Tent camping options near Iselin, New Jersey range from boat-in wilderness sites to walk-in areas adjacent to urban centers. The region features multiple state parks within a 30-mile radius where campers can find established sites at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during peak camping months, with many sites requiring advance planning due to high demand.
What to do
Boating and swimming access: Round Valley State Park Campground offers pristine water recreation opportunities approximately 30 miles west of Iselin. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," notes one camper. Sites are accessible only via boat or a challenging hike.
Historic exploration: Washington Crossing State Park provides access to significant Revolutionary War landmarks. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," shares one visitor. The park combines history with outdoor recreation along the Delaware River.
Urban escape: Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area offers camping within view of New York City, providing an unusual urban camping experience. "This campground is amazing. You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a night light," reports a camper. The campground features seven sites that fill quickly, with abandoned buildings nearby that rangers sometimes include in guided treks.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jenny Jump State Forest campsites offer secluded tent camping about 60 miles west of Iselin. "My husband and I tent camped in #34 with our dog. The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," shares one visitor. Bathrooms with showers are conveniently located near many sites.
Unique agricultural settings: Pleasant Valley Lavender provides tent camping experiences with aromatic surroundings. "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," notes one camper. The site combines natural woodlands with cultivated lavender fields.
Close proximity to beaches: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers tent camping with ocean access 25 miles east of Iselin. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," reports a camper. The location provides tent sites with coastal recreation opportunities.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds near Iselin have basic amenities only. At Sandy Hook, "The campground is rustic with no showers or electricity. Tenting only, with all gear needing to be carried to the site. No vehicles allowed at the campsite. Some of the sites do have a wooden pavilion covering the picnic table," explains one visitor. Sites require hauling gear from parking areas.
Reservation requirements: Most tent sites fill quickly during summer months. At Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park, approximately 40 miles north of Iselin, cabins provide an alternative to tent camping. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge," notes one visitor. Weekend dates often require booking months in advance.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have highway proximity issues. At Jenny Jump State Forest, "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks. Bathrooms were standard, compost toilets. The showers were free and generally quite hot." Another camper added, "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers family-oriented amenities 20 miles south of Iselin. "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars. Wooded sites," reports one camper. Another notes, "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full!"
Quieter mornings: Some campgrounds have early risers. "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in to fill the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am," cautions a visitor to Tip Tam Camping Resort.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons are active at multiple campgrounds in the region. At Sandy Hook, sites "have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons." Food storage containers are provided at most established sites for safety and protection of belongings.
Tips from RVers
Military options: NWS Earle RV Park offers camping for military personnel and families approximately 20 miles south of Iselin. "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. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle. A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options have limited availability during colder months. Most campgrounds with RV sites operate from April through October, with peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Many RV-friendly locations near Iselin have size restrictions, with few accommodating rigs over 35 feet.
Hookup variations: Electrical amperage differs between campgrounds. Jenny Jump State Forest provides electrical hookups but has size limitations for larger vehicles. Tent campers looking for RV amenities should consider the tent sites at Tip Tam Camping Resort, which has "nice & cleaned and cheap" facilities according to visitors.
