Best Camping near Freehold, NJ

Are you in need of a campground near Freehold, NJ? Freehold is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Freehold and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Freehold, NJ (70)

    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    1. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    69 Photos
    92 Saves
    Allenwood, New Jersey

    PARK ADVISORY: Allaire State Park Family Camping is closed until further notice. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection will start work on the construction of a new bathroom/shower facility. Group Camping will re-open April 1st.

    Campsites: There are forty-five tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is open April 15 through October 15. Campsites are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Shelters: There are ten shelters. Shelters are cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Accessible to persons with disabilities. Shelters are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Group campsites: Six group sites with fire rings, picnic tables. Sites A, B, C, and D hold a maximum capacity of 50 people. Fee: New Jersey Resident $100 per night; Non Resident $200, per night. Sites E and F hold a maximum capacity of 25 people. Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non Resident $100 per night. Open open from April 1 - December 15.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground

    2. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    18 Photos
    137 Saves
    Matawan, New Jersey

    Campsites: The park has fifty tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is available. There is an 11 foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area. The campground is open from April 1st through October 31st.

    Group campsites: The Gordon Field Group Area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are four individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All trash must be carried out. The group campsites are open from May 1st through October 31st.  We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size and not over-estimate as refunds cannot be made later.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    24 Reviews
    42 Photos
    177 Saves
    New Egypt, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $42 - $79 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    225 Saves
    Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

    Overview

    Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

    Recreation

    Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

    Natural Features

    Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.

    Nearby Attractions

    Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground

    5. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    16 Photos
    66 Saves
    Cream Ridge, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort

    6. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    83 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey

    A great family experience is our number one priority here at Butterfly Camping Resort. With over 20 amenities, shaded sites, and our large gift shop, there is something for everyone to do! After 24 years, the Letho family and their hard-working staff are dedicated to providing great hospitality and clean facilities to make each family camping trip a memorable one.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $64 - $78 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort

    7. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest

    8. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    16 Reviews
    37 Photos
    240 Saves
    Chatsworth, New Jersey

    Brendan Byrne State Forest is in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a unique ecosystem known for its sandy soils, acidic waters and diverse plant and animal life. Campers can explore the forest's numerous hiking and biking trails or go fishing or boating in the nearby streams and lakes. The forest also offers a range of educational programs and interpretive displays, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the region's natural and cultural history. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at one of the forest's many picnic areas, or spend the day exploring the nearby towns and attractions. There’s also disc golf and guided nature walks.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $3 - $60 / night

    • No image available

      9. Pine Cone Resort

      7 Reviews
      28 Saves
      Freehold, New Jersey

      Pine Cone Resort has 125 level, wooded & open sites with water, electric and sewer hookups.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Freehold

    Recent Reviews in Freehold

    456 Reviews of 70 Freehold Campgrounds


    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      Nov. 15, 2024

      Turkey Swamp Park

      10/10

      Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. 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.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Urban Camping in crazy town

      The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside and urban area.

      The campsite appears to be designed as a disbursed camping design. However, there is not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy.

      The camping area is located on a loop road I would estimate to be about a mile long. There is one restroom/shower house. Some campsites are close but our site was a 1/1 mile away.

      The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays. There was a sign near our camp site saying don't shoot here because there is a city street 40 yards away. However they don't seem to mind if you shoot towards the camp sites.

      Other campers near us were LOUD and stayed up well past the quiet time. They were annoying!!

    • Brenda G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Not bad

      Was my very first time camping out, went with my pups and my sons and did the van camping. The spot I had was very well shaded and pretty quiet. The only thing I wasn't big on was how far the trails are, would have to actually drive to it and park in a limited parking area. Due to weather didn't take the risk so am unable to give an opinion on it, but something to remember for the next trip. Only 30-35 min off the parkway, so nice and convenient.

    • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wading Pines Camping Resort
      Aug. 31, 2024

      Wading Pines Camping Resort

      Close to home Campground

      The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground. The campground was full of plenty of amenities like basketball, volleyball, cornhole, playground, pool, crafts, bands, a lake, and fishing. The place was clean, and there was no garbage around.

      The positives were there were plenty of things to do and they also have this great river that goes through the place so you can walk and throw your tube in and float to the other side of the park 30 mins later get out and do it again. They campground will also bring you up the river further and drop you off on a canoe trip. There is an added cost for rental. I like that they allow you to bring your own golf cart and/ or electric scooters or bikes. They had an old school playground which was better then any new one out there. The store was fully stocked with anything you could possibly want or need. They had a band which played Saturday night and people lined up golfcarts from all over and just lived for this concert.

      The negatives are for me campgrounds spots were right on top of one another but they were big spots they dont have tons of trees or shade which. They did have many seasonal sites, which sometimes turns me off and can make the place look a little trashy. The other negative was that the pool was freezing because they would pump water out every night. Someone told us there was an issue with the chemicals, and the pool looked greener every day. The bathrooms by the pool were older and always dirty.

    • Cynthia K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      Aug. 30, 2024

      Turkey Swamp Park

      My favorite!

         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! They have 2283 acres. A 17 acre lake. Some hiking trails & a nice campground! The sites are all pullthrough. There's lots of vegetation for "privacy". We had a site on the perimeter, which are forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks. Fortunately it didn't rain while we were there!

        Shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated. They're checked regularly. The bath house is for the entire campground. 3 out of the 4 women's were working. There's a shared dressing area. 

      There's a laundry that doesn't take quarters. EPay. 

      There's a nice playground in the campground.

       They have 3 cabins for rent, with forest views.

       The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake. Cell service was fair.. No WiFi. 

      They have an archery range. 

          This was my favorite campground on our trip! I really enjoyed camping here! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites & I didn't see any really bad ones.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Brendan Byrne State Forest

      Nice spot in the pines

      We stayed on a mon/tues at the end of August and the campground was fairly empty and quiet except for a few generators running & air planes/ helicopters going over. There is an air force base in the area.

      Site 33 is the back corner so we did get a bit more traffic going past to get on the sand trails. There is also background noise from the road, but not too loud. There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops - just a handful which is a shame because many of the sites marked as tent only look like they could easily accommodate most RVs, especially smaller rigs.

      The dump station is locked so get the combo from the office if you want to use it. The ranger station is a bit of a drive from the camping area so if you don’t have cell service make sure you get it at check in.

      Go down to the pond and check out the carnivorous plants- one of the most unique things in this area!

      Several choices for hiking, but it’s the pine barrens so it is flat and sandy and ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year.

      Overall this is one of the nicer & quieter options for pine barrens camping

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      Skyline RV Camp Has Moved

      Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to:

      50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

      The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property.

      Google Maps coords are 40.730491531436556,-73.9577966772486

      There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading.

    • Drew H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Tohickon Valley County Park
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Tohickon Valley County Park

      Great stay

      A beautiful spot with plenty of space, a fire pit with grill and a table. We came in late on a Saturday after it was dark and couldn’t figure out where it was, the location on the map is slightly wrong. To get directions google maps to Deer Woods Campground. We paid the ranger in the morning, he said they upped the price to $50 if you are from out of county so that was a bummer.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
      Aug. 21, 2024

      Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

      Ok camp spot- nice if you can get lakefront

      We did 2 weekday nights with our dog and 19’ RV in Aug ‘24.

      The dog friendly sites are limited & not the sites with lake access. It will also cost an extra $5/night.

      Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm. (Not at the recreation area where we pulled in first)

      Site 34 was close to the road with regular traffic noise & car headlights even shined in the camper at night. There is also a fair amount of plane traffic from a small local airport…and several other campers were running generators so it was not exactly quite camping.

      Bathrooms are the typical old nj state park set up- it does the job but it’s seen better days. Dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it. The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm.

      If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake it has a ramp to drop in. That is the main attraction here & there is a beach on the other side of the lake.

      Overall- nothing too special It’s not a site I would return to unless we could get water front, but dogs are not allowed there - so we won’t be rushing back because of that & the proximity to the road .

    • Jahmera R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      BE AWARE OF UPDATED ROUTE! HIKING ISN'T WORTH IT, BOAT IN

      Doing this review because a lot of them feel extremely outdated, so here we go. 

      Access: There are two ways to get to your campsite, boating and the great 3 mile trek. Starting with the hike, the path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men. It makes the hike extremely difficult which could have been avoided. Moreover, theres a few points on the trail where you’re walking side by side from a highway, crossing driveways, passing construction zones, and past fencing. Extremely awkward and takes you out of the hiking experience immediately. Not ideal especially since you have to pay to camp on the site. I was extremely dissatisfied. Boating may be more worth it to avoid these downfalls and get your moneys worth. 

      Amenities: There are two water pumps. One at the beginning of the camp site and one at the end. They tend to get far if you plan on camping further into the campsite so I would plan ahead. The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the"outdoorsy" experienced not a huge downfall. Most of the campsites have access to a picnic table and fire ring which is a huge plus. 

      Overall: For starters, the water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk and don’t get caught? I had a wonderful time at this location, the sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown. But this site just missed with the awful trail of three miles. Although there were service roads throughout the campsite, visitors were not able to use them. The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall. Moreover, the hike itself along highways, across roads, and down strategically places pebbles and rocks were a huge miss and made it extremely difficult and slippery. I highly recommend boating as hiking will probably make the experience a lot more sour than wanted. It shouldn’t be a"choose between the two" considering you’re paying but what can you do… pick boating if you really want to see it for yourself.

    • Y
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Jul. 8, 2024

      Bass River State Forest

      Close to restaurants and Walmart. Lots of bugs during summer.

      I went there in late June and it was my first time camping. The campsite was clean overall. Staff were friendly and helpful.

      There was no platform, so you need to set up the tent on the ground. Most of the sites were not on grass but just dirt ground.

      Going camping in a forecast during summer time might not be the best idea. There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.

      The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison. One of the restroom has broken lights.

      There is little to no signal inside the park. But once you drive out, you will have some signal. The campsite is close to a Walmart and a few other restaurants, which is good.

    • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Run Recreation Area
      Jul. 5, 2024

      Spruce Run Recreation Area

      Mid week (July 4th) 2024

      My first time camping trip in a few decades... So can't compare to others (yet).

      My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun.

      Pros:

      Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days.

      Campsites well spaced apart.

      Staff friendly.

      Boats/Kayaks can be rented.

      Cons:

      Showers were cold water only and very cold at that.

      Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway.

    • Gaia B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Jun. 29, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      Good

      The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging. The campsite was really nice, even if the pic nic table was almost completely broke

    • Gennifer K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Bass River State Forest

      Great spot

      The campground was clean and well maintained.  It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience.  There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind.

    • Matt S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
      May. 27, 2024

      Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

      Deceiving Website

      We stayed at Adventure Bound Tall Pines in Elmer, New Jersey, for Memorial Day weekend for a quick getaway. Despite reserving and paying for a“Premium” site, it fell far short. But there were still a few things we liked… 

      THINGS I LIKED: 

      1. Super-friendly staff, especially Allie, who was courteous and seemed to try to make things right 

      2. Lots of mature shade trees 

      3. DJ at the pool Saturday and Sunday and live band Saturday evening 

      4. Close proximity to Delsea Drive-in Theatre and Cohenzick Zoo 

      THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

      1. I reserved and paid-in-full for a premium site which listed 50-amp service and a concrete pad. Nope. Only 30-amp service and no concrete pad. When I called the office, assuming there must’ve been a mistake, I was told by two different staff members that their website is“wonky.” I wouldn’t mind as much, but this weekend was 90-degrees each day and humid, so it would’ve been good to have air conditioning. 

      2. The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere 

      3. This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45’ motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed 

      4. I paid$432 for 3-nights and feel like I was taken 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      Nope. I’m sticking with campgrounds that give you what you paid for.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      May. 19, 2024

      Bass River State Forest

      Still a great campground

      Bass River has become my go-to destination for quick weekend getaways. The south shore campground has a ton of sites with varying degrees of privacy, but all are easy to get to and within a short walk of the restrooms.

      The staff at this location is fantastic. I wanted to make some adjustments to my reservation and they took care of everything without issue. The only noise you’ll get is from Stage Road, but it doesn’t have a continuous flow of traffic, especially at night. Amenities nearby include Walmart, Tractor Supply and Wawa, all within a 10-minute drive. I haven’t done much hiking here, but they do have a few great trails.

      Overall, this a great campground for just about anyone.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
      May. 5, 2024

      Tip Tam Camping Resort

      Nice place to visit

      My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. 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. There is also a pavillion in the middile of the campground with a Ms Pacman/Galaga classic arcard game, as well as a small library and soda machine. AT&T cell service was good. Te site are very close together, and you can hear your neighbors easily. There is not currently a dog park, but the owner told me that they were going to be constructing one in the future. There is a Monmouth County dog park under five minutes away that is huge. There are many close by food options and stores as well.

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      It is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures

      There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more. The only bathroom did have toilet paper, a garbage can and hand soap for the sink, but no paper towels to dry your hands and no shelves, hooks, or benches to put your things while you shower.

      The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read.  

      The views of the city are spectacular, but the place itself is what I would call very rustic/primitive/not lovely.

      The host was helpful but the administration seemed a little unorganized. When we tried to check in, they told us we were a day too early. I had booked through the Dyrt and there was a mixup. A day later, two days later, they texted us that we were late checking in. They had another mixup. On checkout day, we didn't check out on time and they didn't contact us until it was so late we had to pay for and stay another night. It was our fault, but a reminder of checkout time would have been helpful.

      I have pictures I would add if there was a way to do that.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Atlantic Shore Pines Campground
      Apr. 8, 2024

      Atlantic Shore Pines Campground

      Great Stay at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground!

      My family and I stayed here this weekend. The campground is now known as Atlantic Shore Pines. This place is very close to Bass River State Park with lots of hiking and outdoor activities. Restaurants and stores in Tuckerton are just a few minutes away. This campground is about 20 minutes from LBI, and 35 minutes from Ocean City. The site we had was a pull through and very spacious. The whole place was quiet and clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. AT&T cell service was great. We will definitely stay here again.

    • P
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort
      Apr. 6, 2024

      Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort

      Run from this place

      Extremely rude manager who will charge you for anything he can. Artie has zero people skills! If you give a card or deposit, expect to get excess charges. Poor Verizon connection, no wifi in some areas.

    • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sea Pirate Campground
      Mar. 13, 2024

      Sea Pirate Campground

      Closing out the camping year 2023

      Came the weekend before the real Halloween, and the grounds were pretty deserted. We rented a golf cart and did some of the activities like painting and playing bingo. It was a cooler bit. It was still a very nice weekend for october. We enjoyed the grounds they are beautiful with the pools, lake, and ocean. It has a great store with basically everything you could need. The arcade left a lot to be desired and could use some more things. We took a hayride around the park, which was fun. Would Def go back!!

    • F
      Camper-submitted photo from Collective Governors Island
      Mar. 4, 2024

      Collective Governors Island

      Franciscmplin

      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. The language is easy to understand, not too technical, suitable for those who love traveling and camping. driving directions

      I found your article to be a good and engaging article, helping readers have an overview and details about the campground at Governor's Island. I hope my review is helpful to you.

    • Liam S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Tinicum Park Camping
      Mar. 4, 2024

      Tinicum Park Camping

      My Regular Local Spot

      Tinicum is a well-kept gem here in Bucks County. One of the rare spots in the area where you can camp overnight.

      It’s a small campground beside a huge park. Some individual sites tucked within trees & some bigger group sites closeby.

      You should call ahead to reserve a site but I’ve shown up a few times & just paid the ranger when he/she came around.

      It’s a state park so they don’t allow alcohol. But the rangers are pretty cool & good at their job. They’re there to do their job, not nitpick & ruin a relaxing night with friends by a fire. Keep things civil & not too loud, you’ll never know they’re there.



    Guide to Freehold

    Camping near Freehold, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier."
    • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and boat rentals. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
    • Historical Sites: Visit the historical village at Allaire State Park. One camper noted, "There is a historical village where you can visit a blacksmith shop and other spaces to learn about the history."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mountainview Campground. A happy camper said, "Bathrooms/showers are always very clean as well as the grounds."
    • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One reviewer at Bass River State Forest mentioned, "Sites are spacious and not on top of each other."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA said, "Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, have basic facilities. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park set up - it does the job but it’s seen better days."
    • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little."
    • Bugs in Summer: If you're camping in the warmer months, expect bugs. One camper at Bass River State Forest warned, "There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Turkey Swamp Park, a reviewer said, "There's a nice playground in the campground."
    • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation found it convenient, saying, "The site was large and very serene and peaceful."
    • Check for Events: Some parks have special events. A visitor at Allaire State Park mentioned, "They have a flea market many weekends in the summer months."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Space for Big Rigs: Many campgrounds, like Mountainview Campground, are big rig friendly. One RV owner said, "Sites were spacious."
    • Electric Hookups: Check for sites with electric hookups. A camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA appreciated, "They have 30/50 amp hookups and water & sewer."
    • Dump Stations: Make sure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Bass River State Forest noted, "The dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it."

    Camping near Freehold, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions