76 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options within reach of Jersey City, New Jersey range from urban RV parks to more traditional state park campgrounds. Liberty Harbor RV Park, located directly in Jersey City, offers 90 sites with basic amenities and serves primarily as a convenient base for exploring Manhattan, with ferry and train access just minutes away. As one camper noted, "Basically a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. Two ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away." More natural settings can be found at Cheesequake State Park (25 miles south) and Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area (18 miles southeast), where both tent and RV camping are available with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with Cheesequake State Park specifically open April 1 to October 31. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with humid summers reaching into the 90s and winters that can drop below freezing. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near major routes like the Garden State Parkway. Campers at Cheesequake have reported: "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some more remote areas may have spotty coverage.
Visitors frequently mention the contrast between urban-adjacent and more natural camping experiences. At Liberty Harbor, proximity to urban attractions comes at the expense of natural surroundings, with sites placed close together in a utilitarian setting. "If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig," notes one RVer. State parks like Cheesequake offer more traditional camping with "fully shaded sites" and "small forested areas" between neighbors. Wildlife encounters are limited near the city but increase at parks farther from urban centers. Facilities vary widely, from the basic but functional amenities at Liberty Harbor to more comprehensive offerings at state parks, which typically include showers, restrooms, and recreational facilities like swimming areas and hiking trails.
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
from $130 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $529 - $1200 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $85 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."
"The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out."
from $17 - $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $409 - $954 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
GuideThe park was open but camping was not. After a little extra digging they do have a few sites, but hike in only.
TravelerWe’re here for the Rock, Ribs, and Ridges festival and what a great experience! Make sure to bring a 50’ power cord as the hook ups are grouped together on telephone poles rather than at each individual site. As far as I know camping is only available during select events.
TravelerTo start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
GuideBasic clean older campground. No hookups. Water dump flush toilets and showers available. Very limited on campsites allowing dogs. Nice setting but traffic noise can be heard. Calms down later in evening. Generators ok and our quieter than road noise. Lots of mosquitos and bugs so bring your spray!
TravelerCampground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
ScoutWe needed a pit stop….as a pit stop it serves its purpose…..would not stay here more than a night. Lots of seasonal run down campers. Tarps over campers. Bathrooms are neglected. Agree with previous reviewer that they have given into the seasonal camper.
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
GuideThis was by far the worst campground we have ever stayed at. First of all, the campground is basically just a large open field where everyone is on display. There is absolutely no privacy. If that's not enough and you want even more attention, choose a site near the playground, where you'll have a constant audience. The bathrooms were also extremely dirty and poorly maintained, which only added to the overall disappointing experience. The biggest issue, however, is the complete lack of quiet hours enforcement. Until at least 1:00 AM, there were screaming children, loud groups of intoxicated adults, and nonstop noise. It felt more like a chaotic party zone than a campground. There seemed to be no rules, no supervision, and no consideration for people who actually came to relax. The sites farther back in the woods offer a little more privacy, but don't expect peace and quiet there either. This campground may be fine if your goal is to drink and party outdoors, but if you're looking for a relaxing camping experience, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere. The only positive part of our stay was seeing a few baby deer wandering through the campground. They were adorable and ended up being the highlight of our trip.
Camping options near Jersey City, New Jersey range from urban facilities to more secluded natural settings within an hour's drive. The coastal Atlantic influence creates humid summers with temperatures ranging from 75-95°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for tent camping. Winter camping is limited with many sites closing from November through March due to freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
Beach access and swimming: 18 miles from Jersey City, Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers ocean swimming with lifeguards. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," notes one camper. The beach is open May through September with parking fees of $15-20 per vehicle.
Urban exploration: Take public transit from Liberty Harbor RV Park to explore NYC attractions. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," writes one visitor. The PATH train costs $2.75 each way and runs 24 hours.
Hiking and nature trails: At Harriman State Park, visitors can access multiple trail systems including portions of the Appalachian Trail. A camper reports, "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park! Deer running everywhere and surprisingly beautiful and quaint." The park features over 200 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Urban convenience: Many campers appreciate the access to Manhattan from Jersey City campsites. One reviewer at Liberty Harbor notes, "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at Cheesequake State Park. "The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside an urban area," reports a visitor. The bathhouses are cleaned daily and feature hot showers.
Spacious sites: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors appreciate the generous site dimensions. "Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here. The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," notes one camper.
City noise levels: Many campgrounds in the region experience urban noise. At Cheesequake, a camper shares, "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together... If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park."
Limited availability: Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds, with specific opening dates. At Nickerson Beach Park, "It's all but impossible to get an RV spot there from Memorial day to Labor day. Still, it is a clean and well run campground." Reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.
Wildlife concerns: Bear activity is reported at several campgrounds. At Harriman State Park, a camper warns, "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area." Food storage regulations are strictly enforced.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. A Harriman State Park visitor notes, "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. The campsites are a bit close to one another but if you have a big group you can book several sites near each other and have a great time with family and friends."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites and nature programs provide learning experiences. At Sandy Hook, one camper explains, "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
Beginner-friendly options: For new campers, certain sites offer easier experiences. A visitor to Cheesequake shares, "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc. The best part is all the trails. Great place for hiking."
Navigation challenges: Several routes to campsites near Jersey City involve parkway restrictions. A Liberty Harbor visitor advises, "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."
Hookup limitations: Water and electric access varies across locations. At Mahlon Dickerson, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection. Nice and easy little campground."
Site leveling: Terrain can present challenges at some locations. A camper at Liberty Harbor reports, "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping sites near Jersey City?
The best camping option closest to Jersey City is Liberty Harbor RV Park, which offers unbeatable proximity to Manhattan with ferry and PATH train access nearby. While essentially a parking lot, its location makes it ideal for city explorers. For a more natural experience, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region offers wooded, spacious sites with water and electric hookups. The reservation features paved, mostly level sites and is excellent for hiking enthusiasts while still being within reasonable driving distance from Jersey City.
Do I need reservations for overnight camping grounds near Jersey City?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping near Jersey City, especially during peak season (May-September). Stokes State Forest requires reservations for its four campgrounds, with the Steam Mill Camping Area being the most primitive option with 27 sites for tents or small trailers. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold also operates on a reservation system for its paved sites. Due to limited camping options in the NYC metro area and their popularity, securing spots well in advance (2-3 months for summer weekends) is essential to guarantee availability.
What riverside camping options are available near Jersey City?
For riverside camping near Jersey City, Stephens State Park Campground offers lovely sites along the Musconetcong River with opportunities for fishing and water activities. The park features scenic surroundings though some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. Another option is Great Divide Campground near Newton, which while not directly on a major river, offers a scenic setting with a small lake and pond surrounded by woods. It's located near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, providing access to the Delaware River and its recreational opportunities within a reasonable drive from Jersey City.
Are there family-friendly campgrounds near Jersey City with amenities for kids?
Butterfly Camping Resort stands out as an excellent family-friendly option with a large playground and numerous activities designed specifically for children. The resort features spacious sites with good privacy thanks to trees and shrubs between camping spots. Facilities include clean bathrooms and a fishing lake where kids can try their luck catching fish. Another family-oriented option is Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines) in Elmer, which offers various amenities for children and a notably friendly staff. Both campgrounds provide the recreational facilities and safe environments families with children need for an enjoyable camping experience.
Keep Exploring
