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
Camping near Franklin Park, NJ
5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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The Franklin Park area in central New Jersey provides several excellent campgrounds within reasonable driving distance, with options ranging from state parks to private resorts. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles northeast in Matawan, offers tent and RV camping in a wooded setting with hiking trails and a lake for swimming. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, about 12 miles southeast, features more diverse accommodation options including cabins and glamping facilities alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November.
Road access to campgrounds near Franklin Park is generally good, with most sites accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles and RVs. Weather considerations play a significant role in planning, as summer humidity can be intense while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. "The campground is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy or can be close to someone if you want," noted one visitor to Cheesequake State Park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all established campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity quickly. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as potable water, restrooms, and picnic tables, though electrical hookups and shower facilities vary by location.
State parks in the region tend to provide the best balance of natural surroundings and basic facilities. Campers frequently mention the hiking opportunities at Cheesequake State Park as a highlight, though some note highway noise from the Garden State Parkway as a drawback. According to one camper, "The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." For those seeking more amenities, private campgrounds like Pine Cone Resort and Timberland Lake Campground offer additional facilities including electric hookups, shower buildings, and camp stores. Most campgrounds in the area provide some degree of shade and privacy between sites, though the level of seclusion varies considerably across different facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Franklin Park (102)
1. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $200 / night
2. Turkey Swamp Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $79 / night
3. 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."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
4. Lowe's - W Windsor
"Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye."
"Despite being conveniently located right off US1 and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there"
5. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
6. Timberland Lake Campground
"They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"
"As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."
7. Spruce Run Recreation Area
"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."
8. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"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."
"Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
9. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."
"Nice state park with trails nearby."
Drive Time
- 24 min from Trenton, NJ
- 47 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 48 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Franklin Park, NJ
258 Photos of 102 Franklin Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Round Valley State Park Campground
Turkey Swamp ParkJ
Camp Carr Campground
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Timberland Lake Campground
Spruce Run Recreation AreaY
Butterfly Camping Resort
Inn the WoodsN
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Recent Reviews near Franklin Park, NJ
689 Reviews of 102 Franklin Park 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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
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!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- 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.Guide
Stephens 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!
Guide to Franklin Park
Franklin Park's central New Jersey location provides access to camping areas predominantly in the state's coastal and northern regions. The region sits at a modest 82 feet above sea level with campgrounds situated within a 20-30 mile radius, many requiring advance registration during peak season months from late spring through early fall. Weather patterns typically include hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 85-95°F and moderate spring/fall conditions featuring 50-70°F temperatures.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers a small lake with multiple watercraft options. "Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," reports Tylen L. The lake accommodates kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and rowboats available for rental during summer months.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range for visitors to practice their skills. "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," notes Patrick M. The range is suitable for beginners and includes target setups at various distances.
Mountain biking trails: Allaire State Park provides varied biking terrain from easy to challenging. "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 Beau B. The park's trail system connects to other recreational facilities and historic sites.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Timberland Lake Campground offers secluded camping with natural screening. "This campground has a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds! The staff and seasonals friendly!" states Jessica D. The lake setting includes sites with their own docks for fishing access directly from your campsite.
Water view camping: Spruce Run Recreation Area provides sites along its reservoir. "I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," shares Ruette W. The sites vary in terms of shade coverage, with waterfront locations generally having less tree cover.
Boat-in camping options: Round Valley State Park Campground offers a unique boat-in camping experience. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K. The park's primitive campsites can be accessed via a 3-6 mile hike or more conveniently by boat, with most campers preferring water access due to the challenging hiking terrain.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the region. "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes Jules T. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. Traffic noise from major roads like the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 78 can impact the wilderness experience at multiple locations.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports Jules T. about one location, while others like Washington Crossing State Park offer more basic accommodations: "Facilities are deliberately minimal... Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of 'leave no trace' ethos."
Seasonal pests: Ticks are a significant concern in warmer months. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns Laura Y. Preventive measures including proper clothing and repellent are advisable during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," mentions Katheryn N. about Turkey Swamp Park. Several facilities have designated playground areas within walking distance of campsites.
Consider the bug factor: Some parents note insect issues can impact children's experiences. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!" shares Jaewook P. about their experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Starter-friendly locations: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers an accessible introduction to camping. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," notes Stanley S. The location combines beach access with camping facilities, though cars are not allowed directly at campsites.
Tips from RVers
Water hose length matters: Campsite utility layouts vary significantly. "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose," advises Shawn about Turkey Swamp Park. The distance between hookups and parking pads can require additional equipment length beyond standard setups.
Site selection for larger rigs: Overhead clearance can be problematic at some locations. "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," advises Douglas P. Advance research about site dimensions and overhead clearance is especially important for RVs over 30 feet.
Electrical service limitations: Power hookups aren't universal at area campgrounds. "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV. It's kind of worth it," suggests Ruette W. regarding Spruce Run, highlighting the tradeoff between scenic sites and utility access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Franklin Park, NJ?
What camping is available near Franklin Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Franklin Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Franklin Park, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Franklin Park, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Franklin Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Franklin Park, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franklin Park, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franklin Park, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Franklin Park, NJ.
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