Camping spots near Kenilworth, New Jersey range from urban-adjacent sites with Manhattan skyline views to more secluded woodland settings. The region sits mostly at low elevations under 400 feet, with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area experience high humidity levels during summer months, which affects tent camping conditions and equipment durability.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 3 miles of shoreline at Panther Lake Camping Resort offers good catches for anglers. "The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake," notes one camper.
Urban exploring: Visit abandoned structures at Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area for historical immersion. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," explains a visitor. Though limited to 7 campsites, the unique location provides city views.
Water activities: Kayaking and canoeing on the reservoir at Round Valley State Park Campground offer peaceful recreation. "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," writes one camper who enjoyed the pristine conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The wooded settings at Turkey Swamp Park provide good separation between campers. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," reports a recent visitor.
Ferry access to NYC: Campers at Liberty Harbor RV Park value the urban camping experience. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Getting in and out of the city is an adventure," shares one camper.
Wilderness feel close to populated areas: The hiking trails at Beaver Pond Campground offer a quick escape. "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities. Hike trails are all over the place and the lake is nearby," notes one reviewer who appreciated the accessibility.
What you should know
Limited availability at popular times: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. "We went on 4th of July weekend so the place was packed. We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great," reports a Panther Lake visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other animals are common at several camping locations. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," advises a Beaver Pond camper.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate only April through October. Turkey Swamp Park extends slightly longer from April 1 to November 15, while Mahlon Dickerson Reservation operates year-round with limited winter services.
Noise levels vary: Urban-adjacent camping comes with urban sounds. "The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays. There was a sign near our camp site saying don't shoot here because there is a city street 40 yards away," notes a Cheesequake State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Cheesequake State Park Campground offers nature programming for children. "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," shares a family camper.
Lake activities for kids: Swimming areas with lifeguards operate at several parks during summer months. "Very clean and quiet. Tent camping near the water - great for Jersey Shore adventures. Make sure to check out the lighthouses nearby," recommends a Sandy Hook visitor.
Playground access: Multiple camping areas feature dedicated play spaces. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," notes a Panther Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water connection challenges: Some campgrounds require extra-long hoses. "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," advises a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds only offer partial hookups. Liberty Harbor RV Park provides water and electric but has limited sewer connections. "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use," notes one RVer.
Site levelness varies: Turkey Swamp Park gets high marks from RVers for level sites. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," reports one visitor who found the park well-suited for RVs of various sizes.
