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Camping areas near Piscataway, New Jersey range from state parks to private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Cheesequake State Park, located about 15 miles east of Piscataway, provides fully shaded campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. Other notable mixed-use campgrounds include Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, which uniquely positions campers within view of the Manhattan skyline, and Pleasant Valley Lavender, a specialized tent camping area set among lavender fields.
New Jersey's camping season generally runs from April through October, with most state park campgrounds closing for winter. Campers frequently encounter reservation requirements during peak summer months. "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake," noted one visitor about Round Valley State Park. Many campgrounds near Piscataway feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with minimal facilities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the western parts of the region where terrain becomes more varied.
State park campgrounds in the area receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings despite proximity to urban areas. Several visitors noted the surprising tranquility of sites like Cheesequake State Park despite being bisected by the Garden State Parkway. A camper remarked, "The campsite was nice and was drive up. It was partially shaded which offered some privacy." Waterfront camping options appear throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes, reservoirs, or coastal areas. Campers seeking more primitive experiences can find boat-in or hike-in sites at Round Valley Recreation Area, while those preferring more amenities gravitate toward private campgrounds like Pine Cone Resort or Timberland Lake Campground. Most campground options within 30 miles of Piscataway provide both tent and RV sites, though availability varies seasonally.
"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."
"Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."
from $30 - $50 / 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."
"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"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."
"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
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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.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the camping sites near Piscataway, NJ?
Several quality campgrounds are located within driving distance of Piscataway. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers paved sites across its 2,283-acre property with a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. Another excellent option is Round Valley State Park Campground, which provides a peaceful natural setting. Both locations are within an hour's drive from Piscataway and offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities while still being close to historical sites and local attractions.
What is the closest beach to Piscataway, NJ?
The closest beach to Piscataway is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, approximately 35 miles away. This beautiful peninsula offers miles of ocean beaches with swimming areas, fishing spots, and hiking trails. For those wanting to combine camping with a beach trip, Timberland Lake Campground near Cream Ridge provides a pleasant base camp within reasonable driving distance to both Sandy Hook and other Jersey Shore beaches.
Are there RV hookups available at campgrounds near Piscataway?
Yes, several campgrounds near Piscataway offer RV hookups. Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson provides full-service sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable hookups on level, shaded pull-through sites. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers paved, mostly level sites with water and electric hookups plus a dump station. Both locations are RV-friendly and provide the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay while exploring the Piscataway area.
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