Best Campgrounds near Marlboro, NJ

New Jersey's state parks and private camping resorts around Marlboro provide diverse camping experiences for all preferences. Campers can choose from established campgrounds like Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township and Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, both within 25 miles of Marlboro. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RVs, and some even offer cabin rentals. Several private resorts, including Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson and Pine Cone Resort in Freehold, feature cabin options along with traditional tent and RV sites.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with the majority open from April through October or November. Turkey Swamp Park operates from April 1 to November 15, while Allaire State Park, temporarily closed at time of reporting, typically remains open year-round. According to one visitor, "Turkey Swamp Park has 2283 acres, a 17-acre lake, some hiking trails and a nice campground with pull-through sites and lots of vegetation for privacy." Reservations are recommended at all locations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Water and electric hookups are common at most established campgrounds, though amenities vary by location. Many campground areas have sandy terrain, which can create challenges after rainfall.

Waterfront camping options draw consistent praise from visitors, with lakes at Turkey Swamp Park and Cheesequake State Park offering fishing and boating opportunities. Several campgrounds provide recreational amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails. A camper noted that Butterfly Camping Resort features "a large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites." Noise levels vary by campground, with Turkey Swamp Park receiving positive reviews for privacy and shaded sites, while Cheesequake's proximity to the Garden State Parkway means some highway noise is inevitable. Family-friendly environments predominate across most camping areas, with organized activities common at private resorts. Alcohol policies differ between state parks, which typically prohibit it, and private campgrounds that often allow it.

Best Camping Sites Near Marlboro, New Jersey (65)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    9 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"

    2. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    9 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."

    3. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    12 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."

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

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

    $30 - $50 / 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. Pine Cone Resort

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

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"

    6. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway  We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    7. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

    8. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    17 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. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    5 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"

    10. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."

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Recent Reviews near Marlboro, NJ

453 Reviews of 65 Marlboro Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Lots to do

    The park was great. Very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport. Lots of activities on site including fishing, a heated pool, hot tub, and a couple of playgrounds. Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    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. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.

  • 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!


Guide to Marlboro

Camping sites near Marlboro, New Jersey offer diverse experiences within a largely sandy terrain common to this region of the Garden State. Located in Monmouth County, Marlboro sits at around 200 feet above sea level with a climate that brings humid summers and moderately cold winters. The camping season typically runs from April through October when temperatures range from 60-85°F during peak camping months.

What to do

Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers designated archery facilities for visitors looking to practice their skills. A camper noted, "There is an archery range and a council ring (campfire). There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers."

Winter ice skating: Turkey Swamp Park transforms during winter months for those camping during colder seasons. One visitor shared, "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."

Hiking through diverse ecosystems: The region offers hiking trails through varied terrain. A visitor to Cheesequake State Park Campground reported, "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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous."

Lavender field visits: Unique camping experiences include sleeping near lavender farms. A camper at Pleasant Valley Lavender remarked, "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."

What campers like

Pull-through sites: Many campers appreciate the ease of pull-through sites common at campgrounds in the area. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. Sites are level and well maintained."

Privacy between sites: Butterfly Camping Resort receives positive reviews for site separation. A camper observed, "The sites are cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. They're well maintained and raked between campers. The store and game room were newer and clean. Some of the cleanest bath houses I've seen at a campground."

Kid-friendly amenities: Most local campgrounds offer extensive children's activities. A visitor noted, "This was our first trip to Butterfly and we will be back! Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites. Friendly staff and clean bathrooms."

Beach access: The region's proximity to coastal areas creates additional recreational opportunities. A camper at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area shared, "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride."

What you should know

Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping locations. One camper at Cheesequake State Park noted, "Like the title says, its ok. I think it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location. The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Marlboro, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Marlboro, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Marlboro, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Marlboro, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marlboro, NJ is Turkey Swamp Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marlboro, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Marlboro, NJ.