121 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Fanwood, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts, with most facilities located within a 30-60 minute drive of the area. Camping near Fanwood covers a wide spectrum, from primitive tent sites with boat-in access to full-hookup RV pads and glamping cabins. Cheesequake State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites approximately 20 miles east of Fanwood, operating seasonally from April through October. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides pull-through sites with water and electric hookups, while Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson features cabins and glamping options alongside traditional camping. Round Valley State Park Campground offers more primitive experiences with boat-in and hike-in access to tent sites along its reservoir shoreline.
New Jersey's seasonal camping window primarily runs April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Permits and reservations are typically required, especially for weekend stays during summer. A visitor commented, "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." Many campgrounds enforce strict rules regarding alcohol consumption and pets, with several state parks prohibiting both. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some more remote areas like Panther Lake Camping Resort reporting spotty coverage. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, though swimming is prohibited at some reservoirs despite their popularity for boating and fishing.
The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Several visitors highlighted the natural beauty despite proximity to urban areas. According to one camper at Round Valley State Park, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake." Campground density varies considerably, with some locations offering spacious, private sites while others place campers in closer proximity. Many campgrounds provide amenities like showers, dump stations, and camp stores, though quality and availability differ by location. Hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water recreation represent common activities across most camping areas near Fanwood, with several parks connecting to longer trail systems including portions of the Appalachian Trail.
"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"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"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"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"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."
"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"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."
"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."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
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.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
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.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fanwood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fanwood, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Fanwood, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fanwood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fanwood, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fanwood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Fanwood, NJ.
What parks are near Fanwood, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Fanwood, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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