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.
$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"
$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."
"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."
$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."
"No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"
$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! "
"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."
"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."
$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"
"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."
ScoutI stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
ScoutI got really into camping this year and this was a lovely place really close to my house and I love how easy it is to access and the fact that even if I wasn’t there on time for a check-in, I could still go to my site. Everything’s really easily accessible in terms of water and the bathrooms. I do a lot of car camping so I don’t necessarily do the hike in options, but they also had a bunch of different family locations and there’s a beach that’s really close by if that’s a part of the park, I believe.
TravelerReally pleased by our experience. The sites were large and well laid out. Bathhouse / showers were okay, but clean and in good repair. Verizon service was consistently 1 bar and hit 2 bars when I was lucky. Close enough to everything I wanted to visit on this trip. The Gateway National Recreation Area is about 90 minutes north. The Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is 25-30 minutes south and Cape May is about 70 minutes south. We'll be going back.
GuideA little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
TravelerThe 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
RangerNice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.
RangerVery 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!
RangerThe 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.
LegendWashington 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!
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.
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."
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."
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 66 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.
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