Near Green Brook, New Jersey, camping options spread across diverse elevations ranging from 160 to 1,100 feet above sea level in nearby state forests and recreation areas. The region experiences mild but distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping months. Most tent sites within an hour's drive require some form of reservation, especially during popular summer weekends.
What to do
**Lavender field hiking: **At Pleasant Valley Lavender, campsites are tucked into wooded areas adjacent to blooming lavender fields. A reviewer noted, "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."
**Lake activities: **Many local campers visit Round Valley State Park Campground for swimming and boating during summer months. The reservoir spans 2,350 acres and reaches depths of 180 feet, making it popular for paddling and fishing. According to one reviewer, "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."
**Historic site exploration: **Washington Crossing State Park provides opportunities to experience Revolutionary War history while tent camping. A visitor explained, "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."
What campers like
**Lake views: **Waterfront camping at Round Valley gets consistently high ratings for its natural setting. A camper mentioned, "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, Beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office. Would definitely recommend to come check it out for yourself."
**Privacy between sites: **Jenny Jump State Forest offers spacious, well-separated sites that provide more seclusion than many other options near Green Brook. One reviewer shared, "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean."
**Shelters for easier camping: **Some local parks offer basic shelter accommodations as an alternative to tent camping. At Jenny Jump, a camper described, "This is the first time we decided to forgo tent camping and reserve a shelter at a state park. We had a much better experience than we were expecting! The 'shelter' is what we would describe as a 'cabin'; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds."
What you should know
**Challenging access: **The best tent camping near Green Brook often requires significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir... you can access by water... I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage."
**Limited amenities: **Most parks have basic facilities only. A Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area camper stated, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite. Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table."
**Wildlife encounters: **Local campgrounds have active wildlife populations. At Sandy Hook, sites include "metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons."
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: **Tip Tam Camping Resort provides structured programming for children. A family camper reported, "We have been here several times and our daughter loves it. Great place for kids and tons of activities. Campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond."
**Shelter options: **For families new to camping, consider parks with cabin alternatives. At Sebago Cabin Camp within Harriman State Park, "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING."
**Water recreation: **Lakes and swimming areas help keep children entertained. At Sebago, "Near lake Welch- which is phenomenal for easy nearly- beach like camping. The cabins are 'rustic' - but there's what you need: cots, electricity, a fridge."
Tips from RVers
**Military facilities: **Active and retired military personnel can access NWS Earle RV Park near Green Brook. A camper described the setup: "Small campground with 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right)."
**Proximity to attractions: **RV campers appreciate the convenient location of parks near Green Brook. An Earle RV Park user mentioned, "It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore. If you're planning a visit to either this campground is cheap, clean & quiet."
**Limited spaces: **Most RV campgrounds near Green Brook have a small number of sites that fill quickly. At NWS Earle, "Even though the published rules state no long term leases there are a couple of trailers that haven't seen the road in some time," indicating the popularity of these limited spaces.
