Motorhome camping options near New Vernon, New Jersey provide access to both urban attractions and natural settings within an hour's drive. The region features wooded camping areas at elevations between 500-1,200 feet with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Several campgrounds remain open year-round while others operate seasonally with varying degrees of services during winter months.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers access to multiple trails surrounding the campground. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes one camper. The reservation features Headley Overlook with panoramic views of the region.
NYC sightseeing: From Liberty Harbor RV Park, travelers can access Manhattan via multiple transit options. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains one reviewer. Another adds, "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F."
Waterfront recreation: Sea Girt offers beach access just minutes from camping spots. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road," explains a visitor to Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center. "You have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."
What campers like
Urban convenience: Most appreciate the strategic location of certain campgrounds for city access. "This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore," says a Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless."
Secluded wooded sites: Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South offers forested camping spaces. "Well kept, wooded sites on a mountain," mentions one reviewer. Another notes, "The campground is well laid out- very roomy."
Off-season quiet: Winter camping provides a more peaceful experience. "With a sparse population in the winter, it made for a great spot for a work stay," reports a Timothy Lake South camper. Camping during shoulder seasons offers better site availability and lower crowd levels throughout the region.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks have limited space between sites. At Skyline RV Camp, "The area itself was under a ton of construction when we drove in, which meant for difficult to navigate roads." Another reviewer notes the campground "is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures."
Highway noise levels: Certain campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Tri-State RV Park, visitors report being "right below the freeway" where "you could actually feel the heavier trucks go by." Another notes, "Located just off the highway so lots of vehicle noise 24/7."
Reservation planning: Many parks fill quickly during peak season. One reviewer recommends booking Mahlon Dickerson Reservation early as "they are often booked, so need to do so in advance." Most parks have online reservation systems with rolling availability windows 3-6 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Top RV Park offers child-friendly amenities. "They have a small playground that would be better suited for older children, and there's also a nice lounge room with games, a pool table, a tv and puzzles/board games," notes one visitor.
Safety considerations: Bear activity requires preparation in some areas. A Mahlon Dickerson camper mentions, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys." Food storage containers and proper waste disposal are essential at wooded campgrounds.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "They have an onsite buffet with live entertainment if your timing is right," mentions a Tri-State RV Park visitor. Many parks also have seasonal programming during summer months with organized activities for children.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Urban camping requires driving skill. About Liberty Harbor, one RVer advises, "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."
Utility connections: Water and sewer connections vary by location. At NWS Earle RV Park, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection." Plan accordingly with extension hoses.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Timothy Lake South, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity." Another camper reports, "Verizon is 25 down 10 up. Tmobile is unusable."
