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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
