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Best Campgrounds near Madison, NJ

888 Reviews

The northern New Jersey region surrounding Madison provides diverse campground options within approximately 30 miles of the city center. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with well-maintained facilities and wooded sites. Several state parks serve the area, including Cheesequake State Park Campground to the southeast, which accommodates tent and RV camping. The region has limited dispersed camping options, with most overnight stays concentrated in established campgrounds managed by state and county agencies.

The camping season for most public facilities runs from April 1 to October 31, with several sites including Round Valley State Park Campground and Cheesequake State Park Campground following this schedule. Reservations are typically required and should be secured well in advance, particularly for summer weekends. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups and water access, though capabilities vary significantly between locations. Sites at Mahlon Dickerson feature level paved pads suitable for both tent and RV use. One camper noted: "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."

Campers consistently rate Mahlon Dickerson Reservation highly, with reviews highlighting its peaceful atmosphere and spacious wooded sites as primary draws. The reservation provides hiking trails directly accessible from the campground, offering outdoor recreation without needing to relocate. Several visitors mention the balance of natural setting with reasonable proximity to urban amenities. A review for Mahlon Dickerson noted: "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. And yet it's only about a 15 minute drive to a large mall with movies, shopping, and restaurants." Water access appears as a common feature in well-rated campgrounds throughout the region, with lakes and ponds enhancing the camping experience at several locations.

Map showing campgrounds near Madison, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Madison, New Jersey (131)

    1. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / night

    "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."

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    4. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "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."

    5. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "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."

    6. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "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 $$"

    7. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    8. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "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."

    9. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."

    10. Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Johnsonburg, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 459-4366

    "The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."

    "All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."

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Recent Camping Photos near Madison, NJ

501 Photos of 131 Madison Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Madison, NJ

888 Reviews of 131 Madison Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront

    Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms

    A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.

  • Erin N.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Tri-State RV Park

    Friendly Owners and Reasonable rates

    We just stayed the night last minute. We hit unexpected traffic on the way and the owners were kind enough to wait for us to check in. The sites aren’t anything glamorous but the hookups are great and easy to pull through. It is by the highway so it can be loud at times but I don’t mind. Beautiful river on the property. Bathroom and showers were clean and well stocked.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area

    West Point

    No frills but beautiful. Bath houses are absolutely spotless. Fire pits, electric and water hook ups only. Will return! Staff is friendly and helpful. Military families should check it out!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. 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. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

Guide to Madison

Camping near Madison, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Worthington State Forest Campground. One visitor shared, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Pickerel Point Campground. A camper noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals," perfect for a relaxing day on the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can spot various wildlife. One happy camper mentioned, "It was quiet, and the one family I met was so kind," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground said, "I enjoy the regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites. One reviewer at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy," making it a great choice for those who want to escape the crowds.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor are known for their welcoming vibe. A family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A camper at High Point State Park experienced issues with noise complaints, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Worthington State Forest Campground has no showers, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer noted, "Showers had hot water and nice ventilation," but others may miss this feature.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A visitor at High Point State Park mentioned, "Because of bears and other animals, we couldn't keep any food at our site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Camp Taylor, where families can enjoy activities together. One parent said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "There’s a nice playground in the campground," which is perfect for kids.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy by bringing plenty of snacks. A family at Pickerel Point Campground enjoyed their time, saying, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose," as some sites may not accommodate larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand," which can get muddy after rain.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Tobyhanna State Park mentioned, "Access to the lake/firewood/basic necessities were all very satisfactory," but it’s always good to have your own supplies.

Camping around Madison, NJ, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly parks to serene nature spots. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Madison, Wisconsin?

The Madison area offers several excellent camping options. High Point State Park Campground provides beautiful lakeside sites with hiking and biking trails accessible directly from your campsite. The park's location in the skylands region offers opportunities to hike to monuments at the state's highest point. Turkey Swamp Park is another top choice with 2,283 acres of natural beauty, a 17-acre lake for fishing and paddling, hiking trails, and well-maintained campsites. Both parks receive high ratings from campers for their scenic settings and recreational opportunities.

What amenities are available at Madison area campgrounds?

Madison area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides paved, level sites with water and electric hookups, a dump station, and access to hiking trails. Butterfly Camping Resort features family-friendly amenities including a large playground, organized activities for children, clean bathrooms, and a fishing lake. Many campgrounds in the region also offer picnic tables, fire rings, and access to nearby recreational activities. Amenities vary by location, with some offering more rustic experiences while others provide more comfort-oriented facilities.

Are there any free camping options near Madison?

Free camping options near Madison are limited, but there are some affordable alternatives. Sandyston Boat In Campsites in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers primitive campsites at minimal cost. These boat-in sites provide a more remote experience away from crowds. Similarly, Namanock Island in the Delaware Water Gap area offers primitive camping options. While not entirely free, state forests like Stokes State Forest sometimes have lower-cost camping areas with more basic amenities, such as the Steam Mill Camping Area which is suitable for tents or small trailers.

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