RV sites near Plainfield, New Jersey offer camping options with varying levels of accessibility to urban attractions. Located in central New Jersey, Plainfield sits at approximately 95 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area experience seasonal closures from November through April due to regional weather patterns.
What to do
Statue of Liberty access: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides convenient access to ferry service. "My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of tue marina parking area," notes Kevin A. A different camper mentioned, "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."
Mountain hiking trails: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers multiple hiking options through wooded terrain. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," reports Paulene-Amanda M. Another camper states, "Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites!"
Farm animal interactions: For families seeking camping with animal experiences, Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort integrates farm animals into their camping experience. "The farm has goats, a donkey, and a pony within the campground. Very cool," shares Faith D. Another camper adds, "Playground, hayride, animals to feed (goats, chickens, donkey and pony)."
What campers like
Easy urban access: Campers value the strategic location of Jersey City's Skyline RV Camp for Manhattan access. "The area feels safe and is pedestrian friendly, even at night (we were there Halloween night and we took our kids out trick-or-treating just outside the gate)," reports Amy P., who adds, "There's a metro station within a 10-minute walk."
Secluded woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting of Jefferson's Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run. Our site is easily the nicest- all the way in the back with only one neighbor. It is so quiet here," explains Greg S., who values the seclusion. Another review notes, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."
Large gathering spaces: Timothy Lake South accommodates groups with spacious sites. "Sites are large in most cases. All have fire pit and picnic table, some have bbq grill too," mentions Robert M. Another camper specified, "We parked backwards in our site to buddy up with our friends... the campsites really were a lot bigger but we didn't care bc we wanted to share the living space."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, one camper reported, "Cell service is awful for AT&T and our T-Mobile gateway. Had to move to a new site to get away from the trees to get starlink connectivity." Another noted, "The cell service for most providers is practically non-existent."
Seasonal operations: Most RV campsites near Plainfield, New Jersey operate on limited seasonal schedules. NWS Earle RV Park runs from "April 1 to November 15," while Timothy Lake South operates from "May 1 to October 31." Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort maintains a similar schedule from "April 1 - October 31."
Restricted alcohol policies: Several military-affiliated campgrounds maintain alcohol restrictions. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites prohibits pets but allows alcohol, while Range 14 Camp restricts both alcohol and pets, creating varying policy environments across campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: At Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort, families should note location challenges. "The office, playground, dog park, pool, laundry are located at the top of the hill. Camping spots are downhill, a good distance from the office and amenities," warns Coffee&Camping T., highlighting the elevation changes families must navigate.
Weekend activities: Timothy Lake South offers structured weekend programming. "My kids explored the playground and found it sufficient," notes Ashley O. Another camper explained, "We get a feeling it's a great place to take a family for that weekend camping experience."
Location safety considerations: For urban camping options, NWS Earle RV Park provides secure military oversight. "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio," explains Jeffrey, who adds that the location is "only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning challenges: Several RV sites have unusual utility placement configurations. At NWS Earle RV Park, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," warns Jeffrey. At Pleasant Acres, a camper noted, "One downfall is you have to drive to the trash bin it is way too far to walk."
Navigation cautions: For big rig drivers, Pleasant Acres Farm RV Resort presents unique challenges. "When you leave you have to drive the wrong way in the campground because of the low hanging trees the correct direction," cautions Bill B. Liberty Harbor RV Park similarly requires careful navigation: "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."
Sewer system variations: Waste disposal arrangements differ significantly among campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, "The dump station has a flush hose point," according to a reviewer, while another camper reported at Pleasant Acres, "Trash is located off site in a pullout on the road you drive in on."
