Best Campgrounds near Matawan, NJ

State parks and county recreation areas near Matawan, New Jersey provide a range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of the city. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located directly in Matawan, offers wooded tent and RV sites with electric hookups from April through October. Turkey Swamp Park in nearby Freehold Township features pull-through sites with more extensive amenities including cabins and glamping options. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a unique tent camping experience with sites tucked into wooded areas adjacent to lavender fields. The camping landscape extends to coastal options at Sandy Hook in the Gateway National Recreation Area, where both tent and RV camping are available with beach access, though pets are not permitted.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Highway noise can be a consideration at some locations, with Cheesequake State Park being bisected by the Garden State Parkway. As one camper noted, "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Sandy terrain is common at many sites, which can become muddy after rainfall. Turkey Swamp Park features unpaved roads of packed sand that may present challenges during wet weather. Cell service varies considerably across campgrounds, with most offering fair coverage but limited or no WiFi access.

Campers frequently mention the balance between accessibility and natural settings as a defining characteristic of the region. The wooded sites at Cheesequake provide privacy with small forested buffers between campsites, while Turkey Swamp Park earns praise for its rustic atmosphere and 17-acre lake for fishing and non-motorized boating. According to one visitor, "There's lots of vegetation for privacy. We had a site on the perimeter with forest views." Family-friendly amenities are common, with most campgrounds offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality and age, with many described as "clean but dated." Alcohol restrictions are common at state-managed properties, while private campgrounds like Butterfly Camping Resort and Pine Cone Resort typically allow it.

Best Camping Sites Near Matawan, New Jersey (62)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    2 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. Turkey Swamp Park

    27 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    15 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"

    3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    4. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    18 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)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    5. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    2 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. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

    7. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    8. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "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."

    9. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    10. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 62 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Matawan, NJ

412 Reviews of 62 Matawan Campgrounds



Guide to Matawan

Camping near Matawan, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Stokes State Forest. One visitor mentioned, "The hikes are great around here," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Round Valley State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer said, "The water is beautiful and clean," which makes it a great place to relax by the lake.
  • Wildlife Watching: Turkey Swamp Park is known for its wildlife. One camper shared, "The sites are all pull-through. There's lots of vegetation for 'privacy'," making it a great spot to see animals in their natural habitat.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Camp Taylor Campground. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Worthington State Forest Campground. One review stated, "The staff were super friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spacious sites at Cheesequake State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Campsites are fully shaded and include a picnic table, fire ring, and hook to hang food supplies."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "If you are looking for a nice peaceful getaway from the city... this is not it."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest has basic facilities, and a camper noted, "The bathrooms at least get cleaned in the morning."
  • Check-In Confusion: Some campgrounds have tricky check-in processes. A camper at Atsion Family Camp mentioned, "The check-in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Camp Taylor Campground is great for families. One parent said, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Turkey Swamp Park enjoyed the "nice playground in the campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A reviewer at Round Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "We bought firewood and had a great time cooking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Stokes State Forest noted, "The camping areas are split between two different entrances."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A camper at Atsion Family Camp said, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A reviewer at Camp Gateway Sandy Hook advised, "Bring everything you need."

Camping near Matawan, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the reviews and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Matawan, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Matawan, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Matawan, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Matawan, NJ?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Matawan, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Matawan, NJ.

What parks are near Matawan, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Matawan, NJ that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.