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Cheesequake State Park Campground permits pets at all campsites, offering tent and RV accommodations with fire rings and picnic tables. Turkey Swamp Park extends pet-friendly options to include cabins and glamping facilities with electric hookups and water access. Both parks maintain well-marked trails suitable for dog walking, though Cheesequake's trail markers can be inconsistent according to visitor experiences. Pets must remain leashed throughout both parks, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Campsites at Cheesequake provide adequate spacing between neighbors with enough foliage to create privacy for campers with pets.
The surrounding area features additional pet-friendly options including Pleasant Valley Lavender, where tent camping near lavender fields provides a unique experience for dogs and owners. Hiking trails at both parks accommodate leashed pets, with Turkey Swamp offering boat rentals and fishing opportunities where dogs can join their owners. Campers should note that Cheesequake State Park borders the Garden State Parkway, creating occasional noise that might disturb sensitive pets. The campground facilities include clean bathrooms and showers, though some visitors report inconsistent maintenance. Most campsites are partially shaded, providing relief for pets during summer months when temperatures can rise significantly in central New Jersey.
"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."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"Did a weekend bikepacking trip from New Brunswick to Allaire. Big sites that you can hear the highway from. A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns."
"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."
"They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"
"As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."
"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"
"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."
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
from $50 - $100 / night
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RangerDid a weekend bikepacking trip from New Brunswick to Allaire. Big sites that you can hear the highway from. A really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns. There are outlets in the bathroom and someone put a fullass drip coffee machine in one of the sinks. I did not refuse a fresh cup of brew.
LegendOur 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!
GuideI grew up in Long Beach. If you’re looking for a spot to camp so you can surf, this is perfect! It’s basically a parking lot, but it’s steps away from some of the greatest waves on the east coast. Showers are clean, there’s a dog park nearby, and the island is very bikable to get around.
benefits: allows dogs childrens playground beach programs like movie nights throughout the summer
LegendWashington 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!
LegendLovely 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.
GuideMy 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.
RangerThe Mohican Outdoor Center is just steps away from the Appalachian Trail in Southern New Jersey. No matter what your adventure needs, there are many different outing and lodging options. They even host training classes run in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club. You can come for a day hike, there is a camp store with hiking and backpacking gear as well as helpful staff. In season, there is a chef on-site cooking delicious breakfasts and lunches. You can rent a campsite, share a cottage with others with all the amenities (shared kitchen, bathroom, etc) or rent a cabin. And if you want free camping, hop on the A.T., the nicest A.T. campsite in NJ is just a few miles south of the Mohican Center!
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
TravelerLocated in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station. Convenient for hiking and exploring, it's also only a 20 minute drive to a large mall in Rockaway.
The central New Jersey region sits at elevations between 40-390 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that produces hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Camping options near New Brunswick range from riverside sites to forested areas with varying terrain. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operating seasons from April through October due to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Fishing at designated lakes: Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive camping near a 2,350-acre reservoir stocked with trout. "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," notes James R. from his camping experience.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides an archery range among its recreational offerings. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," shares Dan W., highlighting the diverse activities available.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park offers camping alongside Revolutionary War history. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went," reports David S., describing one of the park's signature annual events.
Natural privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the site separation at Butterfly Camping Resort. "The sites were cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. They're well maintained and raked between campers," notes Tina D., highlighting the attention to detail that maintains privacy.
Varied terrain options: Round Valley State Park Campground provides a wilderness camping experience unusual for the area. "It has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle," explains Stuart K., describing the park's unique geography.
Wooded camping areas: Allaire State Park offers forested sites that maintain a natural camping feel. "I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," shares Patrick M., highlighting the year-round accessibility.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to reach. At Round Valley, "you will want to bring as little with you as possible—packing too much to come here just isn't worth the work," advises Stuart K., noting the challenging access.
Varying maintenance levels: Campground conditions can fluctuate throughout the season. "The campsite appears to be designed as a disbursed camping design. However, there is not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy," reports Kevin C. about his Cheesequake experience.
Seasonal pest concerns: Timberland Lake Campground and other regional sites may have tick issues during 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., describing an unusually heavy tick presence.
Look for dedicated kid-friendly amenities: Butterfly Camping Resort caters particularly well to families. "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on. Both nights we were there, there were events being put on," shares Caitlin F. about the organized activities.
Consider off-season visits for quieter experiences: Allaire State Park offers year-round accessibility with less crowding in shoulder seasons. "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites," notes Patrick M., suggesting the park's versatility for different family needs.
Choose sites based on bathroom proximity: When camping with children at Liberty Harbor RV Park, bathroom access matters. "The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable," reports Joe R., noting functional amenities important for family comfort.
Water hookup planning: At Turkey Swamp Park, prepare for connection logistics. "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers," advises Shawn, highlighting a practical consideration for hookup sites.
Expect varying site conditions: Timberland Lake Campground offers different surfaces that affect the camping experience. "Two things I loved: 1. Cost 2. Shade. One thing didn't love: 1. Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer," shares Robyn W., noting a common challenge at sandy sites.
Urban camping considerations: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near New Brunswick with urban access, Liberty Harbor provides a unique option. "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," explains Emily L., describing the convenience despite basic amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near New Brunswick, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Brunswick, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near New Brunswick, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near New Brunswick, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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