Keyport, New Jersey camping sites range from oceanfront opportunities to wooded inland options. Most campgrounds near Keyport operate from April through November, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The area's camping terrain is typically flat with a mix of wooded and open sites, making for accessible outdoor experiences within 30 minutes of downtown Keyport.
What to do
Hiking trails at Cheesequake: Multiple trail options range from easy to moderate difficulty at Cheesequake State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The 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."
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park offers fishing in its small lake. The lake supports various fish species and allows shoreline fishing. According to one visitor, "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on."
Urban exploration: For those seeking unusual activities near a campsite in Keyport, New Jersey, Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area provides urban exploration options. A visitor explained, "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation. At Turkey Swamp Park, boaters have options as noted by a reviewer: "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups."
What campers like
Urban convenience with nature access: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers proximity to city attractions while providing camping amenities. A camper described it as "all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
Beach proximity: Campers appreciate waterfront access at certain locations. One reviewer at Sandy Hook noted, "The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!"
Quiet camping options: For campers seeking more seclusion near Keyport, Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a peaceful experience. A visitor described it as "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."
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal sites, Allaire State Park offers year-round accommodations. A camper mentioned, "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Many campgrounds near Keyport experience traffic noise due to their proximity to highways. A camper at Cheesequake 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."
Limited amenities at some locations: While some sites offer full facilities, others provide minimal services. At Sandy Hook, a camper pointed out, "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."
Wildlife considerations: Ticks can be an issue at some locations, particularly in wooded areas. One camper at Turkey Swamp Park reported, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Campground sizes and privacy: Sites vary in size and privacy levels. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper observed, "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Tips for camping with families
First-timer friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to those new to camping. At Cheesequake State Park, one camper noted, "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. Pine Cone Resort includes "Playground, pool, big open fields, horseshoes, basketball hoop. No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for families. A camper at Cheesequake mentioned, "they do have a swimmable lake on the property. However, the water is pretty dirty. My friends and I walked out with green dirt on us. No worries it rinses right off in the shower!"
Winter cabin options: For families seeking off-season camping near Keyport, New Jersey, Pine Cone Resort provides cabin rentals. A visitor shared, "I've stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity they are equipi with 4 bunks a LG picnic table and a wood stove for heat."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement issues: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be inconveniently located. A military RVer at NWS Earle RV Park observed, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Site levelness varies: RV sites range from concrete pads to natural surfaces. At Turkey Swamp, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Limited big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs comfortably. Liberty Harbor has tight spacing: "If it's packed, your neighbor will be within inches of your rig."
