Central New Jersey campgrounds near North Brunswick offer terrain that transitions from sandy coastal areas to gently rolling inland forests. Most sites lie between 50-300 feet above sea level with sandy or loamy soil typical of the Atlantic Coastal Plain region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring milder 55-70°F conditions that many campers prefer for tent camping. Winter camping options exist but are limited to a few year-round facilities.
What to do
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers an archery range for target practice. A visitor noted, "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels."
Lakeside fishing: Round Valley State Park Campground features a 2,350-acre reservoir popular with anglers. "A duck visited us every morning," shares one camper who stayed at a waterfront site. The reservoir is known for trout fishing and is 180 feet deep at its center.
Winter activities: Some parks offer seasonal winter activities when weather permits. At Turkey Swamp Park, you can "ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," according to a regular visitor.
Beach access: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area provides ocean swimming with lifeguards. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," writes one visitor. The park has a trail running parallel to the beach for cycling.
What campers like
Tent camping privacy: Turkey Swamp Park offers secluded wooded sites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forest," explains one camper. The park also allows having a tent on the same site as an RV at no extra charge.
Wilderness camping experience: Round Valley State Park offers true primitive wilderness camping accessible only by hiking or boating. A reviewer explains: "Located on the SE corner of the reservoir... 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."
Unique surroundings: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a distinctive camping experience near fragrant lavender fields. "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ," shares a visitor.
What you should know
Road noise: Highway sounds affect several campgrounds in the region. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," mentions one camper. Similarly, at Cheesequake State Park, traffic from the Garden State Parkway is audible at most sites.
Bathroom facilities vary: Spruce Run Recreation Area has mixed reviews regarding facilities. "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that," reports a recent visitor. Another noted, "I can not speak to the condition of the bathrooms, I stopped going into them 6 years ago as soon as I bought a cassette toilet to avoid them."
Ticks: Be prepared for ticks during warmer months. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Wildlife encounters: Several campsites report small wildlife activity. At Round Valley, water-based wildlife is common near the reservoir, while at Cheesequake State Park, one visitor reported, "The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Timberland Lake Campground offers numerous activities for children. "Plenty of activities for kids with park area and pool. They do also offer golf cart rental for those wanting explore the park," writes one visitor. The campground also features a lake with dock access.
Educational opportunities: Washington Crossing State Park provides historical learning experiences. "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history," notes a visitor. The park hosts historical reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event.
Seasonal festivities: Timberland Lake Campground offers themed seasonal events. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! 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," a regular visitor shares.
First-time camping: Cheesequake State Park works well for camping novices. "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need, bathroom, shower, etc. The best part is all the trails," explains a visitor who recommends it for first-timers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Spruce Run Recreation Area, consider sun exposure carefully. "If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises one RVer. Sites near the water typically have less shade.
Water and electric access: At Allaire State Park, hookups are limited. According to a regular visitor, "I have stayed in the cabins here a couple times. Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone. Cabins are no frills yet very nice no electricity."
Hose length: For RVers at Turkey Swamp Park, one camper advises: "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose." The campground does provide full hookups at many sites, including water, electric, and sewer connections.
Site surface: Several campgrounds have dirt or sand surfaces. At Timberland Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer" while also appreciating the shade and reasonable cost of campsites in the area.
