nature of these camping areas, which balance outdoor recreation with proximity to urban amenities. Campers mention the convenience of having multiple activities available, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities at locations like Cheesequake State Park. Urban proximity does create some challenges, as highway noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. As one reviewer explained, "The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." For those seeking more isolation, Round Valley Recreation Area offers boat-in and hike-in camping that provides greater separation from developed areas. Most campgrounds maintain bathroom and shower facilities, though visitor feedback suggests quality and cleanliness vary considerably between locations.
"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"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"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."
"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."
"Sites are walk-in (only about¼ mile) and carts are available to haul gear. Two water spigots and bathrooms with flush toilets are also on-premise. No electric, hook-ups, or showers."
from $30 - $50 / 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"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
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.
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.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
Camping near Edison, New Jersey ranges from primitive wilderness sites to urban-adjacent options with varying amenity levels. Most campgrounds in central New Jersey operate within forested settings despite their proximity to urban areas. New Jersey's elevation ranges from sea level to approximately 400 feet in this region, creating diverse terrain options within an hour's drive from Edison.
Hiking and walking trails: Cheesequake State Park Campground features multiple trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous," notes one visitor at Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities for visitors looking to practice their skills. A camper mentioned, "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Water activities: Many campgrounds near Edison feature lakes or water access. At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can enjoy the 2,350-acre reservoir. "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," shared one visitor.
Urban exploration: For those seeking unique camping experiences, some sites offer urban proximity with historical significance. At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes."
Privacy and space: Many campsites provide separated areas despite their proximity to urban settings. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Convenience to attractions: Campgrounds near Edison offer strategic locations for visiting regional attractions. Timberland Lake Campground provides access to theme parks, with one visitor noting: "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min)."
Unique camping settings: Some campgrounds offer distinctive environments. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides tent camping near fragrant fields, with one camper sharing: "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."
Wilderness option: While most campgrounds near Edison offer developed facilities, Round Valley Recreation Area provides true wilderness camping. A visitor shared: "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!"
Seasonal bugs: Some campgrounds report significant tick issues during warmer months. One visitor to Timberland Lake Campground reported: "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."
Road noise: Several campgrounds near Edison experience highway noise due to their proximity to major roadways. A visitor to Allaire State Park noted: "Sites were a little too close together and noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Variable site quality: Site conditions can vary widely within the same campground. One camper at Timberland Lake Campground observed: "Small camp site. Fire ring seemed to be an old truck rim (no grill, but they'll sell you one). Old beat up picnic table in the weeds. No privacy. Could definitely be maintained a little better."
Access challenges: Some wilderness sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park, a visitor commented: "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers with children should consider campgrounds with accessible amenities. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, one visitor noted: "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."
Bug preparation: Families camping in New Jersey should bring appropriate insect protection. A family camping at Turkey Swamp Park shared: "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! The campground was super clean too."
Playgrounds and facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Turkey Swamp Park, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," according to one family visitor.
Halloween events: For fall camping with children, consider seasonal programming. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground shared: "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! 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."
Site access: Many campgrounds have specific limitations for larger vehicles. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station."
Electrical considerations: RVers should check power availability when booking. Turkey Swamp Park provides "electric and water hookups. They don't have primitive campsites so your stuck paying the higher rate even though you don't need the hookups," according to one RVer.
City access from RV parks: RVers seeking urban exploration opportunities can find strategic locations. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park noted: "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center."
Water connections: RVers should prepare for variable hookup configurations. At Timberland Lake Campground, one visitor advised: "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any RV camping options near Edison, NJ?
Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson offers excellent RV accommodations with pull-through sites featuring full hookups (50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable). Sites are spacious, shaded, and many include natural separation between neighbors. The resort provides numerous amenities including a fishing lake, playground, and organized activities for families. Another option for RV travelers is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region, which features paved, mostly level sites with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. For those needing just an overnight stop, several Walmart locations in the region permit RV parking, though always check with management first.
What state parks offer tent camping near Edison, NJ?
Stephens State Park Campground offers tent camping in a lovely wooded setting, though it may not be suitable for larger RVs. The park has designated pet-friendly sites and provides a peaceful natural environment. For those willing to drive a bit further, Round Valley State Park Campground is another excellent option for tent campers. Note that Allaire State Park, which would normally be a good option, is temporarily closed. When planning your visit, be aware that New Jersey state parks often have seasonal availability, with most facilities fully operational from April through October. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly.
What are the best campgrounds near Edison, NJ?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within reasonable driving distance from Edison, NJ. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers a beautiful 2,283-acre setting with a 17-acre lake, hiking trails, and spacious campsites. It's particularly appealing for those interested in Revolutionary War history sites nearby. Another top option is Great Divide Campground near Newton, which provides a scenic environment with a small lake and wooded surroundings. Both offer well-maintained facilities and serve as excellent bases for exploring central and northern New Jersey. Availability is typically best during weekdays, as weekends can fill up quickly, especially during summer months.
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