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Best Campgrounds near Highland Park, NJ

583 Reviews

Camping opportunities around Highland Park, New Jersey range from established state parks to private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area features several notable options including Cheesequake State Park Campground with its forested setting and Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Round Valley State Park Campground provides more primitive camping experiences accessible by boat or hiking trail. The region includes a mix of public and private facilities, with most campgrounds providing basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November. Summer weekends frequently reach capacity, especially at water-adjacent sites. "Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold was my favorite campground on our trip! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites and didn't see any really bad ones," noted one visitor. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season. Many campgrounds feature electrical hookups and water access, though amenities vary significantly between public and private facilities. Several campgrounds enforce strict rules regarding alcohol consumption, generator use, and quiet hours, with state parks generally prohibiting alcohol on premises.

Campers report varying experiences with site privacy and noise levels. The established campgrounds near Highland Park typically feature wooded sites that provide some separation between neighbors, though complete seclusion is rare. Several private campgrounds like Pine Cone Resort and Timberland Lake offer additional amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Water features represent a significant draw, with fishing opportunities available at Turkey Swamp Park's 17-acre lake and at Round Valley Recreation Area. Proximity to the Garden State Parkway means traffic noise affects some campgrounds, particularly at Cheesequake State Park, which one reviewer described as "fairly well protected from highway noise, [though] you're still going to hear it at least a little."

Map showing campgrounds near Highland Park, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Highland Park, New Jersey (89)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    10 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. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    22 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"

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    24 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."

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

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

    $30 - $150 / 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."

    5. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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"

    6. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / 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."

    7. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    8. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    26 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."

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

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    21 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. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

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Recent Camping Photos near Highland Park, NJ

289 Photos of 89 Highland Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Highland Park, NJ

583 Reviews of 89 Highland Park Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!!!!

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    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, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Good for the river

    It’s on the Delaware so that’s nice, but being so attracts a lot of tourists. Which seems like most of them never have any courtesy for other campers. Always a few sites blasting music till late hours. Cars speeding around the campsite. In the three weekends we’ve been here the park rangers only patrolled one night each time.

Guide to Highland Park

Camping near Highland Park, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time at Round Valley State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk."
  • Kayaking: Take advantage of the lake at Atsion Family Camp - Wharton State Forest. One reviewer noted, "If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake, it has a ramp to drop in."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground said, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor Campground are great for families. One family shared, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have strict noise policies. A visitor at High Point State Park Campground experienced issues, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Worthington State Forest Campground noted, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough."
  • Access Issues: Some campgrounds require a bit of a trek to reach your site. A visitor at Round Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Camp Taylor Campground, where families can enjoy activities together. One parent said, "The family that operates this place are the friendliest and most accommodating hosts I have encountered."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids engaged. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games, outdoor toys, and snacks to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp - Wharton State Forest noted, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground said, "The facilities were clean, but make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."

Camping around Highland Park, NJ, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for every nature lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Highland Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Highland Park, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Highland Park, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Highland Park, NJ?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Highland Park, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Highland Park, NJ.

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