Camping options near Mountainside, New Jersey span from backpacking wilderness sites to urban campgrounds with Manhattan views. Located in Union County at approximately 300 feet elevation, this area experiences high humidity in summer with average temperatures around 85°F and cooler spring/fall camping conditions with 50-70°F temperatures. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with several state parks requiring advance reservations during peak season.
What to do
Wilderness hiking and camping: Round Valley State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping accessible only by trail or boat. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" notes one visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground.
Fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park features a lake with multiple fishing opportunities and boat rentals. "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups," reports one camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Urban exploring: Camp Gateway at Sandy Hook offers unique beach camping with city views. A visitor explains, "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride. There is a cost to enter the park (unless you bike in) but it's free after 5:00."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides secluded camping in a forested setting. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares one reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Family-oriented amenities: Great Divide Campground offers numerous activities for families. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper then I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," mentions a camper at Great Divide Campground.
Easy NYC access: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a practical base for exploring New York 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!"
What you should know
Tick prevalence: Some woodsy campgrounds have tick issues in warmer months. A recent camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted: "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2."
Noise factors: Campgrounds near transportation corridors may experience traffic noise. A reviewer at Cheesequake State Park Campground observed: "We camped here once because it was easy for part of our family to get to from NYC. Sites were a little too close together and one of the sites we reserved was filled with broken glass. If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park."
Road conditions: Some parks have unpaved access roads that can become challenging in wet weather. "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," notes a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Look for campgrounds with basic amenities and easy access for first-timers. "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," shares one Cheesequake visitor.
Free water activities: Several campgrounds offer complimentary watercraft use. A Great Divide Campground camper notes: "Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful. Campgrounds have lots of hills so be prepared to hike up and down."
Playground access: Many of the best places to camp near Mountainside, New Jersey include play areas for children. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing. We really enjoyed our stay," explains a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Urban RV parking: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers limited amenities but exceptional location for city exploration. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises one RVer at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Extended water hookups: Some parks have innovative solutions for water connections. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation observed: "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
Dump station protocols: Prepare for busy dump stations during peak checkout times. One camper remarked about Liberty Harbor: "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station."
