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Best Campgrounds near Hamilton Square, NJ

664 Reviews

The Hamilton Square area in New Jersey features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Turkey Swamp Park and Timberland Lake Campground. These locations primarily offer developed camping with a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from early spring through late fall, with Brendan Byrne State Forest standing as one of the few year-round options for campers seeking off-season accommodations.

Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from April through October or November. The moderate climate makes spring and fall particularly pleasant for outdoor recreation. One visitor noted, "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. Very close to Six Flags Great Adventure." Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays and holiday periods, especially at popular locations like Timberland Lake and Turkey Swamp Park. Many campgrounds in the area offer both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV sites, though regulations and amenity availability differ between public and private facilities.

The mixed-use campgrounds near Hamilton Square typically feature lake access, swimming facilities, and family-oriented activities. Several facilities include amenities like showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping. Campground reviews highlight varying experiences with site quality and maintenance. One camper observed that Timberland Lake Campground has "a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds." Sites with water views are consistently rated higher and tend to book quickly during summer months. Washington Crossing State Park, temporarily closed for 2024, has historically offered more primitive tent camping experiences for those seeking less developed options, though without electrical hookups or shower facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hamilton Square, New Jersey (100)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    18 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"

    2. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    3. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    9 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    4. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

    5. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    6. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    26 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."

    7. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    3 Reviews
    Roosevelt, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him."

    8. Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0034

    $78 - $98 / night

    "We had a bad luck of the draw being next to a very loud, inebriated family with unruly dogs but luckily they only were there the one night."

    "Unfortunately, the bathhouse near our site had no hot water, but they were working on it, so I’m sure it won’t be for long. Well stocked store. It was our very first camping day."

    9. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    29 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."

    10. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

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Recent Camping Photos near Hamilton Square, NJ

265 Photos of 100 Hamilton Square Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hamilton Square, NJ

664 Reviews of 100 Hamilton Square Campgrounds

  • 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!

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

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • 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 Hamilton Square

Camping near Hamilton Square, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier." So, be prepared for a workout!
  • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and rent boats. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake."
  • Wildlife Watching: Brendan Byrne State Forest is great for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "There were lots of deer around but we kept our ankles covered and avoided the higher grass."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Mountainview Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms/showers are always very clean as well as the grounds."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, "Campsites well spaced apart."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park said, "The ranger were really nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park set up- it does the job but it’s seen better days."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or other campers. One camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area mentioned, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
  • Check-in Confusion: At places like Atsion Family Camp, check-in can be tricky. A visitor said, "Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Turkey Swamp Park, which has a playground. One camper said, "There's a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A family at Mountainview Campground enjoyed, "The staff took us out to the site with our bundles of firewood and helped us back the camper into the perfect place."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, "Great people. Nice internet connectivity."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted, "There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops."
  • Bring Long Cables: At Mountainview Campground, one camper said, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27 so it was good we had long cables/hoses."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."

Camping near Hamilton Square, New Jersey, has something for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors, you'll find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best family camping options near Hamilton Square?

Butterfly Camping Resort is an excellent family option with a large playground and numerous activities for children. The sites are spacious with privacy-enhancing trees and shrubs, and the resort maintains clean facilities including bathrooms. While the fishing lake is relatively small, it's still productive for anglers. For a more natural setting, Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers tent and trailer sites plus cabin rentals. Located off US 206, this Department of Environmental Protection facility provides families with a more rustic camping experience while still maintaining necessary amenities. Both locations cater specifically to families seeking outdoor adventures near Hamilton Square.

Where can I find campgrounds near Hamilton Square?

Several campgrounds are within driving distance of Hamilton Square. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA is about 20 minutes from Philadelphia and offers full hookups for RVs, though it closes during winter months and reopens in April. Another option is Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, a county park featuring 2,283 acres with a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. Other nearby options include Timberland Lake Campground near Cream Ridge and Pine Cone Resort near Freehold, both offering various amenities for campers. These campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring the Hamilton Square area while enjoying the natural surroundings of central New Jersey.

What camping is available near Hamilton Square, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hamilton Square, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Hamilton Square, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hamilton Square, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hamilton Square, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hamilton Square, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hamilton Square, NJ.

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