Camping options near Green Brook, New Jersey range from primitive wilderness sites requiring a 3-mile hike to full-service RV parks with modern amenities. The region sits at the junction of the Watchung Mountains and Raritan Valley, experiencing four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter camping limited to a few year-round facilities. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with weekend reservations filling quickly during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: Round Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional water recreation on its 2,350-acre reservoir, which is 180 feet deep and known for excellent trout fishing. As one camper notes, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean... we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water" (Round Valley State Park Campground).
Hiking trail variety: Jenny Jump State Forest provides diverse hiking options directly from campsites with trails suitable for all skill levels. A visitor explains, "You are able to hike out straight from the campsite (which is always a plus!). There's a great look out point as well" (Jenny Jump State Forest).
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities for campers wanting to practice their skills. As one camper mentions, "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
Private wooded sites: Mountainview Campground receives praise for its secluded atmosphere just 45 minutes from Green Brook. A reviewer shares, "This place was actually fantastic... The whole scene was exactly what I love about camping, a nice little remote campground in the mountains" (Mountainview Campground).
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting at several pet-friendly campgrounds near Green Brook provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Mountainview Campground, a camper reported, "Only 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!"
Accessible primitive camping: For those seeking a wilderness experience without extensive backcountry skills, Jenny Jump offers a middle ground. A visitor noted, "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites."
What you should know
Bathroom facility limitations: Liberty Harbor RV Park, while conveniently located for NYC visits, has basic amenities that may disappoint some campers. A visitor reports, "The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable" (Liberty Harbor RV Park).
Tick prevention needed: Some wooded campgrounds in the region require careful tick checks. At Turkey Swamp Park, a 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."
Highway noise concerns: Several otherwise peaceful campgrounds have some traffic noise. At Jenny Jump, one camper noted, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks... My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Great Divide Campground offers an ideal introduction to camping for families with children and pets. A reviewer shares, "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities" (Great Divide Campground).
Multiple playground areas: Turkey Swamp Park features dedicated play areas for children of different ages. One visitor noted, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
Shelter accommodations: Families new to camping might appreciate Jenny Jump's cabin-like shelters. A camper described them as "four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds (two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch. Even compared to our glamping this was luxury!!"
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup considerations: Camp Carr Campground offers riverside camping with partial hookups, but requires planning for waste management. An RVer explains, "Sites are water and 30 amp electric only no sewer so I recommend bringing your own portable dump tank. They have a dump station for use when leaving" (Camp Carr Campground).
Site selection for dog owners: When staying at dog friendly campgrounds near Green Brook, RVers should consider specific site locations. At Camp Carr, one visitor advised, "One other tip we prefer even numbered sites as the hook ups for odd number are on the front side of the trailer unless the site is long enough to pull into or you have a motor home."
Water connection preparedness: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, water hookups require extra equipment. A visitor notes, "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."
Legend
