Rv sites near Hazlet, New Jersey range from densely wooded county parks to military installations with full hookups. These Central Jersey camping locations offer varied terrain and seasonal operation windows, with most open from April through mid-November when temperatures average 45-75°F. Many sites require navigation through wooded areas on unpaved roads that can become challenging after rain.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities where campers can practice their skills. "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," notes a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.
Lake activities: Fishing and paddle sports are popular at campgrounds with water access. "There is a nice lake to kayak or paddle boat on," comments a Turkey Swamp Park guest. The park also provides bait sales at the ranger office for fishing enthusiasts.
Urban exploration: For campers seeking metropolitan experiences, Jersey City provides direct access to Manhattan. "The ONLY thing we really liked about it was its convenient location to the city with easy access to the ferry boats," states a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park about the urban camping experience.
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer proximity to New Jersey beaches. A reviewer at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center notes, "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants."
What campers like
Wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the forested settings at certain campgrounds. A guest at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Urban proximity: The ability to camp near New York City draws many RVers. "Location, location, location. The closest RV park to NYC," states a Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor. Another mentions, "Two ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you to Manhattan."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rate highly among campers. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained," notes a Turkey Swamp visitor. Another camper at Allaire State Park mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together."
Winter camping options: Some area campgrounds remain open year-round. "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," says an Allaire State Park visitor about off-season stays.
What you should know
Pest concerns: Insects can be problematic at wooded sites during warmer months. A Turkey Swamp Park 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."
Traffic noise: Proximity to highways affects sound levels at some campgrounds. An Allaire State Park visitor noted, "Noisy with highway traffic. Sites are a little too close together."
Access limitations: Several military campgrounds restrict eligibility. NWS Earle RV Park serves military personnel, while a Military Park NJ National Guard reviewer mentions, "You get access to the showers with a key card and when you check in."
Sewer connection heights: Some campgrounds have unusual utility placement. At Military Park, "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor. Another mentions, "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door."
Theme park proximity: Indian Rock RV Resort provides convenient access to nearby attractions. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. We would camp here again to go to six flags because it was easy to drive back a few minutes after a long day at the park," shares a visitor.
Bug management: Parents should prepare for insects at wooded campgrounds. "We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!" reports a Turkey Swamp Park camper with 2- and 3-year-old children.
Space considerations: Site selection matters for family comfort. "Sites are level and well maintained. They also allowed us to put the car tent on the same site as a friend's camper," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor about accommodating multiple sleeping arrangements.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping costs: RV sites with city access command premium rates. "The $120 price per night was ridiculous. But being that they have no competitors in the area (and they know it), RVers wanting a quick escape to see NYC can get it here," explains a Liberty Harbor visitor.
Military base amenities: Fort Dix Range 14 Camp provides basic but functional military camping. "Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you're not hearing so much road noise," reports a visitor to this military camping option.
Utility connections: Water and electric hookup placement varies significantly between campgrounds. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor advises, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Site selection: Corner positions often provide more space at crowded campgrounds. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park recommends, "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."
