Best Campgrounds near Green Brook, NJ

Campgrounds near Green Brook, New Jersey range from developed state parks to private camping resorts within driving distance of the area. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located in Matawan, provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups and showers, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers more diverse accommodations including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. The region includes several options for water-based recreation, with Round Valley State Park Campground providing boat-in and hike-in tent camping along its reservoir, and Spruce Run Recreation Area featuring boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access for various camping styles.

Most campgrounds in the New Jersey region operate seasonally, typically from April 1 to October 31, with some extending slightly into November. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, though enforcement varies by location. The terrain throughout the area ranges from wooded settings to lakefront properties, with varying levels of privacy between sites. Cell service can be inconsistent in more remote areas, particularly at Round Valley and other wilderness-focused campgrounds. A camper noted, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake, which is really a man-made reservoir in the middle of a valley."

Several visitors highlight the natural features as standout aspects of camping in this region. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives praise for its spacious, wooded sites with water and electric hookups. Turkey Swamp Park earns high marks for its pull-through sites and forest views, with one camper describing it as having "a rustic retro quality to the place." Water access represents a significant draw at many locations, with Round Valley's crystal-clear reservoir and Spruce Run's multiple water activities frequently mentioned in reviews. Campers should be prepared for varying bathroom facilities across campgrounds, from well-maintained shower buildings at developed campgrounds to primitive pit toilets at more remote locations. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with deer, various birds, and small mammals frequently spotted from campsites.

Best Camping Sites Near Green Brook, New Jersey (123)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    16 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. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    20 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."

    3. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / 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."

    4. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    30 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"

    5. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "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."

    6. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

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

    $30 - $50 / 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."

    7. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    28 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."

    8. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

    "The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."

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

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    22 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"

    10. Mountainview Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bloomsbury, NJ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 996-2953

    "We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."

    "Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"

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Recent Reviews near Green Brook, NJ

857 Reviews of 123 Green Brook Campgrounds


  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    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. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!


Guide to Green Brook

Located within a 30-mile radius of New York City, Green Brook camping options feature diverse terrain from reservoir shorelines to wooded mountain settings. The region typically experiences mild spring and fall temperatures between 50-75°F, making April-October the prime camping season when most facilities are fully operational. Weekend reservations often fill 2-3 months in advance during summer months.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: At Turkey Swamp Park, campers can rent various watercraft during summer months. One visitor mentioned, "Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental." The park maintains a small lake with a boat dock and boardwalk.

Urban exploration access: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unique city access with minimal travel. A camper shared, "Minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!" Another added, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."

Archery options: Some campgrounds maintain dedicated archery facilities. As one Turkey Swamp Park visitor noted, "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: The mountainous camping areas offer excellent wildlife encounters. A camper at Mountainview Campground described, "Shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"

What campers like

Reservoir access: Round Valley State Park Campground receives consistently high ratings for its water quality. A reviewer noted, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."

Spacious wooded sites: Many campers praise the privacy at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, with one reviewer commenting, "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."

Alternative transport options: Some campgrounds offer bicycle-friendly environments. A camper at Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area mentioned, "Brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!"

Balance of remoteness and convenience: Several campgrounds provide a wilderness feel while maintaining proximity to services. One visitor to Mountainview Campground commented, "Not that remote, but feels like a million miles away."

What you should know

Restroom variability: Bathroom facilities differ significantly between locations. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, a camper warned, "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."

Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. A reviewer mentioned about Spruce Run, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway." Similarly, at Cheesequake State Park, a camper noted, "The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."

Access challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, a visitor explained, "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."

Wildlife encounters: Ticks are a serious concern in some areas. One Turkey Swamp Park camper reported, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several family-friendly options have dedicated play areas. A Turkey Swamp Park camper mentioned, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."

Water activities for kids: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers diverse water options for families. A visitor shared, "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."

Beginner-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically cater to novice campers. A reviewer at Cheesequake State Park noted, "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."

Off-peak timing: For quieter family experiences, avoid holiday weekends. One Spruce Run visitor observed, "Stayed here 2 nights in May, Friday-Sunday. There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At Liberty Harbor RV Park, an RVer advised, "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig."

Water hookup challenges: Some RV sites require equipment planning. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper reported, "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."

Navigation considerations: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. A Mountainview Campground reviewer warned, "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle."

Weather preparation: Unpaved sites can create challenges in wet conditions. One camper noted about Turkey Swamp, "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Green Brook, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Green Brook, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Green Brook, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Green Brook, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Green Brook, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Green Brook, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Green Brook, NJ.

What parks are near Green Brook, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Green Brook, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.