New Jersey may get a bad rap for its highways and a reality show shot on its famous shore, but there’s a reason it’s been dubbed The Garden State. About 22% of its land area is covered in pristine wilderness – in fact, it’s Pineland National Reserve was named an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations back in 1983. The tiny state, which is the most densely populated in the United States, has more than 50 protected areas spread throughout its mostly water-carved borders. So throw on your bathing suit or hiking boots and get ready to find the best camping in New Jersey.


The state’s gentle sand dunes have been attracting beach-goers for well over a century: one of the top destinations is Cape May, the oldest seaside resort in the entire country. Visiting nature-lovers head to Cape May Point State Park to hike the rambling trails and watch wildlife from the Hawk Watch platform. Those seeking some cardio climb the 199 steps to the top of fully restored 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, which offers prime views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.


Although there is no coastal camping in New Jersey’s Cape May County, the area is home to nearly 50 campgrounds – more per square mile than other resort destination in the state – tucked away in the forests of the mainland areas. 


For those who want to escape the often crowded campgrounds near the beach, Belleplain State Forest in the northern part of Cape May County offers some of the most stunning camping in New Jersey. It features idyllic sites set among the young pines, oak and Atlantic white cedar trees that are spread throughout the 21,000-acre preserve, a top pick for hikers, kayakers and swimmers, who prefer to get off the beaten tourist path. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in New Jersey, from the southern beaches to the northeastern Palisades.

New Jersey

The Best Camping in New Jersey | 100+ NJ Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Newark, NJ has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Newark. Discover great camping spots near Newark, reviewed by campers like you.

Newark

The Best Camping Near Newark, New Jersey

You’ve never experienced New York City like this before. A quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan, our peaceful oasis is nestled in the hills of historic Governors Island. You’ll be surrounded by sprawling green spaces, with unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty across the New York Harbor. It’s a retreat unlike any other in the world. The retreat includes Three Peaks Lodge dining and group activities space, a great lawn, and a collection of luxury outdoor accommodations (Summit Tents and Outlook Shelters) with en-suite bathrooms and entry level Journey Tents that offer a private dedicated bathroom that can be locked and that includes full flush toilets, showers, hot running water and amenities.



**Getting Here: **Collective Governors Island is located eight minutes from Lower Manhattan and five minutes from Brooklyn via ferry. All guests must arrive at Collective Governors Island on one of these ferries. The full ferry schedule can be found [here](<https://govisland.com/info/ferry>).



Manhattan ferries run daily: 10 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. (Monday-Friday) and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)

Brooklyn ferries run: 10:15 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)



*\*Note above schedules are subject to changes or time variations depending on time of year. Please confirm the most current ferry schedule *[*here*](<https://govisland.com/info/ferry>)*.*



**MORNINGS BACK TO WORK:**[Governors Island Ferry](<https://govisland.com/visit-the-island/ferry>) only starts transporting back to Manhattan at 10AM to 10 South St., however Collective Retreats guests may take exclusive morning ferries back to 10 South St. at 7:15AM, 7:45AM, 8:15AM, 8:45AM, 9:15AM, and 9:45AM. No reservations are required in advance, see front desk for more info.



Collective Governors Island

## Overview

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island.

Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortification tours are available on site. Connecting to the bike path, near the campground, is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite.

## Recreation

Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites).

## Facilities

Campground accommodates tent camping only. There is no day use (overnight camping only) allowed and no electrical outlets at the campground. 

Seasonal bathrooms are available. To go to Manhattan, take the NYC Public Transportation bus to the St. George Ferry terminal, Staten Island (approx. 25 minute ride from Fort Wadsworth). Board the ferry to New York City, in Lower Manhattan (25 minute boat ride). From there, various types of public transportation are available (e.g. bike rentals, taxis, subways). **Bus service running inside Fort Wadsworth stops at 7:00 p.m. daily, though there is service just outside of the park entrance. Check MTA for schedule and pricing**[ **https://bustime.mta.info/**](https://bustime.mta.info/)

## Natural Features

Thousands of years ago, glacial activity created a morainal hilltop, that is Fort Wadsworth Overlook. Located at the Narrows in New York Harbor, visitors can look out at the hills of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and eastern Staten Island. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island Unit, has various topographic features, such as hills, fields, maritime forest and dunes, as well as beaches.

## Nearby Attractions

Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.

## Charges & Cancellations

Changes & Cancellations 

Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy: 

<https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies>

Staten Island - Gateway National Rec Area

Liberty Harbor RV Park

## Overview

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

## Recreation

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

## Facilities

This campground accommodates tent camping only. Be prepared to walk your gear up to .25 miles into the sites from the parking area. No cars are permitted in the campground or campsites. All campsites come equipped with a fire-ring, charcaol grill, picnic table, and food storage container. Please bring your license plate information with you for check-in.   
  
**Camp Gateway Sandy Hook will not be selling any items throughout the 2021 season including firewood, ice, and charcoal.**

**Campers must bring their own firewood. Firewood must be purchased in the state of NJ and be kiln dried and pesticide free.**  
  
Flush toilets and running water are available. There are no showers and no electric outlets in the campsite or in the bathrooms. There is no public Wifi.   
  
There is no day-use permitted in the campground; all guests must be camping overnight.   
  
All Beach Centers have restrooms and outdoor rinse showers.   
  
A variety of Food trucks are available throughout the summer at various beach plazas. Presence is not guaranteed daily.

## Natural Features

Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests. 

## Nearby Attractions

Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

## Charges & Cancellations

**Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:**

**Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees**

  * **Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.**
  * **You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.**



**Late Cancellations**

  * **Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.**
  * **Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.**



**Refunds**

  * **Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.**
  * **Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.**
  * **Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.**
  * **Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.**



**No-Shows**

  * **Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.**
  * **If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.**

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Rec Area

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

Sandy Hook - Gateway National Rec Area

Camp Glen Gray

Campsites:
The park has fifty tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is available. There is an 11 foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area. The campground is open from April 1st through October 31st.

Group campsites:
The Gordon Field Group Area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are four individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All trash must be carried out. The group campsites are open from May 1st through October 31st.  We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size and not over-estimate as refunds cannot be made later.



Cheesequake State Park

Pleasant Valley Lavender

Jersey City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Jersey City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Jersey City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Jersey City

The Best Camping Near Jersey City, New Jersey

Paterson is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Paterson, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Paterson, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Paterson

The Best Camping Near Paterson, New Jersey

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Elizabeth. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Elizabeth, NJ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Elizabeth

The Best Camping Near Elizabeth, New Jersey

Join the fun near Edison. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Edison campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Edison, NJ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Edison

The Best Camping Near Edison, New Jersey

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Toms River. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Jersey camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Toms River and user-submitted reviews.

Toms River

The Best Camping Near Toms River, New Jersey

Trenton, NJ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Trenton. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Jersey camping adventure.

Trenton

The Best Camping Near Trenton, New Jersey

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Clifton, NJ has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Clifton. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Clifton

The Best Camping Near Clifton, New Jersey

Camden is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camden is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Camden, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Camden

The Best Camping Near Camden, New Jersey

Passaic is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Passaic is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Passaic and user-submitted reviews.

Passaic

The Best Camping Near Passaic, New Jersey

Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Gateway National Recreation Area campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Gateway National Recreation Area, NJ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping in Newark

Top Campgrounds in Newark (108)

1.

Collective Governors Island

2.

Staten Island - Gateway National Rec Area

3.

Liberty Harbor RV Park

4.

Staten Island - Gateway National Rec Area

5.

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

6.

Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Rec Area

7.

Sandy Hook - Gateway National Rec Area

8.

Camp Glen Gray

9.

Cheesequake State Park

10.

Pleasant Valley Lavender

Campgrounds in Newark, New Jersey

Recent Reviews In Newark

560 Reviews of 108 Newark Campgrounds