Best Campgrounds near Rahway, NJ

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Rahway, New Jersey (95)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    12 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."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / night

    "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."

    3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    19 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."

    4. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "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"

    5. Turkey Swamp Park

    27 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    28 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!"

    "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"

    6. Collective Governors Island

    2 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "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."

    7. Round Valley State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    8. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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"

    9. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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."

    10. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    31 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."

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Recent Reviews near Rahway, NJ

596 Reviews of 95 Rahway Campgrounds



Guide to Rahway

Camping near Rahway, NJ, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor at Stokes State Forest said, "The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground mentioned, "We appreciated the effort the owners made in keeping all of the sites private and spread out from each other."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about helpful staff. One reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park said, "The ranger was really nice."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Camp Taylor Campground said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Make sure to respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A family at Beaver Pond Campground appreciated that "quiet hours were strictly enforced."
  • Pack extra snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "The whole campsite is very dog friendly and even has a dog park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Stokes State Forest noted, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds don’t sell firewood. A visitor at Round Valley State Park Campground suggested, "You need to find some birch to get your fire going."

Camping around Rahway, NJ, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy some of the best camping experiences in the area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a family adventure, there’s something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rahway, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rahway, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 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 19 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.

What parks are near Rahway, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Rahway, NJ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.