101 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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"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!"
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
from $42 - $79 / 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."
"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"
"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"
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerThe campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
GuideThe park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
TravelerWe’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
GuideBasic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
ScoutWe needed a pit stop….as a pit stop it serves its purpose…..would not stay here more than a night. Lots of seasonal run down campers. Tarps over campers. Bathrooms are neglected. Agree with previous reviewer that they have given into the seasonal camper.
ScoutIt’s super quiet at night
ScoutNice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
ScoutWe stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .
RangerI've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Franklin Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Franklin Park, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
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 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
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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