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Best Campgrounds near New Providence, NJ

877 Reviews

Camping opportunities around New Providence, New Jersey range from developed state parks to urban RV locations within proximity of New York City. Notable options include Cheesequake State Park Campground, located approximately 18 miles southeast in Matawan, and Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, which provides convenient access to Manhattan. The region includes sites accommodating tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping experiences, with most developed campgrounds concentrated along major transportation corridors. While New Providence itself has limited immediate camping options, several state parks and private campgrounds exist within a 30-40 mile radius.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many state parks like Cheesequake and Spruce Run Recreation Area open from April 1 to October 31. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. A visitor commented, "If you're planning on seeing everything NYC has to offer, you can't get a better base camp unless you got a room in the city," highlighting the strategic value of certain locations. Weather considerations include humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for comfortable camping experiences. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some state park areas may have limited coverage.

Campers frequently mention the urban-adjacent nature of many campgrounds in the area. Liberty Harbor RV Park receives mixed reviews for its premium pricing but unmatched location, with one visitor noting it's "basically a parking lot, but the location can't be beat." Meanwhile, state parks like Cheesequake offer more traditional camping experiences with hiking trails and natural settings. Several visitors mentioned proximity to hiking trails as a key highlight of state park campgrounds. The camping experience in this region balances urban accessibility with natural settings, allowing visitors to explore both city attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. Mixed-use campgrounds offering tent sites alongside RV hookups provide flexibility for different camping styles, though developed campgrounds with full amenities tend to be the most common option.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Providence, New Jersey (129)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    19 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. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $145 - $180 / 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."

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    24 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."

    4. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "Located 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."

    "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

    5. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."

    "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."

    6. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $50 / 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."

    7. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    20 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."

    8. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    20 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"

    9. Great Divide Campground

    16 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 383-4026

    "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."

    "All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"

    10. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."

    "The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."

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Recent Camping Photos near New Providence, NJ

480 Photos of 129 New Providence Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Providence, NJ

877 Reviews of 129 New Providence Campgrounds

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the 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! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    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. 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!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • R
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Wonderful campground!

    Great camping, great hiking, pretty close to stores if you need anything. Staff is incredible!! Very polite, helpful, and just all around awesome People!!! They make sure your stay is exactly what you’d want it to be.. getting here was a little tricky having to go around the covered bridge but not anything that would ever deter me and my family from coming back. Overall very impressed!! They even were able To get us in very last minute WITH full hook ups for my trailer!!!!

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • 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!

Guide to New Providence

Camping near New Providence, New Jersey, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were very clean and shower area as well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One family at Turkey Swamp Park said, "The ranger was really nice," which made their stay more enjoyable.
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites that offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "Our site is wooded and very private."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise, especially at High Point State Park Campground. One camper shared a frustrating experience, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have minimal amenities. A visitor noted, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."
  • Access Issues: At Stokes State Forest, some campers found access to certain trails challenging. One reviewer said, "Some of them are difficult to access due to parking."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed the "small arcade and playground" on-site.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to pack enough food and snacks. One camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "We filtered water right from the reservoir instead of walking back to the spigot."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park appreciated that "quiet hours were strictly enforced."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "Careful which site you choose."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for unpaved roads. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, "There are level padded sites with electric and water."

Camping near New Providence, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed weekend, the campgrounds in this area have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near New Providence, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, New Providence, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near New Providence, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near New Providence, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Providence, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Providence, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near New Providence, NJ.

What parks are near New Providence, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near New Providence, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

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