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Best Campgrounds near South Amboy, NJ

445 Reviews

Camping options near South Amboy, New Jersey include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located in nearby Matawan, offers tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides more diverse accommodation options with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Cheesequake and Turkey Swamp typically open from April through October or November. Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, provides camping with ocean access and views of New York City.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all developed campgrounds in the area, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit camping seasons. Most campgrounds close completely during winter months, though a few private RV parks remain open year-round. Facilities vary considerably between locations, with state parks generally offering more amenities than smaller properties. Cell service is reliable throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas. A camper at Cheesequake noted, "The campsite is nice and was drive up. It was partially shaded which offered some privacy."

The camping experience in central New Jersey balances natural settings with urban proximity. Cheesequake State Park receives consistent praise for its hiking trails and family-friendly environment despite some highway noise. Several visitors mention the park's convenient location and reasonable pricing for New Jersey residents. Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a unique camping experience with a visitor commenting it was "pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields." Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides perhaps the most urban camping experience in the region with Manhattan skyline views. For those seeking a beach experience, Sandy Hook provides oceanfront camping with one camper noting it offers "very reasonable rates to pitch a tent" with "ocean close with lifeguards."

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Best Camping Sites Near South Amboy, New Jersey (67)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    3 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. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    15 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."

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    20 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. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    20 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."

    5. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    8 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. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    14 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"

    7. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    23 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."

    8. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    9. Pine Cone Resort

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

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

    $50 per night"

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near South Amboy, NJ

192 Photos of 67 South Amboy Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near South Amboy, NJ

445 Reviews of 67 South Amboy Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. 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. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Lowe's - W Windsor

    Upscale Parking Paradise @ This Home Fixer Upper

    Granted, you’re in Princeton, yeah, that place known for that one certain university, so of course the expectations are going to be high, right? So, no doubt that this Lowes is pretty awesome, well, insofar as parking lots go that is. While there’s a variety of different sized Lowes that you’ll come across, this particular big blue box retailer serves up a fairly decent sized parking patio here for your overnight paved parking pleasure. Despite being conveniently located right off US1  and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there’s no doubt traffic, it’s all manageable. Despite being located right off US1, this Lowes sits back by about 80 yards so the locale doesn’t pick up all of the highway passerby traffic noise.

    Before arriving here, we called Customer Service and spoke with a very friendly lady called Jai-isha, who connected us with the store manager, Amanda, who confirmed it was OK for us to spend the night at this particular Lowes location. So while I don’t think anyone would have any problems just rocking up here for a quick overnighter, you might want to call ahead or stop in first.

    While there was definitely an abundance of parked cars as you enter from the west side, this is the least populated area of this parking corral, as well as the southern perimeter, which is a dash bit slower, less populated and therefor quieter. If that somewhat frequently trafficked retail arena doesn’t dissuade you from parking here at this home fixer upper, then you’ll be treated to a small smattering of additional retail options such as Mattress Firm (just in case you needed a new one for your RV), Trader Joes if you need to stock up on groceries, Starbucks to get jacked up on caffeine for that road trip you’re about to take as well The Container Store in the event that you need any kind of packing materials. While these stores add to the traffic pool, you’ll discover its altogether not terribly congested.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be RVing with your four-legged friends with you, then you’ll be in luck as just due north of here you’ll discover a nice patch of nature called Institute Woods (seems ironic, right?) that offers 589 acres of nicely manicured woods, farmland, wetlands and paths for you and your pet to stretch your legs – but be sure to check out the wooden bridge that spans the stream; (2) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then just across the street you’ll find The Princetonian Diner otherwise there’s some fast food joints like Wendy’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs or further down US1 in either direction you have comfort casual chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and P.F. Changs; (3) If you have a canoe or kayak and want to dip the beak of your vessel into some fresh water, then head due northeast to Carnegie Lake where you can not only get some decent oaring in, but drop a line or two as well to grab a nice dinner of blue gill; and (4) Looking for a fun diversion for the kiddos? Then head on over to Stumpy’s Hatchet House for some really great axe-wielding competitions!

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 5 

    Quality: 5 

    Peace & Quiet: 4 

    Amenities: 4 

    Overall, I scored this location a 5. 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Triple Brook Camping Resort

    Clean and family friendly

    Spent Mother’s Day weekend. Staff is friendly campsite is very clean. Seasonal in good condition. Sites a bit uneven - but large. Shade or sunny spots as wel

Guide to South Amboy

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Worthington State Forest Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it easy to enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can fish in the lake. A reviewer said, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Swimming: While some campgrounds like Round Valley State Park Campground don’t allow swimming, others have designated areas. One visitor noted, "The water was clean and provided a lovely view."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Beaver Pond Campground highlighted, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Stokes State Forest said, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Camp Taylor are known for their welcoming vibe. One family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for a nice peaceful getaway from the city... this is not it."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A reviewer for Atsion Family Camp noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park setup."
  • Check-in confusion: Some campers have faced issues with check-in procedures. A visitor at Wharton State Forest said, "The check-in was confusing as it is across the street."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly options like Camp Taylor, where one family said, "The staff was polite. Neighbors were very quiet."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room."
  • Pack essentials: Bring along items for outdoor fun. A reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park said, "The sites are all pull-through," making it easier to set up.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground noted, "Lots of pull-through for bigger rigs."
  • Be prepared for road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp mentioned, "There is also a fair amount of plane traffic."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A reviewer at Beaver Pond Campground advised, "Bring a tablecloth!" for the picnic tables.

Camping near South Amboy, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to go camping near South Amboy?

The optimal camping season near South Amboy runs from late spring through early fall, with May through October offering the most pleasant conditions. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands region is particularly beautiful in early autumn when fall foliage peaks. Memorial Day through Labor Day brings the warmest temperatures and fullest campground amenities, but also larger crowds, especially at family-friendly locations like Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines). For a quieter experience with mild temperatures, consider September and early October when seasonal crowds have diminished but facilities remain open. Most campgrounds in the region close or offer limited services during winter months.

What amenities are available at South Amboy camping sites?

Campgrounds near South Amboy offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Butterfly Camping Resort features level sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable hookups. Their facilities include clean bathrooms, a large playground, and a fishing lake. At Great Divide Campground near Newton, you'll find a scenic setting with a small lake and pond surrounded by woods. Many public campgrounds in the region like Mahlon Dickerson provide water and electric hookups, dump stations, and access to hiking trails. Amenities typically include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, with some locations offering showers and camp stores.

Where can I find camping near South Amboy, NJ?

Several campgrounds are within driving distance of South Amboy. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers paved sites across its 2,283-acre property featuring a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. For those willing to drive a bit further, Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides camping with beach access. Both county and state parks in northern New Jersey like Round Valley and Stephens State Park also offer camping options. If you're just looking for an overnight stop, some area Walmarts permit RV parking, though always check with management first.

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