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
Tent Camping near Newark, NJ
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Primitive tent camping options surround the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area within an hour's drive of Newark, providing access to coastal and mountain environments. Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with direct access to beaches, while Round Valley State Park Campground provides remote boat-in and hike-in primitive tent camping along its reservoir shoreline. Both locations require carrying equipment from parking areas to designated campsites, with no vehicle access at the actual sites.
Most tent camping areas near Newark feature basic amenities designed for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability varies by location. Water access differs significantly between campgrounds - Sandy Hook provides water spigots near its tent camping loops, while Round Valley has limited drinking water pumps that can be a mile or more from some sites. Vault toilets or primitive outhouses are standard at most locations, with flush toilets available at Sandy Hook. One camper reported, "You're not supposed to swim in the reservoir on the camping side but I did and did not meet any resistance," highlighting how rules may be enforced differently depending on season and ranger presence.
Areas farther from Newark tend to offer more seclusion and primitive tent experiences. Stonetown Circular Trail in New Jersey features designated primitive tent sites approximately 4 miles into an 11-mile loop trail. These backcountry tent locations provide streamside camping with natural water sources. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region's tent camping areas - raccoons are particularly problematic at Sandy Hook, where proper food storage is essential. A visitor commented that Sandy Hook has "fierce raccoons that will eat through your tent," emphasizing the importance of using provided bear lockers for food storage. Most tent-only sites require reservations through state park or federal recreation systems, with peak summer weekends booking months in advance.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Newark (33)
1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"There are 20 tent sites spread across four loops. There is NO beach access. Some sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving. All sites have a fire pit and picnic table."
"Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted), and the place is intermittently staffed; bring everything you need."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
2. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
"You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."
"this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
3. 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."
"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."
4. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
5. Campgaw Mountain Reservation
6. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
7. Croton Point Park
"Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."
"Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
8. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park
"Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share. They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country. Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."
"I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."
9. Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #2
"Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the second of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot."
10. Wawayanda State Park Campground
"Fantastic loop hike near some amazing hidden lakes. One downside is there were obviously people who had visited and didn't understand what LEAVE NO TRACE means. We'll bring a trashbag next time."
"It is off the beaten path without any running water or showers within walking distance."
Drive Time
- 20 min from New York, NY
- 48 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 56 min from Trenton, NJ
- 1 hr 14 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Newark, NJ
59 Photos of 33 Newark Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Campgaw Mountain Reservation
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Croton Point Park
Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
Round Valley State Park Campground
Moon Valley CampgroundD
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Steam Mill Campground
Wooded Campground
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Camp Mohican Outdoor Center — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tent Camping Reviews near Newark, NJ
627 Reviews of 33 Newark 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!
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!
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.
- 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!
- JJoyceScout
Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park
Bare bones
No 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.
Coll G.
TravelerCamp Taylor Campground
Privacy & quiet hours are king
We’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
Tabatta C.ScoutVoorhees State Park Campground
Clean and well maintained!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Turkey Swamp Park
Really nice campground
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Guide to Newark
Tent camping options near Newark provide easy access to natural settings within a reasonable drive. The region's topography includes mountain trails and water access points in both New Jersey and New York, with elevations ranging from sea level at coastal sites to over 1,200 feet in the highlands. Overnight temperatures typically drop 15-20°F lower than daytime highs, even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Jenny Jump State Forest offers direct trail access from tent sites. "I really enjoyed this campground. Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites. Close proximity to good hiking and kayaking at Delaware Water Gap but without the crowds of their sites," notes a visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest.
Water activities: Several tent camping locations near Newark feature lake or reservoir access. "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water," reports a camper at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Urban exploration: Some campsites offer unique urban history experiences. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building. This place is great if you live in New York city and don't want to drive really far from the city to go camping," mentions a reviewer at Staten Island Gateway National Recreation Area.
What campers like
Seclusion despite proximity: Many tent campers appreciate finding quiet spots near the metropolitan area. "Primitive, has bathrooms and water spigots. Good hammocking trees and wasn't crowded at all. Plenty of privacy from other sites," reports a visitor to Jenny Jump State Forest.
Unique landscapes: Some camping locations offer distinctive natural features. "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ," explains a camper at Pleasant Valley Lavender.
Challenge level options: The best tent camping near Newark includes different difficulty levels. "Stonetown Circular trail is a 11 mile medium/high difficulty loop trail. This is the first of two primitive sites along the trail. The trailhead is across the street from a large parking lot. This site is about 2 miles into the hike," reports a backpacker at Stonetown Circular Trail Primitive #1.
What you should know
Seasonal timing: Campground availability varies significantly by season. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort! If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions) - in-season rentals should be available on-site," advises a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground.
Campsite privacy factors: Site layout differs greatly between campgrounds. "The sites are hit or miss in terms of comfort, some have large, flat, clear spaces for multiple tents, some you have to wedge a tent to avoid rocks," mentions a camper at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Transportation considerations: Public transit options exist for some camping locations. "This campsite is accessible by public transportation. There is a shuttle run by the campsite to and from Tuxedo Park Train Station (reservations on shuttle required)," explains a reviewer at The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center.
Tips for camping with families
Look for amenities that reduce packing: Some sites offer conveniences that minimize what families need to bring. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it," notes a visitor to Sebago Cabin Camp.
Consider noise factors: Highway sounds can impact sleep quality at certain campgrounds. "The camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views. Well kept and clean. My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night," reports a camper at Jenny Jump State Forest.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Take proper food storage precautions based on local wildlife. "There are also picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition," mentions a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground about the rustic conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many tent camping areas near Newark have restrictions that affect RV access. "There is a train depot right outside and you can hear them shunting trains all night," reports a camper at Croton Point Park about noise considerations.
Parking arrangements: Some campgrounds require special planning for larger vehicles. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" advises a camper about Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area.
Space considerations: RV camping near Newark often means limited site size. "Campgaw doesn't seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps," notes a visitor to Campgaw Mountain Reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Newark, NJ?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newark, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newark, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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Newark, NJ?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Newark, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Newark, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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