Rachel L.
Scout
ScoutLiberty Harbor RV Park
Liberty Harbor RV Park
I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
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 (63)
1. Cheesequake State Park Campground
19 ReviewsMatawan, NJ2 milesWebsite+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
29 ReviewsFreehold, NJ15 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAtlantic Highlands, NJ13 milesWebsite+1 (347) 630-1124$30 - $50 / 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 ReviewsAllenwood, NJ18 milesWebsite+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 ReviewAberdeen, NJ2 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsFreehold, NJ16 milesWebsite+1 (732) 462-2230"No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"
7. Liberty Harbor RV Park
16 ReviewsJersey City, NJ23 milesWebsite+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."
8. NWS Earle RV Park
1 ReviewColts Neck, NJ11 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsToms River, NJ22 milesWebsite+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. Tip Tam Camping Resort
9 ReviewsToms River, NJ21 milesWebsite+1 (732) 363-4036"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Matawan, NJ
141 Photos of 63 Matawan Campgrounds
Ellen K.
Pleasant Valley Lavender
jacquelyn G.
Cheesequake State Park Campground
Yolanda T.
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Dennis B.
Turkey Swamp Park
phillip L.
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Name
Inn the Woods
Justin S.
Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Howard P.
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Jenn M.
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Rebekah B.
Butterfly Camping Resort
Marcia K.
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Jesse C.
Timberland Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Matawan, NJ
421 Reviews of 63 Matawan Campgrounds
- MMark P.Scout
Jugtown Mountain Campsites
A decent, clean campground.
I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Nadine R.
GuideJenny Jump State Forest
Calm Camp, Great Trails
This was a great weekend camping trip. Despite extreme thunderstorms both nights I'd stayed, this was still a great experience. The campsites are spaced a little close, but there is good enough separation with trees and shrubs you're not staring right at your neighbor. Everyone staying here was really friendly, and the vibes felt good and safe. Easy access to all hiking trails from this camping area. The staff works hard to maintain a clean and safe park, and had quickly cleared out fallen trees from a strong thunderstorm the night prior. This is a lovely park for solo campers or families.
- AAmy P.Guide
Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms
A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
- SShawn
RangerTurkey Swamp Park
Private wooded sites
Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.
- EEmily L.Ranger
Liberty Harbor RV Park
Functional with excellent access to the City
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! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
Aly V.RangerBatona — Wharton State Forest
Good spot to sleep
The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.
Stuart K.
LegendWashington 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!
- EErc L.Scout
Liberty Harbor RV Park
friendly staff at the office
Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
Guide to Matawan
Camping spots near Matawan, New Jersey sit in the coastal plain of Central Jersey, where elevations rarely exceed 400 feet and sandy soil dominates the terrain. The region gets about 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating occasional challenges with drainage at campgrounds after heavy rains. Most campsites in this area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping options.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 17-acre lake at Turkey Swamp Park offers non-motorized boating and fishing. "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," reports Tylen L.
Urban explorations: Visit abandoned buildings at Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area for unique urban exploration. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," notes phillip L. This campground offers a different experience with city views rather than forest settings.
Archery practice: Bring your bow for target practice at Turkey Swamp Park. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests Patrick M. The campground maintains archery facilities alongside its other recreational amenities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded separation. At Pine Cone Resort, "Sites are good sized, but the place is a little run down and could definitely use some work," reports Christine A., highlighting that while maintenance might be lacking, space is adequate.
Unique camping environments: For something different, Pleasant Valley Lavender offers tent camping near fragrant fields. "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," says Ellen K.
Accessibility to NYC: Some campgrounds provide easy city access. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be here, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," notes John G. about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Traffic sounds affect many campgrounds in this densely populated region. "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little," is a common sentiment. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, one camper notes, "The Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."
Sandy terrain challenges: Soil conditions can create issues after rain. "All roads and camper pads are dirt. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Insect activity: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months. "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," warns LAURA Y. about her experience at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Most campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Butterfly Camping Resort, "Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites," according to Jen W.
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers might prefer certain locations. "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," explains Maggie A. about Cheesequake State Park.
Activity variety: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park," notes Theresa G. about getting around Cheesequake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up locations: Pay attention to utility placement. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises Jean T. Sites here are pull-through with water and electric available.
Site spaciousness: RV sites vary significantly in size. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," explains Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park's layout.
Dump station access: Plan for waiting times during busy periods. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," warns Ericka T., noting the limited facilities despite the premium price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any private campgrounds near Matawan?
Are there any private campgrounds near Matawan?
Yes, there are several private campgrounds near Matawan. Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson is a family-friendly option with large, shaded sites separated by trees and shrubs. It features a fishing lake and playground. Another option is Great Divide Campground near Newton, which offers a scenic setting surrounded by woods with a small lake and pond. While slightly farther, Panther Lake Camping Resort is also accessible from Matawan for those willing to drive a bit more for their camping experience.
What amenities do Matawan camping grounds offer?
What amenities do Matawan camping grounds offer?
Camping grounds near Matawan offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold provides paved sites, a 17-acre lake, and hiking trails across its 2,283 acres. For those seeking more facilities, Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines) features premium sites and friendly staff. Many campgrounds in the area typically offer water and electric hookups, dump stations, clean bathrooms, and recreational activities. Public options like Round Valley State Park Campground provide a more natural setting with crystal-clear water in a semi-mountainous, forested environment.
What camping is available near Matawan, NJ?
What camping is available near Matawan, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Matawan, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Matawan, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Matawan, NJ?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Matawan, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Matawan, NJ.
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