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Best Campgrounds near Pennington, NJ

717 Reviews

Camping options near Pennington, New Jersey include a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Washington Crossing State Park, which sits along the Delaware River, provides tent and group camping opportunities with historical significance, though it's currently closed for the 2024 season. Nearby alternatives include Tohickon Valley County Park in neighboring Pennsylvania, offering tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurt accommodations in a wooded setting. Round Valley Recreation Area and Spruce Run Recreation Area also provide camping areas with water access approximately 30 miles north of Pennington.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most state park campgrounds operating from April 1 through October 31. Private campgrounds like Mountainview Campground and Timberland Lake Campground offer extended seasons, with some remaining open through November or December. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Campground amenities vary widely, with state parks typically offering more basic facilities while private campgrounds provide more extensive hookups and recreational options. As one camper noted about Tohickon Valley County Park, "Big, private, and scenic campsites... we weren't on top of our neighbors, it was set back into the trees, and the sounds were incredible."

The camping experience near Pennington combines historical attractions with natural settings. Many campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, water activities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Washington Crossing State Park, when open, attracts history enthusiasts with its Revolutionary War significance. According to reviews, several campgrounds in the area feature clean facilities and quiet surroundings that appeal to families. Tohickon Valley County Park receives praise for its spacious sites and natural beauty, with one visitor describing it as "a great place to take the kids for a night or two of lovely moderate hiking and outdoor experience." Most campgrounds in the region prohibit alcohol consumption, though enforcement varies by location. Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming at several nearby lakes and along the Delaware River.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pennington, New Jersey (102)

    1. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    9 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "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"

    2. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    21 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."

    3. Tohickon Valley County Park

    10 Reviews
    Point Pleasant, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 597-0754

    "Easy to drive in and out. No “camp store/ features” but there’s a local pool with swing sets within walking distance and lots of manageable trails along the cliffs."

    "The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop."

    4. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    27 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"

    5. Mountainview Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bloomsbury, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 996-2953

    "We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."

    "Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"

    6. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    22 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."

    7. Ringing Rocks Family Campground

    13 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 982-5552

    "Store has most, if not all you essentials. ( had to get an extension cord because I forgot one of mine) so, if everything was positive, why did I give it four stars??"

    "There are many beautiful sights around including the Delaware River, ringing rocks Park, and Nockamixon. The park is clean and well-maintained, the facilities are clean as well."

    8. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    26 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."

    9. Colonial Woods Family Resort

    11 Reviews
    Kintnersville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 847-5808

    $52 / night

    "Dump station location isn’t ideal on a busy morning."

    "Just walking around the campground is beautiful. Will definitely come back, the best campground for complete family fun!"

    10. Nockamixon State Park Cabins

    13 Reviews
    Richlandtown, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (215) 529-7300

    $70 - $92 / night

    "They have a lot of land so it’s easy to find a secluded spot to hang out away from paths and people!"

    "Great place to picnic fish from land or boat, go for a nice scenic walk, go Kayaking, etc. If you don't own a boat, you can rent one right at the lake."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pennington, NJ

312 Photos of 102 Pennington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pennington, NJ

717 Reviews of 102 Pennington Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    This is a have to stay campground

    Excellent stay. We spent 2 nights and had 2 sites. Big sites very quiet and the staff I’d exceptional. Even better is the amazing price!

  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    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. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    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. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Pennington

Camping near Pennington, New Jersey, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The state park has numerous hiking and biking opportunities," making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Mountain Vista Campground. A reviewer noted, "Pond for fishing (catch & release)," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Swimming: While some campgrounds don’t allow swimming, Turkey Swamp Park has a lake for kayaking and paddle boats, making it a fun spot for water activities.

What campers like:

  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campers at Blue Rocks Family Campground appreciate the "beautiful campground! Very family-oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Stokes State Forest. A reviewer mentioned, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park setup—it does the job but it’s seen better days."
  • Noise levels: If you prefer a quiet camping experience, be aware that some sites, like at Wharton State Forest, can be close to roads, leading to some noise. One camper mentioned, "The sites further in from the road... are probably really nice."
  • Seasonal access: Many campgrounds, such as Round Valley State Park Campground, are only open from April to October, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and game rooms. Mountain Vista Campground has a game room, which is a hit with families. One parent said, "Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds like Blue Rocks Family Campground that offer plenty of space for kids to play. A visitor mentioned, "Clean campground. Very well organized."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. Campers at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed their stay, saying, "We had running water and an electric outlet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. Campers at Mountain Vista Campground appreciated the "lots of pull-through for bigger rigs."
  • Be prepared for road conditions: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations, like Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which offers "level padded sites with electric and water."

Camping near Pennington, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pennington, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pennington, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Pennington, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Pennington, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pennington, NJ is Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024 with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pennington, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Pennington, NJ.

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