Best Campgrounds near Freehold, NJ

Camping opportunities around Freehold, New Jersey range from established campgrounds to full-service RV resorts within a 20-mile radius. Turkey Swamp Park, a county park with 2,283 acres and a 17-acre lake, offers pull-through sites with good vegetation for privacy. Several mixed-use campgrounds like Pine Cone Resort and Butterfly Camping Resort provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most camping areas in the region operate seasonally, with the majority open from April through October or November, catering to visitors seeking outdoor recreation options near the Jersey Shore.

Access to camping areas varies by property, with most established campgrounds offering paved or packed sand roads. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months when facilities fill quickly. As one visitor noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks." Many campgrounds near Freehold provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full sewer connections for RVs. Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions, as summer temperatures can be hot and humid while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall that may affect site conditions.

The camping experience in this region often features wooded sites with partial privacy. Turkey Swamp Park receives high praise from visitors for its natural setting and amenities. A camper described it as having "a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites and I didn't see any really bad ones." Butterfly Camping Resort stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, with reviewers mentioning its "large playground and lots of activities for kids." Most tent and RV sites in the region include picnic tables and fire rings, with many campgrounds providing additional amenities like swimming pools, fishing lakes, and hiking trails. The proximity to urban areas means most campgrounds maintain reliable cell service, though visitors seeking a more remote experience may need to venture further into rural areas of New Jersey.

Best Camping Sites Near Freehold, New Jersey (70)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "   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!"

    "Turkey Swamp is a county park located in Monmouth County, NJ. This beautiful park has some of the nicest campsites in a wooded area."

    2. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "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."

    3. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    13 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."

    4. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    5. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

    6. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

    7. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "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."

    8. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "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."

    9. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    3 Reviews
    Roosevelt, NJ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him."

    10. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."

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Recent Reviews near Freehold, NJ

461 Reviews of 70 Freehold Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    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!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Lowe's - W Windsor

    Upscale Parking Paradise @ This Home Fixer Upper

    Granted, you’re in Princeton, yeah, that place known for that one certain university, so of course the expectations are going to be high, right? So, no doubt that this Lowes is pretty awesome, well, insofar as parking lots go that is. While there’s a variety of different sized Lowes that you’ll come across, this particular big blue box retailer serves up a fairly decent sized parking patio here for your overnight paved parking pleasure. 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’s no doubt traffic, it’s all manageable. Despite being located right off US1, this Lowes sits back by about 80 yards so the locale doesn’t pick up all of the highway passerby traffic noise.

    Before arriving here, we called Customer Service and spoke with a very friendly lady called Jai-isha, who connected us with the store manager, Amanda, who confirmed it was OK for us to spend the night at this particular Lowes location. So while I don’t think anyone would have any problems just rocking up here for a quick overnighter, you might want to call ahead or stop in first.

    While there was definitely an abundance of parked cars as you enter from the west side, this is the least populated area of this parking corral, as well as the southern perimeter, which is a dash bit slower, less populated and therefor quieter. If that somewhat frequently trafficked retail arena doesn’t dissuade you from parking here at this home fixer upper, then you’ll be treated to a small smattering of additional retail options such as Mattress Firm (just in case you needed a new one for your RV), Trader Joes if you need to stock up on groceries, Starbucks to get jacked up on caffeine for that road trip you’re about to take as well The Container Store in the event that you need any kind of packing materials. While these stores add to the traffic pool, you’ll discover its altogether not terribly congested.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be RVing with your four-legged friends with you, then you’ll be in luck as just due north of here you’ll discover a nice patch of nature called Institute Woods (seems ironic, right?) that offers 589 acres of nicely manicured woods, farmland, wetlands and paths for you and your pet to stretch your legs – but be sure to check out the wooden bridge that spans the stream; (2) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then just across the street you’ll find The Princetonian Diner otherwise there’s some fast food joints like Wendy’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs or further down US1 in either direction you have comfort casual chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and P.F. Changs; (3) If you have a canoe or kayak and want to dip the beak of your vessel into some fresh water, then head due northeast to Carnegie Lake where you can not only get some decent oaring in, but drop a line or two as well to grab a nice dinner of blue gill; and (4) Looking for a fun diversion for the kiddos? Then head on over to Stumpy’s Hatchet House for some really great axe-wielding competitions!

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 5 

    Quality: 5 

    Peace & Quiet: 4 

    Amenities: 4 

    Overall, I scored this location a 5. 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Beautiful park but tons of ticks

    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. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper. I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us. I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time. My husband had just come out of the shower and found 2 on him( not yet attached). Also the bathroom s don’t have shelves and the showers are not very convenient. You have to come out practically naked to get your towel. And since none of the sites have sewers you have to use them.


Guide to Freehold

Camping options near Freehold, New Jersey range from wooded county parks to private resorts with diverse amenities. The region sits in New Jersey's coastal plain at elevations between 50-250 feet, characterized by sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds in the area operate on dirt or sand surfaces rather than paved sites, which affects site conditions especially after rainfall.

What to do

Archery practice at Turkey Swamp Park: The park offers designated archery facilities for visitors to practice their skills. According to Dan W., "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."

Wildlife viewing near Safari borders: Timberland Lake Campground provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities due to its location. One visitor noted, "Very close to Six Flags Great adventure. You can hear the lions in the morning. There is a road that goes between the campground and the Safari you can drive, walk, or bicycle down and see the animals!"

Mountain biking at Allaire State Park: The park offers trails for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders. A reviewer explained, "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."

Ice skating in winter months: Some parks offer seasonal activities beyond the typical camping season. As Patrick M. mentions about Turkey Swamp Park, "We go every year. 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."

What campers like

Spacious pull-through sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at certain campgrounds. Jean T. notes, "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. Sites are level and well maintained."

Halloween festivities: Fall camping is popular for special events. Jessica D. says about Timberland Lake Campground, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! 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."

Family activities at Butterfly Resort: Families appreciate the range of organized activities. As Caitlin F. explains, "The campground was very well taken care of. The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site. There was tons of stuff to do. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on."

Natural setting with wildlife: Some campground areas offer unique wildlife experiences. JAEWOOK P. mentioned about Turkey Swamp Park, "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."

What you should know

Sandy soil conditions: Most campgrounds in the area have sand-based sites which affects camping comfort. One camper at Butterfly Camping Resort mentioned, "Sites are sand and dirt, so be prepared for that. Absolutely no WiFi signal at all. Most campers are seasonal and typical rude NJ ppl."

Tick awareness: Some wooded areas have tick concerns during warmer months. A visitor warned, "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."

Road noise: Proximity to highways affects sound levels at some campgrounds. A reviewer at Cheesequake State Park noted, "Like the title says, its ok. I think it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location. The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."

Early activity start times: Some campgrounds come alive early in the morning. Bill V. at Tip Tam Camping Resort observed, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."

Tips for camping with families

Pedal car activities: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers unique transportation options for children. As Jenn M. noted, "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly."

Pool movie nights: Some campgrounds offer special evening entertainment. Caitlin F. mentioned, "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!"

Winter cabin options: Consider off-season camping in cabins for a different experience. Patrick M. from Allaire State Park shared, "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there."

Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate designated areas for their animals. Caitlin F. mentioned, "There was also a dog park which was very nice! The staff was extremely kind and helpful and took great care of us! Overall I highly recommend this campground, very family friendly."

Tips from RVers

Utility location challenges: Setup may require extra equipment based on hookup placements. Jean T. advises, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. Sites are level and well maintained."

Sand management strategies: RVers should prepare for sandy conditions. Matt S. noted, "There were two observations I'd categorize as 'no park is perfect.' The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain(which we had), and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."

Site selection importance: Choosing the right site affects comfort throughout your stay. Lee D. mentions about Sandy Hook Gateway, "The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!"

Seasonal decoration opportunities: RV sites provide space for holiday decorations during special event weekends. Jessica D. observed, "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Freehold, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Freehold, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Freehold, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Freehold, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Freehold, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Freehold, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Freehold, NJ.