M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Edison, NJ
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campers visiting the Edison, New Jersey region can choose from several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural environments. Round Valley State Park Campground offers boat-in and hike-in access to tent sites along a scenic lake setting, while Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides tent camping in a coastal environment near beaches. Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a unique tent camping experience near lavender fields with private, wooded sites.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during peak season from April through October. Sites at Round Valley require either canoeing or hiking to reach them, making them more secluded than drive-up options. Sandy Hook features walk-in tent sites with carts available to transport gear from parking areas to campsites. A visitor commented, "There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops with fire pits and picnic tables, but no beach access." Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. While some campgrounds like Sandy Hook offer flush toilets, others provide only basic facilities or pit toilets.
The tent camping experience near Edison offers diverse natural settings from coastal to forested environments. At Round Valley, tent sites provide exceptional seclusion. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It's very secluded once arriving to a campsite. I've been about 5 times and have only seen one other person." Tent campers at Pleasant Valley Lavender enjoy peaceful woodland sites with easy access to blooming lavender fields in season. Wildlife encounters are common at many sites, with Sandy Hook campers frequently mentioning raccoons that require proper food storage in provided bear boxes. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with coastal tent sites often experiencing stronger winds while forest settings provide more shelter. Many tent campgrounds in the region close during winter months, with most operating from April through October.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Edison (26)
1. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
2. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
3. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
4. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
5. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
6. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"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
"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. Pine Cone Campgrounds
9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
10. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"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"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
Drive Time
- 38 min from Trenton, NJ
- 44 min from New York, NY
- 56 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 8 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Edison, NJ
47 Photos of 26 Edison Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Round Valley State Park Campground
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Wooded Campground
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Walter's Boat In Campsites — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Tent Camping Reviews near Edison, NJ
581 Reviews of 26 Edison Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms 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.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On 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.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We 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.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked 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!
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful 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.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As 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.
Guide to Edison
Tent camping near Edison, New Jersey offers sites within 30-60 minutes of town, with elevations ranging from sea level at coastal sites to over 400 feet at inland forest campgrounds. Most tent sites in this region experience moderate rainfall of 45-50 inches annually, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Campgrounds typically have varying degrees of tree cover, affecting both shade availability and the potential for wildlife encounters.
What to do
Paddle the Delaware River: For those willing to drive about 75 minutes from Edison, Washington Crossing State Park combines history with outdoor recreation. "It's a quaint historical area kept green and nature friendly. Good for biking and dog walking," notes Curran S. The park's canal path provides additional recreational opportunities.
Hike wooded trails: At Jenny Jump State Forest, trails start right from the campground. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," writes Kelsey K. Hikers can access trails directly from their campsites.
Swimming and water activities: Many campers enjoy the water access at Round Valley State Park Campground, where one visitor noted, "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature." The reservoir provides opportunities for swimming and fishing, though access requires effort as sites are boat-in or hike-in only.
What campers like
Secluded camping experience: Sites at Jenny Jump State Forest provide a sense of isolation that many campers appreciate. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path. You can hear some of the highway sounds from the campsites (especially the jake brake)," says Seth K., highlighting the balance between accessibility and seclusion.
Family-friendly activities: Tip Tam Camping Resort caters to families with children. "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly," reports Jenn M. The campground features two pools, an RC track, bocci, and shuffleboard.
Clear water for fishing: Water quality is a highlight for many campers at Round Valley. "Well maintained campsites. Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," Riley K. explains. The reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities, particularly trout.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some tent campgrounds require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "If you're looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear," advises Stuart K. The hike can be 3-6 miles depending on the site.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Edison offer basic facilities rather than luxury accommodations. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground offers a primitive experience with limited facilities. "Four spots across the public park. You'll see deer and rabbits it's really spacious and beautiful. Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)," Bee L. reports.
Early risers: Some campgrounds can be noisy in the morning. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, one camper noted, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way to early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in the full the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shelters for beginners: For families new to camping, shelters at Jenny Jump State Forest provide a good introduction. "The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!" Dwight D. explains. These shelters are available by reservation.
Pack extra water: Many campgrounds have limited water sources. At Washington Crossing, campers need to be prepared with their own supplies as amenities are basic. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. There is a pump for potable water and vault/pit toilets," says a visitor to the area.
Consider noise levels: When camping with small children who need consistent sleep, research quiet hours. At Pleasant Valley Lavender, one camper appreciated, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RVers staying near Edison should research site dimensions carefully. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, one camper observed, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks." This applies to RV sites as well, where level pads are important.
Military option available: Military personnel have access to NWS Earle RV Park in Colts Neck. "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. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)," notes Jeffrey. The campground provides laundry facilities free of use.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds near Edison operate seasonally, typically April through October. Check opening dates before planning a trip, particularly for early spring or late fall visits when facilities may be limited. A visitor to Washington Crossing State Park noted, "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware!"
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Edison, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Edison, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Edison, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near Edison, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Edison, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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