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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
