Camping near Edison, New Jersey ranges from primitive wilderness sites to urban-adjacent options with varying amenity levels. Most campgrounds in central New Jersey operate within forested settings despite their proximity to urban areas. New Jersey's elevation ranges from sea level to approximately 400 feet in this region, creating diverse terrain options within an hour's drive from Edison.
What to do
Hiking and walking trails: Cheesequake State Park Campground features multiple trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous," notes one visitor at Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park offers dedicated archery facilities for visitors looking to practice their skills. A camper mentioned, "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Water activities: Many campgrounds near Edison feature lakes or water access. At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can enjoy the 2,350-acre reservoir. "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," shared one visitor.
Urban exploration: For those seeking unique camping experiences, some sites offer urban proximity with historical significance. At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "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."
What campers like
Privacy and space: Many campsites provide separated areas despite their proximity to urban settings. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Convenience to attractions: Campgrounds near Edison offer strategic locations for visiting regional attractions. Timberland Lake Campground provides access to theme parks, with one visitor noting: "This campground is conveniently located near six flags (5min), Sesame Place (40 min) and Philadelphia (60 min)."
Unique camping settings: Some campgrounds offer distinctive environments. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides tent camping near fragrant fields, with one camper sharing: "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."
Wilderness option: While most campgrounds near Edison offer developed facilities, Round Valley Recreation Area provides true wilderness camping. A visitor shared: "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!"
What you should know
Seasonal bugs: Some campgrounds report significant tick issues during warmer months. One visitor to Timberland Lake Campground 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."
Road noise: Several campgrounds near Edison experience highway noise due to their proximity to major roadways. A visitor to Allaire State Park noted: "Sites were a little too close together and noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Variable site quality: Site conditions can vary widely within the same campground. One camper at Timberland Lake Campground observed: "Small camp site. Fire ring seemed to be an old truck rim (no grill, but they'll sell you one). Old beat up picnic table in the weeds. No privacy. Could definitely be maintained a little better."
Access challenges: Some wilderness sites require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley State Park, a visitor commented: "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers with children should consider campgrounds with accessible amenities. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, one visitor 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."
Bug preparation: Families camping in New Jersey should bring appropriate insect protection. A family camping at Turkey Swamp Park shared: "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too."
Playgrounds and facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Turkey Swamp Park, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground," according to one family visitor.
Halloween events: For fall camping with children, consider seasonal programming. A visitor to Timberland Lake Campground shared: "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many campgrounds have specific limitations for larger vehicles. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station."
Electrical considerations: RVers should check power availability when booking. Turkey Swamp Park provides "electric and water hookups. They don't have primitive campsites so your stuck paying the higher rate even though you don't need the hookups," according to one RVer.
City access from RV parks: RVers seeking urban exploration opportunities can find strategic locations. A visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park noted: "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center."
Water connections: RVers should prepare for variable hookup configurations. At Timberland Lake Campground, one visitor advised: "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
