Best Campgrounds near North Brunswick, NJ

Campgrounds near North Brunswick, New Jersey range from state parks to private resorts, with most facilities located within a 30-mile radius of the city. Cheesequake State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and showers just 15 miles east, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides a more diverse camping experience with cabins, tent sites, and RV accommodations. The camping areas throughout central New Jersey typically feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy and amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads with 50-amp service.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October or November, with limited year-round options. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Several campgrounds implement quiet hours that are strictly enforced, particularly at family-oriented facilities. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, making most camping areas accessible without specialized vehicles or equipment. Cell service varies but remains relatively reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to urban areas. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "This was my favorite campground on our trip! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. The sites are all pullthrough with lots of vegetation for privacy."

Water features represent a significant draw at many mixed-use campgrounds in the area. Spruce Run Recreation Area and Round Valley State Park Campground offer lakeside sites popular with boaters and anglers. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across the region, with some campers reporting well-maintained amenities while others note dated or occasionally unclean conditions. The proximity to major highways creates background noise at some locations, particularly at Cheesequake State Park where the Garden State Parkway bisects the property. As one visitor observed, "The park itself is lovely and close to some other green areas. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Despite this, many campgrounds maintain wooded sites that provide reasonable privacy and shade, creating natural buffers between camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near North Brunswick, New Jersey (91)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / 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."

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "   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"

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    5. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    6. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    7. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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"

    8. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

    9. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    "Good for biking and dog walking."

    10. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."

    "The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."

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Recent Reviews near North Brunswick, NJ

609 Reviews of 91 North Brunswick Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. 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, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    Amazing campground with helpful staff and disc golf course

    The name says it all. It has boulders and woods.  The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did.  It was super tight.  Gorgeous place though.  They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs.  That's where we fell in love with disc golf.

    We stayed there in August 2017.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Good for the river

    It’s on the Delaware so that’s nice, but being so attracts a lot of tourists. Which seems like most of them never have any courtesy for other campers. Always a few sites blasting music till late hours. Cars speeding around the campsite. In the three weekends we’ve been here the park rangers only patrolled one night each time.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.


Guide to North Brunswick

Camping near North Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and rent boats. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
  • Beach Activities: Visit Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area for beautiful beaches. One camper noted, "Awesome beaches, birding, historical sites & trail for biking."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Mountainview Campground appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer said, "The place is beautiful, and the sites are very nice."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness at Turkey Swamp Park. One guest remarked, "Shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated. They're checked regularly."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love Timberland Lake Campground for its activities. A visitor mentioned, "Plenty of activities for kids with park area and pool."

What you should know:

  • Trail Conditions: Be prepared for challenging hikes at Round Valley State Park Campground. One review warned, "The path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "Bathrooms are serviceable overall (no showers as others have noted)."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Spruce Run Recreation Area mentioned noise from nearby highways. One said, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Turkey Swamp Park. A reviewer said, "Peaceful family campground. Lake for kayaking and paddle boats to rent."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family at Timberland Lake Campground enjoyed the haunted walk through in the fall, saying, "Everyone decorates."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring everything you need, especially for younger kids. A camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground noted, "Bring bikes to enjoy all the areas of the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Maneuvering: Be cautious when driving into tight spaces, especially at places like Liberty Harbor RV Park. One reviewer advised, "Getting in and out is not for someone in a brand new 45' travel trailer."
  • Basic Amenities: Understand that some parks, like Liberty Harbor RV Park, are more like parking lots. A visitor said, "This campground is like a parking lot, with absolutely nothing but a spot to park."
  • Safety: Many RVers feel secure at campgrounds with good security, like Liberty Harbor RV Park. One camper mentioned, "There is 24-hour security which is nice as well."

Camping near North Brunswick, New Jersey, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping sites in North Brunswick offer the best facilities?

Butterfly Camping Resort stands out for its excellent facilities, featuring level pull-through sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable hookups. The resort maintains clean bathrooms and offers a fishing lake. For a public option with good amenities, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provides paved, mostly level campsites with water and electric hookups, plus a dump station. The wooded, spacious sites offer privacy while maintaining convenience for hikers and explorers looking to enjoy the Skylands region of New Jersey.

What are the best campgrounds near North Brunswick?

For excellent camping near North Brunswick, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold is a standout option with 2,283 acres of natural beauty, a 17-acre lake for fishing and boating, and hiking trails. The campground features paved sites that accommodate various camping setups. Another top choice is Great Divide Campground near Newton, offering scenic surroundings with a small lake and pond, all nestled in wooded terrain. Though slightly farther away, these campgrounds provide the perfect balance of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and camping comfort for visitors from the North Brunswick area.

Are there family-friendly camping options in North Brunswick?

Families camping near North Brunswick have excellent options. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines) in Elmer offers a family-friendly environment with super-friendly staff. For an exceptional family experience, Panther Lake Camping Resort provides spacious sites and recreational opportunities. Butterfly Camping Resort is also highly rated for families, featuring a large playground and numerous activities specifically designed for children. The resort's spacious sites with trees and shrubs provide privacy, making it comfortable for families to relax while kids enjoy the dedicated play areas and organized activities.