Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Linden, NJ

Cheesequake State Park Campground provides several pet-friendly camping opportunities within 30 minutes of Linden, New Jersey. The park's sites accommodate tents and RVs with electric hookups available. Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the campground and on hiking trails. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access. The campground maintains clean bathroom facilities and showers, though some visitors note that soap dispensers are occasionally empty. Sites offer partial shade with enough vegetation to provide some privacy between neighboring campsites. The park is open seasonally from April 1 to October 31.

Liberty Harbor RV Park accepts pets at its convenient location near New York City, offering water and electric hookups in a secured marina parking area. The campground operates year-round with 24-hour security, making it a safe base for exploring with dogs. Several walking paths nearby provide exercise opportunities for pets. Jersey City features multiple dog-friendly restaurants within walking distance of the campground. Pet owners should note that the camping area is essentially a gravel parking lot with minimal amenities beyond hookups and bathhouse facilities. Sites are extremely close together, especially during peak season when privacy is limited. The nearby Liberty State Park offers additional dog walking opportunities with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Despite its urban setting and higher price point, the convenient location makes it popular for campers with pets who want to explore NYC while keeping their dogs with them.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Linden, New Jersey (62)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "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."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / night

    "This is 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."

    "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."

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "We stayed in New Jersey for our 5th campground on the East Coast: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. This is a County park.

     Near some Revolutionary War battlefields.

     I really liked this park!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    4. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

    5. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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"

    6. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."

    "Police patrolled, and dog friendly."

    7. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

    2 Reviews
    New York City, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 434-6891

    $85 - $120 / night

    8. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "My wife said she seen feds or some type of authority there with hound dogs when she was driving by one day when they closed it."

    9. Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park

    41 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Linden, NJ

599 Reviews of 62 Linden Campgrounds


  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Great Divide Campground

    Rock'in

     Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.

     One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait. 

     The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.

       We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!

  • Mackenzie B.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Nickerson Beach Park Campground

    surfers dream

    I grew up in Long Beach. If you’re looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around.

    benefits: allows dogs childrens playground beach programs like movie nights throughout the summer

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2023

    Stephens State Park Campground

    Might be hard for big rigs

    Lovely campground, but maybe not the best for big rigs. We drove through here thinking we’d stay a night, but saw the “no pets” in the list of rules and didn’t stay. Later, when I was looking at the closeup of the picture of the campground map we took, I saw that some of the sites are designated as pet sites. Would have been nice to know that. Also, no alcohol allowed here. 

    The campground as a whole and the individual sites are kind of tricky for bigger rigs. We are in a 26ft class c and we squeezed through, and there were a few sites where we could have made it work, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time. 

    Showers here are nice and free and clean, water runs continuously (no button to push), and you can adjust the temperature. There’s a playground and volleyball court. There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). 

    ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. 

    Didn’t see any instructions for how to pay if you don’t have a reservation. Reserved sites were marked, so maybe you just pick an empty unreserved site and a ranger will come collect the fees- but I’m just guessing. We drove through at the end of October and only saw one camper there, and another that might have been the host.

  • D
    May. 5, 2024

    Tip Tam Camping Resort

    Nice place to visit

    My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well. There is also a pavillion in the middile of the campground with a Ms Pacman/Galaga classic arcard game, as well as a small library and soda machine. AT&T cell service was good. Te site are very close together, and you can hear your neighbors easily. There is not currently a dog park, but the owner told me that they were going to be constructing one in the future. There is a Monmouth County dog park under five minutes away that is huge. There are many close by food options and stores as well.

  • Caitlin F.
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Butterfly Camping Resort

    Great for families!

    My husband and I came to this campground for a quick weekend getaway with our dogs. We had a great time!

    The campground was very well taken care of. The sites had good tree coverage and we didn’t feel like we were right on top of the next site. There was tons of stuff to do. There’s a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on. Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!

    The staff was extremely kind and helpful and took great care of us!

    Overall I highly recommend this campground, very family friendly. We’ll be going back!

  • Jeff W.
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    Quiet County Park with Large Sites

    Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway.

  • Trip Over Life
    Oct. 23, 2018

    Stokes State Forest

    Ranger Review: humangear FlexiBowl and GoBites at Steam Mill Campground

    Campground Review

    Stokes State Forest has four campgrounds. The Steam Mill Camping Area is tucked out the of the way and is the most primitive. It is the smallest of the campgrounds with 27 sites only suitable for tents or small trailers/campervans. No pets or alcohol allowed.

    The campground has a pit toilet and a well. Each large campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Some sites also have a tent platform. Many sites are a bit rocky.

    We selected site T219. It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep.

    Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes.

    Outdoor activities in the area abound. Go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. There are 21 marked trails that cover over 63 miles within the boundaries of Stokes State Forest. Twelve miles are part of the Appalachian Trail. Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app.

    This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery).

    You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument. High Point Monument is the highest elevation in New Jersey and is located in High Point State Park which borders Stokes State Forest on the north. High Point State Park also offers camping, hiking, sightseeing opportunities. And, on the western border of Stokes State Forest is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. So, there is lots of outdoors to get out and explore!

    Product Review

    We camped at the Steam Mill Camping Area in Stokes State Forest in our campervan over a chilly autumn weekend. We had the opportunity to cook some soup on our stovetop and chill out by the campfire. And, as Rangers for The Dyrt, we get products to test from time to time so we were psyched to try out some new dinnerware and cutlery. This included the FlexiBowl and GoBites from humangear.

    What made these humangear products pretty awesome? Well, the fun colors to start. I mean, seriously, my orange bowl rules. The FlexiBowl also has some neat features: it’s flexible - just like the name suggests - and foldable. The bowl can be squished and stuffed anywhere. And, the top section can be folded down to create a smaller bowl. The FlexiBowl is versatile yet durable. It held my hearty, warm soup just perfectly.

    I paired the FlexiBowl with one of the GoBites utensils (the Uno model). The Uno model is my favorite - it has a fork on one side and a spoon on the other side. Very simple and convenient. The other GoBites models include the Duo (separate fork and spoon that can snap together) and the Trio (a fork, spoon, and knife - with bottle opener - in a case).

    PRO TIP: I keep the Trio GoBites model in my travel pack at all times. It recently came in handy on a (non-camping) trip to Sardinia. The knife on the Trio allowed me to slice some delicious local cheese to pair with bread, jam, and wine that was purchased from the grocery store. YUM.

  • Jen W.
    Jun. 16, 2021

    Butterfly Camping Resort

    Will be back!

    This was our first trip to Butterfly and we will be back! Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites (we had stayed on 105A). Friendly staff and clean bathrooms. Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds.


Guide to Linden

Several pet-friendly camping options exist within 30-45 minutes of Linden, New Jersey. The region offers a mix of wooded sites and urban camping with access to diverse terrain and water features. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with most locations operating from April through October due to New Jersey's moderate climate and distinct four seasons.

What to do

Hiking at Cheesequake State Park: The park offers several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty with lookout points along the way. "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," notes one camper from Cheesequake State Park Campground.

Boating on Round Valley Reservoir: The 2,350-acre reservoir at Round Valley allows kayaking and canoeing. "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," shares a visitor at Round Valley State Park Campground.

City exploration from Liberty Harbor: For urban adventures with your dog, use Liberty Harbor as a base. "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. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay!" reports one RVer.

What campers like

Secluded wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park provides private, wooded campsites that feel removed from other campers. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," explains a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.

Platform tent sites: Some locations offer raised wooden platforms for tent setup, particularly beneficial during wet weather. At Beaver Pond Campground, "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained."

Year-round accessibility: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain open throughout winter. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson notes, "We really like this campground. Quiet and spacious. No facilities, just a porta-jon, but i think that makes it better. Police patrolled, and dog friendly."

What you should know

Proximity to highways: Traffic noise can impact some campgrounds near Linden. A camper at Allaire State Park reports, "Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore."

Wildlife considerations: Bears are common in some camping areas. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area. I mean, we are in Bear Mountain, what do you expect?!?" shares a visitor to Beaver Pond.

Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds offer minimal facilities. At Round Valley, a camper notes, "While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you'll come across the 'stank' well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn't use them."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Linden feature play areas for children. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."

Lake activities for kids: Water recreation options keep children entertained. "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. 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," reports a visitor at Panther Lake Camping Resort.

First-time camper friendly: Some locations are ideal for families new to camping. "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," advises a Cheesequake State Park camper.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Many dog-friendly campgrounds in the area offer only partial hookups. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park reports, "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."

Dump station access: Plan for waste management at campgrounds lacking sewer connections. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. The laundry was not working properly and ate a good $5 of our quarters."

Proximity for NYC access: RVers seeking urban exploration can use certain campgrounds as a base. "This is 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," advises a Liberty Harbor camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Linden, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Linden, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Linden, NJ?

TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Linden, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.