Campers searching for a campsite near Fanwood, New Jersey can access both primitive wilderness experiences and family-friendly facilities within driving distance. Most camping options are concentrated along the eastern corridor of New Jersey, with sites ranging from 20 to 60 miles from Fanwood. The camping season typically spans April through October, though several private campgrounds extend their operations into November.
What to do
Water activities on Spruce Run Reservoir: Campers at Spruce Run Recreation Area can kayak, canoe, or fish directly from shoreline sites. "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," notes Ruette W., though swimming is limited to designated areas.
Urban exploration from Jersey City: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a base camp for city adventures. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," explains Shawn B.
Hiking and wilderness camping: For those seeking solitude, Round Valley State Park Campground offers backcountry sites. "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!" says Agbi B.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," reports Jeff W., with another camper noting that "the sites are very large and I suggest site 7. It is on a hill so have a hand truck or a few people to carry stuff."
Proximity to NYC skyline views: Sandy Hook Campground offers tent camping with metropolitan vistas. "With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring and, the sunset was a real treat," observes Susan B.
Family-oriented amenities: Turkey Swamp Park provides extensive recreation options. "Awesome place! Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups," shares Dan W.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Cleanliness and amenities differ across parks. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, "Bathrooms were clean but there wasn't soap in any of the dispensers," reports Katrina Z., while at Spruce Run "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," according to Frank J.
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds experience highway or urban noise. "The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place," mentions Stacey R. about Cheesequake, while Douglas P. notes that at Spruce Run, "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!"
Wildlife encounters: Ticks and other wildlife may affect camping experiences. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park 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."
Tips for camping with families
First-time camping options: Turkey Swamp Park offers amenities that ease new campers into outdoor experiences. "It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," says Patrick M.
Kid-friendly water recreation: Several parks feature water access appropriate for children. At Panther Lake, "2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls," shares Jojo P.
Accessible playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds include play areas for children. As one Turkey Swamp visitor noted: "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office" with "plenty to do over a 2 night stay."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups. At Spruce Run, one RVer advised: "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."
Site selection considerations: For larger rigs, select sites carefully. "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," recommends Douglas P. regarding Spruce Run.
Extension cord and hose requirements: Water and electric connections may be distant from parking pads. At Turkey Swamp, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T., while another visitor noted the park provides "water hoses that are plenty long."
