Camping sites near Piscataway, New Jersey include both hike-in wilderness options and developed campgrounds within a 35-mile radius. Many facilities operate seasonally from spring through fall, with most closing by November 15th. Sites range from $30 to $120 per night depending on amenities and location. Cell service remains reliable at most established campgrounds, though signal weakens at Round Valley State Park's boat-in sites.
What to do
Lake activities: Swimming and boating at Turkey Swamp Park offers rental options for kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and row boats during summer months. "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," notes one visitor.
Archery practice: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated archery ranges. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "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."
NYC day trips: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides easy access to Manhattan via public transportation. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," explains one reviewer.
Historical exploration: Military history buffs can explore preserved installations at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area. "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
What campers like
Peace and seclusion: The boat-in and hike-in sites at Round Valley State Park Campground offer true wilderness camping. "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature," writes one camper. Another adds, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean. There's bathrooms and pumps but we just filtered the water from the reservoir instead which tasted a million times better than the well water."
Urban skyline views: Camping with city views distinguishes several sites. One reviewer described their experience at Sandy Hook: "With views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring and, the sunset was a real treat!!"
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds maintain good spacing between campsites. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park noted, "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest."
Seasonal experiences: Fall camping offers special events at some locations. "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," shares a visitor to Timberland Lake Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from April through October or mid-November. Turkey Swamp Park remains open from April 1 to November 15, while Cheesequake State Park operates from April 1 to October 31.
Terrain challenges: Round Valley's remote sites require preparation. "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 and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG."
Ticks presence: Several campgrounds report tick issues during warmer months. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park shared: "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: Cheesequake State Park Campground allows hunting except on Sundays. "The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays. There was a sign near our camp site saying don't shoot here because there is a city street 40 yards away. However they don't seem to mind if you shoot towards the camp sites."
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds. One Cheesequake visitor noted, "Stayed in the family campground in a travel trailer. Longish bike ride or shortish drive to the main park. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly option: First-time campers often succeed at Cheesequake State Park. A visitor commented, "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. Great place for hiking."
Amusement park proximity: Pleasant Valley Lavender provides quiet tent camping with convenient access to attractions. "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."
Low-bug season selection: For families concerned about insects, consider timing. One Turkey Swamp camper reported, "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! The campground was super clean too."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Turkey Swamp noted, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Turkey Swamp Park provides full-service sites. "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."
City access strategies: When staying at Liberty Harbor RV Park, use public transit. "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."
Dump station planning: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. A Turkey Swamp visitor advised, "There is a dump station and laundry facility with brand-new washers and dryers (however, you need to pay using an app on your phone)."
Water hose requirements: Some sites have unusual utility setups. One camper at Timberland Lake Campground recommended: "Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers."
