M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near Jersey City, NJ
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State parks and recreation areas within driving distance of Jersey City, New Jersey provide several options for tent camping enthusiasts. Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area offers 20 tent-only sites spread across four loops, with some sites featuring wooden pavilions over picnic tables. Round Valley State Park Campground, located about 50 miles west of Jersey City, provides primitive tent campsites accessible only by hiking or boating in. Stonetown Circular Trail in northern New Jersey features two primitive tent sites along an 11-mile loop trail. Pleasant Valley Lavender in central New Jersey offers secluded walk-in tent sites tucked into wooded areas adjacent to lavender fields.
Most tent campgrounds near Jersey City require advance planning and specific gear considerations. Sandy Hook's sites are walk-in only (approximately 1/4 mile), with carts available to transport equipment from parking areas. No vehicles are permitted at campsites. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most locations, though amenities vary significantly. Round Valley's primitive sites require a challenging 3-5 mile hike or boat journey to access, with limited water sources available. Bear-proof food storage is essential at several locations, particularly at Sandy Hook where raccoons are notably aggressive. Vault toilets or primitive outhouses are available at most sites, though shower facilities are limited or non-existent at primitive locations.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies considerably across these locations. One camper at Round Valley noted, "It's very secluded once arriving at a campsite. I've been about 5 times and have only seen one other person." Sites at Sandy Hook provide unique coastal access, though several visitors reported significant issues with roach infestations at night. According to reviews, weekday visits typically offer greater solitude than weekends. At Jenny Jump State Forest, a tent camper remarked, "It was so private we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves." Primitive tent sites along Stonetown Circular Trail require packing light due to challenging terrain, but reward hikers with expansive views and streamside camping. Early spring and fall typically offer the best combination of moderate temperatures and fewer insects.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Jersey City (23)
1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."
"Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"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 Availability3. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
4. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"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"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability6. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
7. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
8. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
9. Battle Row Campground
"I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids."
"They have shower and restroom facilities , the showers were amazing and also so clean ! I had such a great stay and this is deffinatly one of my top favorite campgrounds."
from $5 - $60 / night
Check Availability10. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
Drive Time
- 17 min from New York, NY
- 55 min from Trenton, NJ
- 56 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 19 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jersey City, NJ
42 Photos of 23 Jersey City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Jersey City, NJ
480 Reviews of 23 Jersey City Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I 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.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed 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.
- AAimee K.
TravelerTurkey Swamp Park
Great Park
Beautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
S G.ScoutMahlon Dickerson Reservation
Primitive
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
Guide to Jersey City
Primitive tent camping options exist within 50 miles of Jersey City, with locations offering varying degrees of solitude and amenities. The region features a mix of mountain, forest, and coastal environments with elevation ranging from sea level at coastal sites to over 1,100 feet at inland locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with average temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Explore coastal beaches: At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, you can camp within walking distance of ocean beaches. "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," notes reviewer Stanley S.
Paddle on reservoir waters: Round Valley Recreation Area offers crystal-clear waters ideal for paddling to campsites. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," explains Riley K., who enjoyed the lake access directly from the campsite.
Visit historic landmarks: Camp at Croton Point Park and explore nearby historic sites. "We came in October to celebrate Halloween in sleepy hollow! This is a great campsite and reasonably priced. Was close to bear mountains state part and the train station is right there!" shares Wendy C.
Lavender field viewing: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers unique tent sites with fragrant surroundings during bloom season. "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," according to Ellen K.
What campers like
Secluded wilderness experience: Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" shares Agbi B.
Proximity to NYC: Many campers appreciate being able to escape the city without long drives. "Great visit to this Brooklyn Campsite! The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!" says Lindsey M. about Sandy Hook.
Urban wildlife sightings: Campers often report seeing wildlife even at parks close to urban areas. "The lake is very peaceful, and home to beavers we watched from the dining hall patio," notes Ilya F. about The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Mountain ridge views: Several tent campsites near Jersey City provide elevated perspectives. "This is a great spot to set up camp because it has a wide area and an amazing view. You will find the site right next to the American Flag at the top of the mountain," explains Ethan K. about Stonetown Circular trail Primitive campsite.
What you should know
Transport logistics: Many campgrounds require gear transport from parking areas. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" warns Christy K. about Sandy Hook.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage is critical at several locations. "Sites also have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," explains Craig M.
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly across campgrounds. "Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long," reports Lee D. about Croton Point Park facilities.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations differ between parks. "There are NO fire pits, you must bring your own. Fires are allowed but you must have a fire container or bucket for your fire off of the ground," explains Katrina M. about Battle Row Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground is new and centrally located. They also have a horseshoe pit," notes Katrina M. about Battle Row Campground.
Educational activities: Look for parks with ranger programs. "There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," shares Phillip L. about Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Swimming options: Some parks offer supervised swimming areas. "Sebago has a huge lake and great beach area. It was perfect for lounging and swimming in during a hot summer day," explains Ethan K. about Sebago Cabin Camp.
Cabins as backup: For families new to camping, some parks offer cabins as an alternative. "We were able to rent a cabin which was equipped with an outside grill and picnic area. It is great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside," recommends Ethan K.
Tips for RVers
Limited full hookup options: Most primitive tent campsites near Jersey City have limited RV accommodations. "Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded," notes Paul K. about site spacing at Croton Point Park.
Reservation processes: Some parks have complicated reservation systems. "The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in," warns Lee D.
Site layouts: Review site arrangements before booking. "The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together," observes Lee D. about Croton Point Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jersey City, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jersey City, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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Jersey City, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jersey City, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Jersey City, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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