Camping options near Fair Haven, New Jersey provide convenient access to both Jersey Shore beaches and New York City attractions. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through mid-November due to New Jersey's cold winter temperatures. The region features both public and military-affiliated camping facilities, with varying terrain from wooded sites to more developed RV parks.
What to do
Kayaking at Turkey Swamp Park: The 64-site campground at Turkey Swamp Park includes a lake for paddling and fishing. "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," notes a camper who appreciated the variety of watercraft options.
Archery practice: Some parks offer archery facilities for guests looking for land-based activities. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests a regular visitor to Turkey Swamp Park who returns annually for outdoor recreation.
New York City excursions: For RVers wanting to explore Manhattan, Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides easy access to public transportation. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F," reports one camper, highlighting the transportation options.
Beach access: Camping at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites puts you minutes from ocean beaches. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants," notes a reviewer who appreciated the convenient coastal location.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park features large, private camping spots. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains a camper who enjoyed the natural setting.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rate highly among campers. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," reports a Turkey Swamp visitor, while another notes that the "bathroom s don't have shelves and the showers are not very convenient" - pointing out a practical limitation.
Family-friendly activities: Allaire State Park offers diverse recreation options. "Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year," writes an enthusiastic reviewer.
Convenient theme park access: Indian Rock RV Resort provides a strategic location for Six Flags visitors. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. We would camp here again to go to six flags because it was easy to drive back a few minutes after a long day at the park," reports a camper who appreciated the proximity.
What you should know
Varying hookup configurations: Some rv sites near Fair Haven, New Jersey have unusual utility setups. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, "the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," warns a camper about this practical challenge.
Limited year-round options: Most campgrounds near Fair Haven operate seasonally. Turkey Swamp Park runs from April 1 to November 15, while Indian Rock RV Resort has an even shorter season from May 1 to September 30.
Military campground restrictions: Military-affiliated campgrounds like NWS Earle RV Park and Fort Dix Range 14 Camp have specific rules and eligibility requirements. "Even though the published rules state no long term leases there are a couple of trailers that haven't seen the road in some time," observes one military campground visitor.
Tick concerns: Wooded campgrounds in New Jersey can have significant tick populations. A Turkey Swamp camper 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. Turkey Swamp Park offers "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," according to one camper review.
Bug preparation: Be ready for insects, especially in wooded areas. While some campers report significant tick issues, others had better experiences: "We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!" notes a family with young children at Turkey Swamp Park.
Biking opportunities: Allaire State Park offers excellent cycling options for all ages. "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns," mentions a cyclist who enjoyed the connectivity to coastal areas from the campground.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise that might disturb light sleepers. Allaire State Park campers note you can "hear the highway from" the sites, which might affect families with young children trying to nap.
Tips from RVers
Parking lot camping reality: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides excellent location but limited amenities. "It's basically a gravel parking lot, with water and electricity. There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use," explains a reviewer who valued convenience over atmosphere.
Size and access considerations: For large RVs, site selection matters at campgrounds near Fair Haven. At Turkey Swamp Park, "all pull-through sites" provide easy access, though the "dirt roads and camper pads" can be challenging in wet weather.
Transportation logistics: When visiting New York City from Liberty Harbor, plan your route carefully. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises one RVer sharing practical navigation tips.
Hookup limitations: Most RV sites near Fair Haven have either partial or full hookups, but specific arrangements vary. At Liberty Harbor, there are "electric and water hookups but not sewer connections at individual sites, though a dump station is available."
