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Campgrounds near Hillsborough, New Jersey range from state park facilities to private resorts, with most offering seasonal access from April through October. Round Valley State Park Campground provides primitive boat-in and hike-in tent camping along a reservoir, while Turkey Swamp Park offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in this region are situated around lakes and reservoirs, providing both water recreation opportunities and wooded settings within reasonable driving distance of New York City.
Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, though sites like Round Valley require either hiking or boating to reach camping areas. The camping season generally runs April through October, with many facilities closing for winter. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Electric hookups and water connections are available at most developed campgrounds, though primitive options exist for those seeking a more rustic experience. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns. "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large 'lake', which is really a man-made reservoir in the middle of a valley."
Campgrounds in the Hillsborough vicinity frequently feature a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, catering to various camping preferences. Several visitors note the spaciousness and privacy of sites at Turkey Swamp Park, where pull-through sites are surrounded by vegetation for privacy. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers, with fishing, kayaking, and canoeing available at Round Valley Recreation Area and Spruce Run Recreation Area. According to one camper, "Turkey Swamp Park has 2283 acres, a 17-acre lake, some hiking trails and a nice campground. The sites are all pull-through with lots of vegetation for privacy." While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, several reviews mention that quieter, more nature-immersive experiences can be found at the boat-in and hike-in sites compared to the more developed camping areas that accommodate RVs with full hookups.
"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."
"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."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"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"
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
"Despite being conveniently located right off US1 and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there"
"Both times it was a positive experience. Excellent view of the South Branch and extremely relaxing. Only negative was the rest rooms closed sometime soon after the day camps let out."
"We’re total newbs but we had a great time parked next to the raritan river. Spot 21 was open on the one side since they weren’t allowing tents during Covid."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Easy to drive in and out. No “camp store/ features” but there’s a local pool with swing sets within walking distance and lots of manageable trails along the cliffs."
"The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop."
"Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"
"There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutWe had such a wonderful stay at Evergreen Lake and Fishing with our 43’ fifth wheel. From the moment we arrived, everything felt calm, welcoming, and well cared for. Having WiFi, electric, and water included in the cost of our stay was a huge plus and made settling in completely stress-free. The grounds are meticulously maintained—you can tell there’s a lot of pride and care put into this place. It’s incredibly peaceful here, the kind of quiet that actually lets you breathe and relax. On top of that, we met so many friendly, kind people during our stay, which really added to the experience and made it feel like a little community rather than just a campground. If you’re looking for a serene, well-kept spot that feels welcoming and comfortable—especially with a larger rig—this place is a gem. We’re so glad we stayed here and would absolutely recommend it.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
RangerI've visited the MOC a bunch of times, and have taken training classes here also. There are campsites for tent camping, cabin stays where you can rent a whole cabin or rent a bunk in a cabin with others. There is a store as well as food options. It's a great place to visit whether you grab a meal, a bunk, or just take a hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses through here also.
Camping opportunities near Hillsborough, New Jersey typically operate on a seasonal basis from early April through mid-November, with most facilities closing during winter months. The region sits within the Piedmont Plateau at elevations between 100-500 feet, creating moderate terrain that's accessible for most campers. While summer temperatures average in the mid-80s, evenings can drop to the 60s even during peak season, requiring appropriate bedding regardless of when you visit.
Fishing and boating access: Round Valley State Park Campground offers exceptional fishing opportunities in its 2,350-acre reservoir, which is 180 feet deep and stocked with trout. "Really nice spot to camp very peaceful and quit. Gorgeous sunset, beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office," notes one camper at Round Valley Recreation Area. The reservoir's clear waters attract anglers and paddlers throughout the camping season.
Hiking on varied terrain: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the camping areas. Cheesequake State Park provides "trails that range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," according to one visitor who explored the Cheesequake State Park trails.
Seasonal water recreation: Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day at most parks. "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental. Several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times," reports a camper who visited Turkey Swamp Park in late April.
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes a recent visitor. The wooded settings create natural boundaries between camping areas.
Clean facilities with amenities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary between parks. "Bathrooms were clean and other campers were quiet making for a peaceful trip. Check in was pleasant but unfortunately, some things were closed due to covid restrictions," reported a solo tent camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area, who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Diverse camping options: From primitive hike-in sites to full-hookup areas, the region offers varied camping experiences. "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," explains a camper who appreciates the access to both wilderness camping and water recreation at one location.
Primitive camping challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach tent sites. "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," warns one experienced camper about accessing the primitive sites at Round Valley State Park.
Weekend crowding issues: Several parks experience significant population increases Friday through Sunday. "There were a decent amount of people on Friday, but significantly more on Saturday. Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night," reports a camper who stayed at Spruce Run during a weekend in May.
Limited winter access: Most campgrounds close completely from November through March. "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. 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," notes a Turkey Swamp visitor, highlighting one of the few parks with winter activities even when camping isn't available.
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide multiple play areas for children. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," notes a camper at Turkey Swamp Park. These designated play areas offer supervised recreation close to campsites.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites and nature programs complement many camping areas. At Washington Crossing State Park, one visitor notes it's "a quaint historical area kept green and nature friendly. Good for biking and dog walking," making it suitable for educational family outings with opportunities to connect history with outdoor recreation.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer special family-focused events during peak season. "We went on Halloween weekend and they had so much for the kids to do! Friendly staff and clean sites!" shares an enthusiastic visitor at Ringing Rocks Family Campground, highlighting how themed weekends can enhance the family camping experience.
Site selection strategies: RV campers recommend researching specific site dimensions before booking. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises an RVer who stayed at Spruce Run Recreation Area, noting the importance of overhead clearance when selecting sites.
Hookup variations: Not all sites provide equal services, requiring planning for water and power needs. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," reports a camper at Turkey Swamp Park, who appreciated the well-designed RV sites with clear access routes.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping areas, particularly for light sleepers. "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes a camper at Spruce Run Recreation Area, highlighting how ambient noise can affect the camping experience, especially for RVers who often camp closer to access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hillsborough, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hillsborough, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillsborough, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hillsborough, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsborough, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillsborough, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hillsborough, NJ.
What parks are near Hillsborough, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Hillsborough, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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