Visitors to Piscataway, New Jersey can enjoy wilderness camping opportunities within a one-hour drive. The region features elevations ranging from near sea level to 1,500 feet in the northwest highlands, creating diverse camping environments across central New Jersey. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Round Valley State Park Campground offers primitive camping with nearby trails that provide a genuine wilderness experience. "We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly," notes Stuart K., who also mentions that "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."
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park includes an archery range where you can practice your skills before or after camping. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on. I've been here a few times, every time I'm here I barely touch my phone," shares Tylen L.
Winter activities: For cold-weather glamping near Piscataway, some parks remain open year-round. Patrick M. recommends Allaire State Park, saying "This may be my favorite spot. I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Turkey Swamp Park earns high marks for site spacing. Katheryn N. describes it as having "sites in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the forest." This privacy factor contributes to the park's popularity as a glamping destination near Piscataway.
Crystal clear water: Round Valley State Park Campground features exceptionally clear water that impresses visitors. "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," writes James R., adding that it's "a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature."
Wildlife encounters: Mountainview Campground offers a rare chance to experience abundant wildlife. Christina H. reports: "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!"
What you should know
Ticks can be a problem: Some wooded areas have significant tick populations. At Turkey Swamp Park, one camper cautioned: "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But 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."
Boat-in camping requirements: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers boat-in camping along its reservoir shoreline. Ruette W. advises: "You can launch your kayak easily from the shore. I love the water views. The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade." However, she notes a trade-off: "The sites on the water are just so nice. We luckily have some solar so we can go for awhile without running the generator."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at many campgrounds need updating. A camper at Spruce Run reported: "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that." Similarly, at Timberland Lake Campground, one visitor noted: "Bathroom/showers were decently clean" but also mentioned finding trash in the swimming pool.
Tips for camping with families
Bug-free seasons: Plan family luxury camping trips near Piscataway in early fall for fewer insects. At Turkey Swamp Park, one parent shared: "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. It was perfect!"
Halloween weekend activities: Timberland Lake Campground offers special seasonal events for families. "We went to timberland lake last fall. It happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and tricker treating. Lake was beautiful," writes Ann Marie M. Jessica D. adds, "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates."
Multiple playgrounds: Turkey Swamp Park has play areas positioned throughout the grounds. Lee D. observes: "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," making it convenient for families with children of varying ages to find suitable recreation options without long walks.
Tips from RVers
Water hose requirements: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has unique water hookup configurations. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our RV connection," explains one camper. Greg S. confirms: "The water hoses provided are plenty long. We didn't need to use our hose at all, just the filter."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rougher access roads than others. At Timberland Lake Campground, Jim C. notes: "The campsites themselves could use some TLC but most of all the roads need some work. There are many pot holes that need gravel." This is important for those with larger or lower-clearance RVs to consider.
Dump station amenities: For those needing to use dump stations, Mahlon Dickerson Reservation gets high marks. One RVer reports: "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," while another mentions "the dump station has a flush hose point."
