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
Camping near New Vernon, NJ
9 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near New Vernon, NJ range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options across the surrounding state parks and county recreation areas. Round Valley State Park Campground and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation are two notable options with distinctly different settings and amenity levels. Camping accommodations around New Vernon typically operate seasonally, with most facilities open from April through October. The nearby state parks and county-managed recreation areas create a network of camping possibilities with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
Campers should note that many New Jersey campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Seasonal operation affects facility availability, with most campgrounds in the region closing during winter months. Water hookups are typically shut off during colder periods at campgrounds that remain open year-round. While cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, several campgrounds have terrain variations that may affect service in specific sites. State parks like Stephens and Cheesequake enforce alcohol prohibitions, while private campgrounds often permit responsible consumption. One camper noted, "The campsite was spacious. The bathrooms were struggling with the plumbing but were fairly clean. The river is just a small walk down the hill which was nice."
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives consistently high ratings for its spacious, well-maintained sites with electric and water hookups. Several visitors highlight the hiking opportunities directly accessible from the campground, with trails leading to nearby lakes and scenic views. As one reviewer shared, "The sites are nicely wooded, very well spaced, fairly level with 50A service and water hookup." Developed campgrounds in this region typically feature clean restrooms and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between state park and private operations. Family-friendly options like Panther Lake Camping Resort offer additional recreational facilities such as swimming areas and playgrounds, while more basic sites focus on natural surroundings and quiet environments. For those seeking a more rustic experience, several campgrounds offer primitive tent sites with fewer amenities but greater seclusion.
Best Campgrounds near New Vernon (141)
1. 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."
"Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."
2. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
"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."
3. Panther Lake Camping Resort
"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."
4. Great Divide Campground
"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 $$"
5. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $200 / night
6. Spruce Run Recreation Area
"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."
7. Stephens State Park Campground
"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. "
"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"
8. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $145 - $180 / night
9. Jenny Jump State Forest
"The bathroom/shower was only a few steps away which was convenient and clean."
"All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds."
10. Fla-net Park Campgrounds
"We had our 3 Labs with us and they had plenty of walking space. We were within walking distance of Chili's. Close to shopping if you needed something. Reasonably quiet."
Drive Time
- 43 min from New York, NY
- 45 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 57 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 1 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near New Vernon, NJ
456 Photos of 141 New Vernon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Stephens State Park CampgroundK
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Round Valley State Park Campground
Great Divide Campground
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Camp Carr Campground
Spruce Run Recreation AreaY
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Jenny Jump State Forest
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Jugtown Mountain CampsitesM
Recent Reviews near New Vernon, NJ
940 Reviews of 141 New Vernon 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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
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!
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
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.
- eedgar V.Scout
Black Bear RV Park
Super clean and quiet
Past reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
- Thomas B.Ranger
Tohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- 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!
Guide to New Vernon
Round Valley State Park Campground near New Vernon, New Jersey offers a unique wilderness camping experience in the region. Access to these primitive sites requires either a 3-6 mile hike or boat transportation across the reservoir. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally between April and October, with varying terrain from mountainous forests at Jenny Jump State Forest to the waterfront settings at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
What to do
Paddle to your campsite: At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers can access sites by water rather than hiking. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," reports Riley K., who appreciated the well-maintained waterfront sites with cooking amenities.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation campsites at Jenny Jump State Forest provide excellent night sky viewing. "This campground is a nice little hideaway not too far from the beaten path," notes Seth K., though he mentions some highway sounds are audible from certain sites.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in stocked waters. "They stock the water with trout and there was an officer checking for fishing permits," explains Jacquelyn G. about Stephens State Park, adding that "You can hear the babbling of the river when it's quiet at camp which provided an extra layer of relaxation."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation receives praise for its spacious sites. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," explains a camper who appreciated the campground's amenities and tranquility.
Waterfront views: Campers consistently highlight the scenic water views at Spruce Run Recreation Area. "I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," reports Ruette W., who has camped there for over ten years.
Hiking accessibility: The ability to access trails directly from campsites rates highly in reviews. "My fiancé, dog, and I have been going here for over 2 years and we love it. We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares Paulene-Amanda M. about Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. For tent sites at Jenny Jump, Kelsey K. noted, "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog," adding that despite the fee, "we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and type of restroom facilities differ significantly between parks. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, campers report mixed experiences with bathrooms: "Bathrooms were clean but there wasn't soap in any of the dispensers," according to one reviewer.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Katrina Z. notes of Cheesequake, "If you're truly looking to get away from it all I would go elsewhere since the parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "Fun camping place to book groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub," recommends Cynthia H., though she warns about limited connectivity.
Playgrounds and facilities: Several parks offer dedicated children's play areas. Jojo P. shares, "2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around. Pool was packed so didn't spend time there but the ceramic class was fun for the girls."
Site selection: For families needing more space, certain campgrounds offer larger group areas. At Great Divide Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campgrounds were very big and spread out and the campsites have their own space so you can enjoy quiet at night."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary significantly. At Mahlon Dickerson, Jeff W. explains, "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Site levelness: Several campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. Laura M. notes about Stephens State Park, "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, but I can imagine a big class A or 5th wheel having a tough time."
Dump station access: RVers should note varying dump station facilities. At Great Divide Campground, a visitor shared that "Each site had a water spout and electric plug in," making it convenient for shorter stays without needing to relocate for dumping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Vernon, NJ?
What camping is available near New Vernon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Vernon, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near New Vernon, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Vernon, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near New Vernon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Vernon, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Vernon, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Vernon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near New Vernon, NJ.
What parks are near New Vernon, NJ?
What parks are near New Vernon, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near New Vernon, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Keep Exploring