Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Matawan, NJ

Looking to find an RV campground or tent campsite near Matawan that allows dogs? Finding a place to camp in New Jersey with your dog is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your New Jersey camping excursion.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Matawan, NJ (45)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    18 Photos
    137 Saves
    Matawan, New Jersey

    Campsites: The park has fifty tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is available. There is an 11 foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area. The campground is open from April 1st through October 31st.

    Group campsites: The Gordon Field Group Area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are four individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All trash must be carried out. The group campsites are open from May 1st through October 31st.  We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size and not over-estimate as refunds cannot be made later.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    2. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    69 Photos
    92 Saves
    Allenwood, New Jersey

    PARK ADVISORY: Allaire State Park Family Camping is closed until further notice. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection will start work on the construction of a new bathroom/shower facility. Group Camping will re-open April 1st.

    Campsites: There are forty-five tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is open April 15 through October 15. Campsites are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Shelters: There are ten shelters. Shelters are cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Accessible to persons with disabilities. Shelters are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Group campsites: Six group sites with fire rings, picnic tables. Sites A, B, C, and D hold a maximum capacity of 50 people. Fee: New Jersey Resident $100 per night; Non Resident $200, per night. Sites E and F hold a maximum capacity of 25 people. Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non Resident $100 per night. Open open from April 1 - December 15.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    24 Reviews
    42 Photos
    177 Saves
    New Egypt, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $42 - $79 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground

    5. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    16 Photos
    66 Saves
    Cream Ridge, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park

    6. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    12 Reviews
    17 Photos
    102 Saves
    Jersey City, New Jersey

    See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island right from the property. How great is that!?

    Liberty Harbor RV Park is OPEN 365 days a year. for your convenience and also accept check-ins 24/7 even if the office is closed. The NY Waterway Ferry leaves from Liberty Harbor and runs Monday to Friday to Pier 11 at the foot of Wall Street (does not operate on weekends or holidays). Other Ferry options that run 7 days a week are located within walking distance.

    Or you can walk up Marin Blvd. 5 blocks to the Grove St. PATH subway station which can take you up to 33rd Street and 6th Avenue or to the World Trade Center Site.

    The PATH train is another great option to get you where you are going. You can walk up Marin Blvd.

    Either way… Manhattan is just a 15-minute ride away. Stay a day or two or a week or two…it’s up to you. We have maps and directions to anywhere you want to visit and our friendly staff is always willing to help you get there.

    You can check your email, pick up a package, or send a fax from our office. We even have postcards to send to your friends.

    Whether you have a small motorhome, a big bus, slide-outs, or a tow car…it’s never a problem at Liberty Harbor RV. We do suggest making reservations. We want to make your stay a wonderful experience so you’ll want to come back again and again.

    Call today – 800.646.2066 / 201.516.7500

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $149 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort

    7. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    83 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey

    A great family experience is our number one priority here at Butterfly Camping Resort. With over 20 amenities, shaded sites, and our large gift shop, there is something for everyone to do! After 24 years, the Letho family and their hard-working staff are dedicated to providing great hospitality and clean facilities to make each family camping trip a memorable one.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $64 - $78 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort

    8. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • No image available

      9. Pine Cone Resort

      7 Reviews
      28 Saves
      Freehold, New Jersey

      Pine Cone Resort has 125 level, wooded & open sites with water, electric and sewer hookups.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest

      10. Brendan Byrne State Forest

      16 Reviews
      37 Photos
      240 Saves
      Chatsworth, New Jersey

      Brendan Byrne State Forest is in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a unique ecosystem known for its sandy soils, acidic waters and diverse plant and animal life. Campers can explore the forest's numerous hiking and biking trails or go fishing or boating in the nearby streams and lakes. The forest also offers a range of educational programs and interpretive displays, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the region's natural and cultural history. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at one of the forest's many picnic areas, or spend the day exploring the nearby towns and attractions. There’s also disc golf and guided nature walks.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $3 - $60 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

    Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Matawan

    327 Reviews of 45 Matawan Campgrounds


    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      Nov. 15, 2024

      Turkey Swamp Park

      10/10

      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. I’ve been here a few times, every time I’m here I barely touch my phone.

    • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Lake Camping Resort
      Oct. 30, 2024

      Panther Lake Camping Resort

      Too expensive! Water stinks!

      Nice staff but water smells horrible! The staff know about the water smell and told me there’s a lot of iron in the ground. I was charged $105/night for a basic back-in pad. When I consider that plus “trailer park” feel of all the permanent patrons with the clutter and crap everywhere- not worth it!!! The CG needs some work.

    • Jake R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Campgaw Mountain Reservation
      Oct. 15, 2024

      Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      Busy but Lonely

      Campgaw doesn’t seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps. If you like being woken up by folks walking their dog at 7 AM, this is the spot for you.

      However, once the sun goes down, the campsite becomes a ghost town (except for the odd sheriff driving down the road). We went on a holiday weekend, and we were the only campsite that was occupied, so that is absolutely a plus. There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water.

      All-in-all, it is not a terrible site, especially considering the cheap price.

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Urban Camping in crazy town

      The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside and urban area.

      The campsite appears to be designed as a disbursed camping design. However, there is not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy.

      The camping area is located on a loop road I would estimate to be about a mile long. There is one restroom/shower house. Some campsites are close but our site was a 1/1 mile away.

      The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays. There was a sign near our camp site saying don't shoot here because there is a city street 40 yards away. However they don't seem to mind if you shoot towards the camp sites.

      Other campers near us were LOUD and stayed up well past the quiet time. They were annoying!!

    • Brenda G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Not bad

      Was my very first time camping out, went with my pups and my sons and did the van camping. The spot I had was very well shaded and pretty quiet. The only thing I wasn't big on was how far the trails are, would have to actually drive to it and park in a limited parking area. Due to weather didn't take the risk so am unable to give an opinion on it, but something to remember for the next trip. Only 30-35 min off the parkway, so nice and convenient.

    • Cynthia K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      Aug. 30, 2024

      Turkey Swamp Park

      My favorite!

         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! They have 2283 acres. A 17 acre lake. Some hiking trails & a nice campground! The sites are all pullthrough. There's lots of vegetation for "privacy". We had a site on the perimeter, which are forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks. Fortunately it didn't rain while we were there!

        Shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated. They're checked regularly. The bath house is for the entire campground. 3 out of the 4 women's were working. There's a shared dressing area. 

      There's a laundry that doesn't take quarters. EPay. 

      There's a nice playground in the campground.

       They have 3 cabins for rent, with forest views.

       The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake. Cell service was fair.. No WiFi. 

      They have an archery range. 

          This was my favorite campground on our trip! I really enjoyed camping here! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites & I didn't see any really bad ones.

    • Cynthia K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Great Divide Campground
      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!

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Brendan Byrne State Forest

      Nice spot in the pines

      We stayed on a mon/tues at the end of August and the campground was fairly empty and quiet except for a few generators running & air planes/ helicopters going over. There is an air force base in the area.

      Site 33 is the back corner so we did get a bit more traffic going past to get on the sand trails. There is also background noise from the road, but not too loud. There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops - just a handful which is a shame because many of the sites marked as tent only look like they could easily accommodate most RVs, especially smaller rigs.

      The dump station is locked so get the combo from the office if you want to use it. The ranger station is a bit of a drive from the camping area so if you don’t have cell service make sure you get it at check in.

      Go down to the pond and check out the carnivorous plants- one of the most unique things in this area!

      Several choices for hiking, but it’s the pine barrens so it is flat and sandy and ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year.

      Overall this is one of the nicer & quieter options for pine barrens camping

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      Skyline RV Camp Has Moved

      Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to:

      50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

      The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property.

      Google Maps coords are 40.730491531436556,-73.9577966772486

      There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading.

    • Jahmera R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      BE AWARE OF UPDATED ROUTE! HIKING ISN'T WORTH IT, BOAT IN

      Doing this review because a lot of them feel extremely outdated, so here we go. 

      Access: There are two ways to get to your campsite, boating and the great 3 mile trek. Starting with the hike, the path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men. It makes the hike extremely difficult which could have been avoided. Moreover, theres a few points on the trail where you’re walking side by side from a highway, crossing driveways, passing construction zones, and past fencing. Extremely awkward and takes you out of the hiking experience immediately. Not ideal especially since you have to pay to camp on the site. I was extremely dissatisfied. Boating may be more worth it to avoid these downfalls and get your moneys worth. 

      Amenities: There are two water pumps. One at the beginning of the camp site and one at the end. They tend to get far if you plan on camping further into the campsite so I would plan ahead. The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the"outdoorsy" experienced not a huge downfall. Most of the campsites have access to a picnic table and fire ring which is a huge plus. 

      Overall: For starters, the water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk and don’t get caught? I had a wonderful time at this location, the sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown. But this site just missed with the awful trail of three miles. Although there were service roads throughout the campsite, visitors were not able to use them. The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall. Moreover, the hike itself along highways, across roads, and down strategically places pebbles and rocks were a huge miss and made it extremely difficult and slippery. I highly recommend boating as hiking will probably make the experience a lot more sour than wanted. It shouldn’t be a"choose between the two" considering you’re paying but what can you do… pick boating if you really want to see it for yourself.

    • Damia F.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
      Jul. 13, 2024

      Jenny Jump State Forest

      Great place for a family or a solo camper!

      I’ve been here twice now and it is a beautiful campsite. Individual campsites are separate from cabin and group sites.

      Tent campsites have benches and a fire pit. Group campsites have large stove. The cabins seem clean and well maintained. All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds.

      Bathrooms are spread out so it’s never a far walk from your site. They are super clean with a shower and two stalls. There is a water fountain outside of them. One of the bathrooms has a playground next to it for people with kids. Hiking trails are also spread out among the campsites as well.

      I solo camp and have always felt safe at these campgrounds. Not to mention the hiking and scenery are absolutely breathtaking.

      The non camper public area has benches and a parking lot for visitors of campers or people doing day hikes.

    • Gaia B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      Jun. 29, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      Good

      The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging. The campsite was really nice, even if the pic nic table was almost completely broke

    • Matt S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
      May. 27, 2024

      Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

      Deceiving Website

      We stayed at Adventure Bound Tall Pines in Elmer, New Jersey, for Memorial Day weekend for a quick getaway. Despite reserving and paying for a“Premium” site, it fell far short. But there were still a few things we liked… 

      THINGS I LIKED: 

      1. Super-friendly staff, especially Allie, who was courteous and seemed to try to make things right 

      2. Lots of mature shade trees 

      3. DJ at the pool Saturday and Sunday and live band Saturday evening 

      4. Close proximity to Delsea Drive-in Theatre and Cohenzick Zoo 

      THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

      1. I reserved and paid-in-full for a premium site which listed 50-amp service and a concrete pad. Nope. Only 30-amp service and no concrete pad. When I called the office, assuming there must’ve been a mistake, I was told by two different staff members that their website is“wonky.” I wouldn’t mind as much, but this weekend was 90-degrees each day and humid, so it would’ve been good to have air conditioning. 

      2. The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere 

      3. This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45’ motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed 

      4. I paid$432 for 3-nights and feel like I was taken 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      Nope. I’m sticking with campgrounds that give you what you paid for.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
      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.

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      It is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures

      There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more. The only bathroom did have toilet paper, a garbage can and hand soap for the sink, but no paper towels to dry your hands and no shelves, hooks, or benches to put your things while you shower.

      The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read.  

      The views of the city are spectacular, but the place itself is what I would call very rustic/primitive/not lovely.

      The host was helpful but the administration seemed a little unorganized. When we tried to check in, they told us we were a day too early. I had booked through the Dyrt and there was a mixup. A day later, two days later, they texted us that we were late checking in. They had another mixup. On checkout day, we didn't check out on time and they didn't contact us until it was so late we had to pay for and stay another night. It was our fault, but a reminder of checkout time would have been helpful.

      I have pictures I would add if there was a way to do that.

    • P
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort
      Apr. 6, 2024

      Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort

      Run from this place

      Extremely rude manager who will charge you for anything he can. Artie has zero people skills! If you give a card or deposit, expect to get excess charges. Poor Verizon connection, no wifi in some areas.

    • Liam S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Tinicum Park Camping
      Mar. 4, 2024

      Tinicum Park Camping

      My Regular Local Spot

      Tinicum is a well-kept gem here in Bucks County. One of the rare spots in the area where you can camp overnight.

      It’s a small campground beside a huge park. Some individual sites tucked within trees & some bigger group sites closeby.

      You should call ahead to reserve a site but I’ve shown up a few times & just paid the ranger when he/she came around.

      It’s a state park so they don’t allow alcohol. But the rangers are pretty cool & good at their job. They’re there to do their job, not nitpick & ruin a relaxing night with friends by a fire. Keep things civil & not too loud, you’ll never know they’re there.

    • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
      Jan. 5, 2024

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      Close to NYC!

      This RV park is literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is.

      The location is great, but the surrounding streets may be hard to maneuver with an RV if you’re a newbie. You can see the Statue of Liberty from the park, and there were several cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

      If you’re looking for actual amenities, this probably isn’t the park for you. But if you just need a base camp for doing tourist activities in NYC then this place will do.

      There is 24 hour security which is nice as well. We felt safe while we were there, but it was also fairly empty too.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Stephens State Park Campground
      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.

    • Trip Over Life
      Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
      Dec. 4, 2023

      Batona — Wharton State Forest

      Primitive Campground on the Batona Trail

      The Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest is a small campground best suited for tent campers. It can get busy (and rowdy) on weekends. The road into the campground is sand.

      A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter. There's at least two pit toilets in the campground - don't expect luxury.  Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. 

      Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve. Site 6 is one of the more private sites as it's tucked into the back corner.

    • Jessica A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jugtown Mountain Campsites
      Oct. 18, 2023

      Jugtown Mountain Campsites

      Cute, quiet spot

      We stopped for one night on the first leg of our drive to Florida from Massachusetts. We drive a class A, our site was snug but easy enough to get in and out of (we were lucky enough to be able to pull through from the adjoining site). Water pressure was weirdly low. But the place was clean and pretty with plenty of trees. We were across from the playground area which looked more like a small park - very nice. Overall a good place for us to spend the night so that we could be plugged in.

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Lake Camping Resort
      Sep. 23, 2023

      Panther Lake Camping Resort

      The Lake is the Draw

      Overall a very pretty campground and a nice place for a weekend getaway. We have a tiny camper and we had a great site with power and water. The campground has a lot of seasonal residents, in the summer it's probably very busy and loud. We went early Sept and it was lovely. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There is a section that is wooded and the sites feel more private. There's another section that's more open for the bigger rigs. The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty. No one cleaned them the entire weekend we were there, even the ones next to the camp store. There's only one decent bathroom with showers and that was really far from our site. The other thing I didn't like is that they charged us $20 to launch our ckayak but only charge $15 to rent one of theirs. We had a good weekend despite all that though.

    • Bradley B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cone Campgrounds
      Sep. 13, 2023

      Pine Cone Campgrounds

      Quiet, Safe, but small annoying things.

      A Peaceful Retreat with Room for Improvement 

      I recently had the pleasure of staying here, and I wanted to share my experience with fellow travelers. Overall, it was a tranquil and secure place, but there were a few aspects that could use some attention. 

      Pros: Serene and Secure: One of the standout features is the peaceful environment it offers. During my weeks-long stay, I never once had to contend with loud noises or intrusive traffic, creating a truly peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway. 

      Cons: Bathroom Facilities: Unfortunately, the campsite falls short in terms of its bathroom facilities. The stall doors are quite small and lack privacy, which can be a discomfort for many guests. Moreover, only one stall has a functioning lock, which can be inconvenient during peak times. Limited Showers: The campsite has only two showers, and they are not designed for simultaneous use. To make matters more challenging, you must pass through one shower to access the other, limiting the privacy and convenience for guests. Additionally, the absence of temperature regulation can be a drawback. 

      Maintenance Concerns: During my two-week stay, I noticed a cleanliness issue that needs addressing. There was persistent trash in one of the showers throughout my visit, which was disappointing. 

      Recommendations: If you're considering a stay here I'd recommend opting for their cabins. Having stayed in them previously, I found them to be clean, spacious, and overall delightful accommodations. They provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience compared to the campsite facilities. 

      Additional Note: One aspect to be aware of is that the owner doesn't seem to like dogs. If you're traveling with furry companions, it's essential to plan accordingly.

      In conclusion, They offers a peaceful and secure retreat, but there are areas in need of improvement, particularly regarding the bathroom facilities. For a more comfortable stay, I highly recommend their cabins. With some attention to the mentioned concerns, this campsite could become an even more appealing destination for nature enthusiasts like myself.



    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Matawan, 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 Matawan, NJ?

      TheDyrt.com has all 45 dog-friendly camping locations near Matawan, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.