RV parks near Highland Park, New Jersey offer convenient access to both urban and natural attractions. The region sits at the edge of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 400 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from April through mid-November, with limited winter options available in neighboring states. Rainfall averages 45 inches annually, contributing to lush wooded camping sites.
What to do
Fishing and boating opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with fishing and seasonal boat rentals. "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 camper Dan W. at Turkey Swamp Park.
City exploration from base camp: RV sites near Highland Park provide access to New York City attractions without city parking hassles. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area," explains Kevin A. about his stay at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Archery practice: Several parks offer archery facilities for beginners and experienced shooters. As Patrick M. shares about Turkey Swamp Park: "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
Easy urban access: Campers appreciate the proximity to public transportation. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC," shares Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
Wooded privacy at county parks: Turkey Swamp Park offers more natural settings. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," reports Katheryn N. "There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge."
Concrete pads at military options: NWS Earle RV Park provides solid infrastructure. "Small campground with 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete with full hookups and attached concrete patio," explains Jeffrey. "If you're planning a visit to either Manhattan or the shore, this campground is cheap, clean & quiet."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Liberty Harbor sites provide minimal separation. "Small campground. Sites very close to one another," notes Missy S. In contrast, Lee D. describes Turkey Swamp Park: "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Water connection preparation: Some parks have unusual water hookup configurations. At Turkey Swamp, water spigots may require extra equipment. "Bring a LONG water hose," advises Shawn at Turkey Swamp Park.
Pet restrictions at military facilities: While most campgrounds welcome pets, military sites may have restrictions. "Pets are NOT allowed," notes Jessica D. about Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites.
Insect awareness: Some wooded areas have tick concerns. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns LAURA Y. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "There is a centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door," notes Dan W. about Turkey Swamp Park. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
Amusement park proximity: Some campgrounds serve as convenient bases for theme park visits. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags," explains Valen K. about Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground. "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."
Bug preparation: Parents should pack appropriate insect protection for wooded sites. "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!" shares JAEWOOK P. about their Turkey Swamp Park experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At crowded RV parks, end sites provide more space. "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," advises Keith and Tia S.
Toll avoidance routing: When approaching Liberty Harbor, route planning can save money. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," recommends Joe R.
Year-round options: For winter camping near Highland Park, Village Scene Park in Hatfield, Pennsylvania provides full hookups approximately 50 miles west. "Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet," reports Stuart K. "Full-hookup RV sites with 30/50 amp, water, and sewer."
