76 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Parlin, NJ range from wooded tent sites to full-hookup RV accommodations across state parks and county recreation areas within 30 miles. Cheesequake State Park Campground in nearby Matawan offers shaded drive-in sites with electric hookups from April through October, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features pull-through sites, cabins, and tent camping areas set around a 17-acre lake. Pleasant Valley Lavender provides a unique tent camping experience with sites tucked into wooded areas adjacent to lavender fields. The region balances suburban accessibility with natural settings, allowing campers to find options ranging from primitive to developed within a short drive of New York City.
Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Highway noise can be noticeable at some locations, especially those near major routes like the Garden State Parkway which bisects Cheesequake State Park. As one camper noted, "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Sandy soil conditions are common at many sites, creating potential challenges after rainfall. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to urban areas. Many state parks prohibit alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies, with designated pet-friendly sites available at some locations.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with Turkey Swamp Park earning particular praise for its lake access and forest views. According to one camper, "The sites are all pull-through with lots of vegetation for privacy. We had a site on the perimeter with forest views." Bathroom and shower facilities throughout the region vary widely in quality and maintenance. Highway proximity remains a common concern in reviews, with several campers mentioning ambient traffic noise, particularly at night when the campgrounds quiet down. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fishing areas, and hiking trails are standard at most established campgrounds, though some private resorts offer additional features like swimming pools, organized activities, and entertainment during summer weekends.
"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."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Sites are walk-in (only about¼ mile) and carts are available to haul gear. Two water spigots and bathrooms with flush toilets are also on-premise. No electric, hook-ups, or showers."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else. Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room."
"Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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"
from $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutRestrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
ScoutOn 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.
RangerWe stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
GuideBooked 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!
GuideBeautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
ScoutI 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.
ScoutStayed 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.
TravelerBeautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
Camping near Parlin, New Jersey typically peaks during summer months when temperatures average 80-85°F, though spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with fewer crowds. The region's sandy soil conditions become particularly challenging after rainfall, requiring proper footwear and equipment even at developed campgrounds. Sites within 30 miles of Parlin provide varying levels of tree coverage that affect both privacy and temperature.
Kayaking and fishing: Turkey Swamp Park offers a 17-acre lake with boat rentals during summer months. One visitor noted, "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental."
Archery: Turkey Swamp Park maintains a dedicated archery range for visitors. According to a camper, "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."
Urban exploration: Staten Island Gateway offers unique opportunities for exploring historical structures. One camper shared, "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building."
Hiking: Round Valley Recreation Area features challenging trails with significant elevation changes. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Privacy and space: Turkey Swamp Park campsites offer generous spacing between sites. A camper observed, "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."
Weekend activities: Timberland Lake Campground runs themed events throughout the camping season. One visitor shared, "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."
Accessibility to NYC: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides direct transportation options to Manhattan. A camper explained, "This is all about location. The closest RV park to NYC. It's basically a parking lot with a dump station... Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!"
Unique camping experiences: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers fragrant surroundings. According to a visitor, "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."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the area. A camper at Cheesequake State Park noted, "Like the title says, its ok. I think it would make a better day trip, family BBQ location. the Parkway is right there so its not a nice quiet place."
Site variations: Some campgrounds offer significantly different experiences across their property. At Sandy Hook, "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!"
Insect concerns: Ticks are particularly prevalent at certain times of year. A visitor to Turkey Swamp Park 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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. At Allaire State Park, a camper reported, "Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore."
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities that provide entertainment for children. At Timberland Lake Campground, "Pool was open for a couple days following the lifting of restrictions for COVID. Overall, a nice campground that is close to Six Flags."
Playground options: Multiple locations have dedicated play areas. One visitor to Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "There are playgrounds both in the campground and by the office. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office."
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations are particularly suitable for first-time campers. A visitor to Cheesequake State Park shared, "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."
Site access considerations: Many RV sites require additional preparation. At Timberland Lake, "Small camp site. Fire ring seemed to be an old truck rim (no grill, but they'll sell you one). Old beat up picnic table in the weeds. No privacy."
Hookup placement: Water and electric connections are not always conveniently located. As one camper at Turkey Swamp Park advised, "Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easier access options. According to a visitor at Turkey Swamp Park, "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Sites are level and well maintained."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Parlin, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Parlin, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Parlin, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Parlin, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Parlin, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Parlin, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Parlin, NJ.
Keep Exploring
