M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Tent Camping near South Amboy, NJ
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Tent campgrounds near South Amboy, New Jersey provide ocean access and urban-adjacent natural spaces. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables, some with wooden pavilions for shade. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a unique tent camping experience with sites tucked into wooded areas near lavender fields, combining natural surroundings with proximity to central New Jersey attractions.
Campers should note that Sandy Hook requires all gear to be carried to the campsites, with no vehicles permitted at the sites. Most locations provide metal food storage units to protect supplies from wildlife, particularly at Sandy Hook where raccoons are notably aggressive. A camper noted that "raccoons are fierce - they will eat through your tent." Amenities vary significantly, with Sandy Hook offering flush toilets but no showers, while some locations like Pleasant Valley Lavender provide more basic facilities. Many tent campsites require advance reservations, especially during summer months when beach access becomes a premium attraction.
Tent camping in this region offers unique experiences not available to other accommodation types. The Sandy Hook sites provide indirect beach access within walking or biking distance, with multi-use trails connecting the campground to several beaches. A review mentioned that "once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked." Morning beach access before day visitors arrive creates special opportunities for tent campers. Most tent campgrounds in the area balance proximity to urban centers with natural surroundings, allowing campers to enjoy relative seclusion while remaining close to transportation corridors. The sites generally maintain moderate separation between campsites, though privacy varies significantly by location and season.
Best Tent Campgrounds near South Amboy (15)
1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."
"Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
2. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
3. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
4. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
5. 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."
6. Tip Tam Camping Resort
"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."
"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."
7. Pine Cone Campgrounds
8. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
9. Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
"Site A is the best for seclusion and a spot closer to the lake (also amazing sunsets)"
10. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
Drive Time
- 37 min from New York, NY
- 39 min from Trenton, NJ
- 58 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 5 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
Recent Tent Camping Photos near South Amboy, NJ
30 Photos of 15 South Amboy Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near South Amboy, NJ
444 Reviews of 15 South Amboy Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
Guide to South Amboy
Tent camping options near South Amboy, New Jersey range from shoreline sites to wooded retreats within an hour's drive. The region sits at the confluence of the Raritan River and Raritan Bay, with elevations generally under 100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F with high humidity levels, creating conditions where evening thunderstorms are common during peak camping season.
What to do
**Beach exploration: Near Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, where tent camping provides access to multiple coastal environments. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," notes camper Stanley S.
**Historic site visits: Washington Crossing State Park preserves Revolutionary War history alongside tent camping areas. "It's a quaint historical area kept green and nature friendly. Good for biking and dog walking," reports Curran S. The park features interpretive displays about Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River.
**Water activities: Round Valley State Park offers clear water recreation opportunities with restricted access that maintains water quality. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," shares James R.
What campers like
**Military base camping: NWS Earle RV Park provides a secure environment with convenient access to regional attractions. "It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore. If you're planning a visit to either this campground is cheap, clean & quiet," according to Jeffrey.
**Unique accommodations: Sebago Cabin Camp offers rustic structures that balance comfort and outdoor immersion. "These cabins are VERY rustic, four walls, a cot, and a fridge. You still feel like you are 'roughing it' but with the convenience of a fridge. Absolutely zero phone service (for T-Mobile) which was AMAZING," reports Sara P.
**Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, Jenny Jump State Forest provides privacy between campsites. "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves," Kelsey K. remarks.
What you should know
**Limited facilities: Many campgrounds restrict shower access or have minimal facilities. "There are no showers, only toilets" at Sandy Hook, according to Christy K., while "bathrooms were standard, compost toilets" at Jenny Jump State Forest.
**Reservation requirements: Peak season availability is extremely limited at the best tent camping near South Amboy. Sites at Round Valley State Park Campground fill quickly due to water access. "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," notes Stuart K.
**Access limitations: Many campgrounds require hiking or boating to reach sites. "You can either boat in or hike in. The hike is a 3 mile minimum 6 max," explains James R. about Round Valley. Similarly, at Sandy Hook, "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot."
Tips for camping with families
**Activity planning: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers kid-focused programming near South Amboy. "The place was fun... they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly," shares Jenn M.
**Noise considerations: Morning activity starts early at many campgrounds. "Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am," warns Bill V. about Tip Tam, where "7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in the full the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood."
**Wildlife precautions: Secure food storage is essential, particularly when camping with children who might leave food items accessible. Sites at Sandy Hook "have metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," reports Craig M.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers unique camping environments with tent sites near flowering 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," according to Ellen K.
**Facility limitations: Most campgrounds near South Amboy have minimal amenities for larger vehicles. At Pine Cone Campgrounds, "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," notes Bradley B.
**Urban camping options: Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area provides tent camping with metropolitan views. "This campground is amazing. You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light," explains Phillip L., though he notes that "There are restroom here that are pretty dirty."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Amboy, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Amboy, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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What is the best site to find tent camping near South Amboy, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near South Amboy, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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