Near Highlands, New Jersey, RV campers can find several options along the Jersey Shore and inland forested areas. The region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers reaching average highs of 85°F and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°F. Camping facilities range from military installations with concrete pads to county parks with wooded sites that provide natural screening between neighbors.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers designated archery targets for visitors. A camper noted, "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels" while enjoying other outdoor activities at this Turkey Swamp Park.
NYC sightseeing: RV sites near Highlands, New Jersey provide convenient access to Manhattan attractions. One camper at Liberty Harbor stated, "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island" during their stay, making it an excellent base for Liberty Harbor RV Park guests exploring the region.
Fishing and boating: Many parks offer lake access for water activities. As one reviewer mentioned about Turkey Swamp, "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," making it easy to enjoy time on the water without bringing your own equipment.
Winter activities: Some parks remain open year-round with seasonal activities. A camper at Allaire State Park shared, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," showing the area's four-season appeal.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous sizing at certain campgrounds. At Allaire State Park, a reviewer mentioned, "Sites are a little too close together" but others praised the park's maintenance and trail access, showing preferences vary by expectation.
Beach proximity: Some camping areas offer good access to Jersey Shore beaches. One visitor noted, "A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns" from Allaire State Park, highlighting the recreational connectivity of the area.
Military facilities: Service members can access dedicated RV accommodations. A camper at NWS Earle RV Park observed it's "only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore," positioning it well for exploring both urban and coastal attractions.
Natural settings: Despite being in a populated region, some parks offer forest immersion. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor reported, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," creating a more secluded camping experience.
What you should know
Site conditions: Surface conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, a camper noted an unusual setup: "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."
Seasonal considerations: Many parks have limited operating seasons. Turkey Swamp operates from April 1 to November 15, while others may have different schedules. Check before planning winter stays.
Tick concerns: Some wooded areas have significant tick populations. One camper warned, "I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2" at Turkey Swamp, suggesting proper protection is necessary during warmer months.
Road access: Some parks have unpaved access roads. A reviewer mentioned at Turkey Swamp: "as soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising" which could affect RV access during wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. A reviewer at Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground mentioned they "stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags," highlighting proximity to family attractions.
Kid-friendly activities: Water recreation opportunities abound for families. A camper noted about Turkey Swamp: "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!" showing it can work well for young children.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. An Allaire State Park visitor cautioned the sites are "Noisy with highway traffic" which might be important for families with light sleepers.
Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, cabin rentals provide an alternative. A camper described Allaire's cabins as "no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat. Also a nice porch fire ring and a charcoal grill."
Tips from RVers
Hose length planning: Water connections may require extra equipment. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, a reviewer advised "You need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," while at Turkey Swamp another camper suggested to "Bring a LONG water hose."
Urban camping challenges: RV parks near Manhattan have specific considerations. A camper at Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront warned, "Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to: 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property."
Site selection strategy: At some parks, certain sites offer advantages. About Liberty Harbor, a reviewer suggested, "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."
Transportation planning: When visiting NYC from RV sites near Highlands, New Jersey, transportation options vary. A camper advised about Liberty Harbor: "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."
