3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Liberty Harbor RV Park's convenient pet policy allows campers to bring their dogs while providing water and electric hookups within walking distance to NYC ferry service. The RV park functions more as a secure parking lot with basic amenities rather than a traditional campground, but offers 24-hour security for pet owners visiting the city. Cheesequake State Park Campground, approximately 30 minutes from Newark, permits pets on its premises with designated pet-friendly sites. Both locations provide picnic tables and trash facilities essential for camping with dogs. Most campsites near Newark feature fire rings, though Liberty Harbor restricts fires due to its urban setting. Tent and RV camping options exist at both locations, with electric hookups available at most sites. Sites at Liberty Harbor can be extremely close together, sometimes within inches of neighboring rigs during busy periods. Campgrounds near Newark, New Jersey are listed with photos on The Dyrt.
Trail access varies significantly between locations, with Cheesequake offering multiple hiking paths through its wooded areas where leashed dogs can accompany their owners. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with several lookout locations, though some campers report inconsistent trail markings. Liberty Harbor's urban setting provides minimal natural terrain but allows easy access to Liberty State Park via a short drive where dogs can enjoy waterfront walking paths with Manhattan skyline views. Weather considerations include hot summer conditions requiring extra water for pets and potential winter closures at some campgrounds. Most sites enforce standard leash requirements, typically six feet maximum. Bathroom facilities at campgrounds vary in quality and availability, with some locations having limited shower access that may not accommodate washing pets.
"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
"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
Available this weekend
from $85 - $120 / night
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
Available this weekend
from $130 / night
"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."
"Police patrolled, and dog friendly."
"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
"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."
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
"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."
"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."
"This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs."
"It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."
"* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash
- There are outhouses scattered around, or if"
from $7 - $55 / night
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWater/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
LegendNestled 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!
LegendLocated 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!
LegendThere'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!
ScoutOn 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.
ScoutPast 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
GuideBooked 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!
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
Camping near Newark, New Jersey ranges from urban RV parking to secluded state park experiences, all within a 60-minute drive radius. The region features both coastal lowlands and Appalachian foothills with elevations from sea level to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions and fewer crowds at most campgrounds.
Hiking at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation: This wooded county park offers miles of hiking trails with varying terrain. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," notes one visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. The reservation features lookout points and well-maintained paths suitable for all experience levels.
Boating on Round Valley Reservoir: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound at this 2,350-acre reservoir. "Beautiful views. Really helpful people at the office," shares a camper at Round Valley State Park. The reservoir reaches 180 feet deep in the middle and offers excellent trout fishing in crystal clear waters.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain open year-round. Turkey Swamp Park offers winter camping with the unusual option to "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," according to one regular visitor.
Spacious wooded sites: Campers consistently appreciate the generous site sizes at certain campgrounds. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site." The wooded settings provide natural cooling during summer months.
Access to NYC: The proximity to New York City makes these campgrounds strategic bases for urban exploration. "About 30 minutes from sleepy hollow and tarrytown NY and only an hour to central park!" writes a reviewer about Beaver Pond Campground. Many campers use public transportation from campgrounds to avoid driving into the city.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing in stocked lakes and reservoirs. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean," reports a camper at Round Valley State Park, while another mentions that Turkey Swamp Park "sells bait at the Ranger office" for convenience.
Bear activity: Several campgrounds have active bear populations that require proper food storage. At Beaver Pond, rangers give a specific warning: "Welcome to Bear Mountain" grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness!" One reviewer notes, "He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Limited bathrooms: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Round Valley State Park Campground, "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." Plan accordingly with personal hygiene supplies.
Seasonal restrictions: Operating seasons differ across parks. Cheesequake State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to October 31," while others like Turkey Swamp Park remain open through mid-November. Call ahead for current status as weather can affect closing dates.
Accessible activities: Parents appreciate campgrounds with easy activities for children. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice," and the location offers "a nice pool," with "boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. One parent notes that Turkey Swamp Park has "age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," making it suitable for various age groups.
Weekend programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Great Divide Campground, "They also had scheduled activities for kids" and families enjoy the "live music which was actually really good!!!" Weekends typically feature more programming than weekdays.
Site spacing concerns: RVers should research specific sites before booking. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, "If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig. Pluses, minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, liberty Science center." This urban location trades space for convenience.
Hookup variations: Available services differ between campgrounds. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart" and come with "electric and water hookups." However, the reviewer notes "none of the sites have sewers" so plan your tank usage accordingly.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. A Turkey Swamp visitor notes, "As soon as you turn off the main road to the park, all roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Newark, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Newark, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Newark, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Newark, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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