RV camping near Maplewood, New Jersey offers access to the diverse New Jersey Skylands region with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with most locations operating from April through November when temperatures average 50-85°F. Mobile connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds within a 50-mile radius of Maplewood, creating planning challenges for digital nomads and remote workers.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Tri-State RV Park, campers can access the Delaware River directly from the campground. "Great place to pull in for the night if you are traveling. Safe, clean, and right on the Delaware River," notes reviewer Dave B. The river offers fishing and wading opportunities during summer months.
Hiking networks: The trail system at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation connects to multiple waterways and viewpoints. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," writes Paulene-Amanda M. The reservation features over 20 miles of interconnected trails suitable for all skill levels.
Urban exploration: When staying at Liberty Harbor RV Park, take advantage of nearby transportation. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains Joe R. This location provides access to Manhattan attractions without driving or parking in the city.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation appreciate the room between sites. "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods a bit from the pad that you park on," shares Greg S. Most sites include a separate wooded area for campfires and gathering.
Convenient amenities: Many campers value the practical setup at Mountain Top RV Park. "The investment in new 50amp wiring, upgraded sewer systems, and newer water lines provided convenient camping experience," notes Jason G. The park also offers a game room and pickleball court.
Strategic location: Despite basic facilities, many appreciate the positioning of certain campgrounds. "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC," explains Keith and Tia S. about Liberty Harbor. Similarly, Tri-State RV Park receives praise for its accessibility: "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7. Sites are on a gravel lot. Restrooms are clean."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Several campgrounds operate within restricted timeframes. NWS Earle RV Park is only available "April 1 to November 15," while Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center limits camping to "Memorial day to Labor Day." Plan accordingly during off-seasons.
Site configurations: Utility hookup placement varies significantly between parks. At Military Park, "the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," reports Jessica D. Similar configuration challenges exist at other facilities.
Traffic noise: Location convenience often comes with sound considerations. Tri-State RV Park receives frequent comments about highway proximity: "While the staff is very friendly and polite you are basically in a old parking lot right below the freeway. Very easy to get on & off the highway but loud highway noise almost all night," notes Rick G.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Mountain Top RV Park offers activities for multiple age groups. "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," writes @HomegrownRV.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in forested campgrounds near Maplewood. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," mentions Greg S. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Follow campground guidelines for food storage.
Site selection: For families wanting water views, research specific site numbers. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites, Jessica D. recommends: "We stayed in site #1 with our 21' travel trailer. In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."
Tips from RVers
Connection challenges: Mobile service varies widely between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity," reports Nick E. Verizon typically offers most reliable coverage in the region.
Navigation considerations: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. Jeffrey notes about NWS Earle RV Park: "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio." Research campground layouts before arrival.
Utility management: Water pressure differs dramatically between facilities. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, Don C. warns: "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi." Bring a regulator to protect RV plumbing systems from damage.
