Campgrounds near Plainfield, New Jersey provide varied camping experiences within a 30-60 minute drive. While most operate from spring through fall, seasonal availability changes with weather conditions and reservation policies. Many sites require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays when campsites fill quickly. The terrain throughout the region transitions from urban-adjacent parks to more secluded woodland settings further west.
What to do
Hiking at varied difficulty levels: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers hiking trails with lookout locations at manageable elevations. "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous. While also walking the trails, people are able to come across many picnic and resting areas," notes a visitor to Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Freshwater fishing and boating: The 180-foot deep reservoir at Round Valley provides excellent fishing opportunities. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground reports, "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 exploration and city access: For campers looking to combine outdoor stays with city access, Jersey City offers unique options. "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 a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park features spacious, wooded campsites that provide privacy even when the campground is busy. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites also have a metal storage unit for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons," notes a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Waterfront camping: Several plainfield nj campground options feature lakefront sites. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, a camper shares: "My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun."
Wilderness camping experience: For those seeking more primitive experiences, certain campgrounds offer boat-in or hike-in options. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" explains a visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. At Panther Lake Camping Resort, a camper notes: "Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell."
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, a camper mentions: "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway."
Tick prevention needed: Some wooded areas have significant tick populations. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park warns: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to new campers with easy access and facilities. "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," notes a visitor to Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment and organized activities. A camper at Panther Lake notes: "Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. The lake and pool were a big plus, especially for hot days. While I did not take advantage, you are allowed to rent boats and take them out on the lake."
Weekday visits recommended: For quieter family experiences, consider non-weekend stays. "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," shares a mid-week visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips from RVers
Urban camping challenges: RV sites near New York City provide convenience but limited space. A camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park explains: "It is just a gravel parking lot with water and electricity. There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use. The laundry was not working properly and ate a good $5 of our quarters."
Water hookup planning: At several campgrounds, water connections require extra equipment. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper notes: "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."
Site selection strategy: At popular campgrounds, location matters significantly. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advises an RVer about Liberty Harbor RV Park.
