Campgrounds near Old Bridge, New Jersey range from basic gravel lots to wooded retreats. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through mid-November with a few year-round options. Proximity to shoreline destinations and New York City creates high demand during summer weekends, requiring reservations weeks in advance, particularly for campgrounds with water access.
What to do
Fishing and boating: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features a stocked lake for fishing and boat rentals. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," notes one camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Trail exploration: Extensive hiking options exist throughout the region's parks. Allaire State Park offers multiple trail types as one visitor explains: "Lots to do in the area! Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year."
Beach access: Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center provides coastal recreation options. A camper reports: "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants. Plenty of space for kids to play in the field/grass area."
Archery practice: Several parks maintain dedicated archery facilities with target ranges. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," suggests a Turkey Swamp Park regular who visits annually.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Some sites provide scenic waterfront settings. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites, a visitor recommends: "We stayed in site #1 with our 21' travel trailer. In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."
Transit connections: The strategic location of certain RV parks simplifies city access. According to one reviewer at Liberty Harbor RV Park: "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door."
Wooded privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites among trees. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Winter camping options: Year-round opportunities exist at select parks. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. the bathrooms were clean and warm," reports a winter camper at Allaire State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal insect concerns: Ticks can be problematic in wooded areas. "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," warns a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Traffic noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. An Allaire State Park camper notes: "Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though."
Water connection requirements: Unusual hookup arrangements exist at certain parks. At Turkey Swamp Park, a reviewer advises: "Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
Limited amenities at urban parks: Some rv parks near Old Bridge, New Jersey prioritize location over facilities. A Liberty Harbor visitor explains: "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature dedicated play areas for children. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing," reports a visitor to Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground.
Bug prevention: Parents should prepare for insects in wooded settings. "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!" shares a Turkey Swamp Park family.
Campground safety: Some parks maintain stricter access controls. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center provides enhanced security with key card access to facilities and controlled entry points.
Day trip potential: The region's location enables access to major attractions. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful," notes an Indian Rock visitor.
Tips from RVers
Military facilities access: Active duty and veteran campers have additional options at specialized RV parks near Old Bridge, New Jersey. A visitor to Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp shares: "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."
Site selection strategy: At urban campgrounds, positioning matters. At Liberty Harbor, a reviewer advises: "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
Dump station considerations: Some parks have unusual dump station setups. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, a camper notes: "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains."
Navigation challenges: Urban approaches require planning. A Liberty Harbor visitor explains: "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze."
