99 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Rahway, New Jersey encompasses a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of the city. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located 15 miles northeast in Matawan, provides wooded sites for tents and RVs from April through October. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, about 25 miles south, features pull-through sites with forest views and a 17-acre lake for fishing and non-motorized boating. For urban camping experiences, Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City offers 90 sites with Manhattan skyline views, while Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area provides beachside camping with Atlantic Ocean access. Pleasant Valley Lavender in central New Jersey offers a unique tent camping experience among lavender fields.
Most campgrounds in the Rahway area operate seasonally from April through October or November, with summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms common. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day when facilities reach capacity. Many state and county parks prohibit alcohol consumption, with strict enforcement of quiet hours. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to urban areas. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, particularly in late summer. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing due to freezing temperatures and reduced maintenance staff.
Camping experiences vary widely across the region. State park campgrounds like Cheesequake offer more natural settings with hiking trails and fishing opportunities but typically have fewer amenities. According to one camper, "Cheesequake campsites are fully shaded and include a picnic table, fire ring, and hook to hang food supplies from. Each site is separated from neighbors by a small forested area." County parks like Turkey Swamp provide family-friendly facilities with playgrounds and recreational activities. A visitor noted, "Turkey Swamp Park has 2283 acres, hiking trails, and a nice campground with lots of vegetation for privacy." Private campgrounds generally offer more amenities such as swimming pools, organized activities, and full hookups for RVs, but tend to be more crowded and expensive. Pet policies vary significantly by location, with some sites designating specific pet-friendly areas.
"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"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / 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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
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."
"So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
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ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
RangerThis is an A.T. shelter and campsite. First come, first served. Privy was nice. Flat tentsites for 6 or more. Good for Hammocking also.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
TravelerBeautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
Scouti stumbled on this searching for something almost immediately off the interstate, but with little-to-no booking available for a reasonable price elsewhere local. we detoured about 25 minutes to get here, and it is just incredible. the scenery is gorgeous, they have a camp store with oodles of stuff, there’s a huge playground, and the camping areas are dispersed well and offer beautiful scenic privacy. i wish i could make this place my home. amenities are well taken care of, they have showers in the bathroom, as well as an on-site laundry facility. they have complimentary wifi, which i appreciate with AT&T. signal is slim to none without it. overall, 5/5 stars from my family.
ScoutThe main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Camping sites near Rahway, New Jersey range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks within 30 miles of the city. The region sits at low elevations of 10-400 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and high humidity from June through August. Most campgrounds in the region enforce strict quiet hours starting at 10 PM due to the proximity of sites to one another.
Hiking on varied terrain: At Round Valley State Park Campground, trails around the reservoir offer scenic views with moderate difficulty levels. "Hike in or boat across the reservoir, thats the only way to access these primitive sites. Beautiful sites right on the lake, or up higher if wanted," notes Michelle D.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides designated archery targets for visitors who bring their equipment. 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."
Urban exploring: Near Liberty Harbor RV Park, campers can access public transit to Manhattan. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," reports Joe R.
Lakeside activities: Many parks feature fishing and non-motorized boating. At Turkey Swamp Park, a visitor mentioned "The campground is super clean too. It was perfect!" while noting the family-friendly water activities available.
Privacy between sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers more seclusion than other campgrounds in the region. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," according to Lee D.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at many parks. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one visitor noted, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here."
Tent platforms: Several campsites provide raised wooden platforms for tent setup. Christina L. shared about Mahlon Dickerson: "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt."
Public transportation access: Campers staying near the city appreciate the transit connections. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, one reviewer mentioned, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away."
Tick awareness: Some wooded campgrounds require extra precautions. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper warned: "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."
Traffic noise levels: Campgrounds near major roadways experience constant background noise. At Allaire State Park, a camper observed: "Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Water hookup distances: At some parks, water spigots may be far from electrical connections. Antruze noted at Mahlon Dickerson, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Hunting seasons: Some parks permit hunting during specific seasons. At Cheesequake State Park, a camper mentioned, "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."
Beginner-friendly sites: Cheesequake State Park Campground offers accessible camping for first-timers. "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc. The best part is all the trails," reports Maggie A.
Playground access: Many parks include dedicated play areas for children. Turkey Swamp Park features "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," according to a review.
Beach proximity: Campers can reach ocean beaches within a short drive from several campgrounds. From Allaire State Park, one visitor shared: "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns."
Off-season visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider camping during spring or fall. A visitor to Sandy Hook noted, "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
Urban RV options: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides limited amenities but unmatched city access. Keith and Tia S. explained: "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
Dump station access: Most parks have single dump stations that can become congested on checkout days. According to Shawn B., "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use."
Pull-through availability: Turkey Swamp Park features accessible sites for larger rigs. Jean T. noted, "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."
Toll avoidance: When driving RVs to urban campgrounds, plan routes carefully. Joe R. advised about Liberty Harbor: "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Rahway, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rahway, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Rahway, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Rahway, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rahway, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rahway, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Rahway, NJ.
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