Rachel L.
Scout
ScoutLiberty Harbor RV Park
Liberty Harbor RV Park
I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
Best Campgrounds near Sewaren, NJ
Camping options near Sewaren, New Jersey range from established state parks to private resorts within a short drive of the New York metropolitan area. Cheesequake State Park Campground offers wooded sites with electric hookups just minutes from Sewaren, while Turkey Swamp Park provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations about 20 miles south. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City stands as one of the closest camping facilities to Manhattan, offering urban camping with views of the New York skyline. Most campgrounds in the region feature mixed-use sites accommodating both tent and RV campers.
Access to camping facilities varies seasonally, with many parks operating from April through October. Cheesequake State Park maintains a camping season from April 1 to October 31, while Turkey Swamp Park extends slightly longer from April 1 to November 15. A camper noted, "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level." Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Many campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies that vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some areas may have limited coverage.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering lake or reservoir access. Round Valley State Park Campground features boat-in and hike-in sites around its reservoir, though weather conditions can change rapidly. "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," wrote one visitor about Round Valley. Proximity to major highways is both an advantage and disadvantage for many sites. A review of Cheesequake mentioned, "The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." For those seeking urban camping experiences, Gateway National Recreation Areas in Staten Island and Sandy Hook provide unique opportunities to camp near beaches while maintaining access to city attractions.
Best Camping Sites Near Sewaren, New Jersey (79)
1. Cheesequake State Park Campground
19 ReviewsMatawan, NJ8 milesWebsite+1 (732) 566-2161$200 / night
"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."
2. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
18 ReviewsAtlantic Highlands, NJ16 milesWebsite+1 (347) 630-1124$30 - $50 / night
"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."
3. Liberty Harbor RV Park
16 ReviewsJersey City, NJ16 milesWebsite+1 (201) 516-7500$145 - $180 / night
"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."
4. Turkey Swamp Park
29 ReviewsFreehold, NJ24 milesWebsite+1 (732) 462-7286$42 - $79 / night
"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!"
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
3 ReviewsBayonne, NJ11 milesWebsite+1 (718) 354-4655$30 / night
"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"
6. Collective Governors Island
2 ReviewsJersey City, NJ16 milesWebsite+1 (970) 445-2033$529 - $1200 / night
"The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."
7. Pleasant Valley Lavender
1 ReviewAberdeen, NJ12 milesWebsite+1 (732) 740-4832$35 - $50 / night
"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"
8. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
18 ReviewsAllenwood, NJ27 milesWebsite+1 (732) 938-2371"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."
9. Round Valley State Park Campground
25 ReviewsLebanon, NJ31 milesWebsite+1 (908) 236-6355"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."
10. Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
1 ReviewNew York, NY20 milesWebsite+1 (347) 434-6891$130 / night
"A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation."
Recent Camping Photos near Sewaren, NJ
237 Photos of 79 Sewaren Campgrounds
Brenda G.
Cheesequake State Park Campground
phillip L.
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Ellen K.
Pleasant Valley Lavender
Craig M.
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Marcia K.
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn NY - CLOSED — Gateway National Recreation Area
Kelly L.
Turkey Swamp Park
Name
Inn the Woods
Justin S.
Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Howard P.
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Jenn M.
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Rebekah B.
Butterfly Camping Resort
Carlos M.
Round Valley State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Sewaren, NJ
524 Reviews of 79 Sewaren Campgrounds
- RRuth M.
TravelerNew York City North/Newburgh KOA
Great place for a relaxing weekend
Going back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
- MMark P.Scout
Jugtown Mountain Campsites
A decent, clean campground.
I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's. The place is attached to a trailer company. Most of the good camping spots are for RV's. There is a small area up the hill for tents. I was the only one in the Tent area. The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.
Nadine R.
GuideJenny Jump State Forest
Calm Camp, Great Trails
This was a great weekend camping trip. Despite extreme thunderstorms both nights I'd stayed, this was still a great experience. The campsites are spaced a little close, but there is good enough separation with trees and shrubs you're not staring right at your neighbor. Everyone staying here was really friendly, and the vibes felt good and safe. Easy access to all hiking trails from this camping area. The staff works hard to maintain a clean and safe park, and had quickly cleared out fallen trees from a strong thunderstorm the night prior. This is a lovely park for solo campers or families.
- AAmy P.Guide
Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront
Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms
A little intimidating driving in to a nondescript gate at the end of a narrow street but the overall experience exceeded expectation. It’s essentially a spacious parking lot with electrical pedestals but the view of the skyline across the water is spectacular and there’s a metro station within a 10-minute walk. 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). During the day, I saw another RV patron walking to do their laundry just outside the complex on the next street over (I didn’t ask where exactly). On-site bathrooms were warm and clean. There were portable showers available but beware the broken shower head holders and lack of shelving/hooks for towels & clothing. This was a minor issue considering the convenience of RV accommodations so easily accessible within the NYC region, would definitely recommend. I couldn’t find a map prior to my booking but would suggest requesting the highest number site available for best direct views.
- SShawn
RangerTurkey Swamp Park
Private wooded sites
Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.
- EEmily L.Ranger
Liberty Harbor RV Park
Functional with excellent access to the City
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. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits
Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.
Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.
Happy Camping!
- EErc L.Scout
Liberty Harbor RV Park
friendly staff at the office
Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.
Guide to Sewaren
Camping sites near Sewaren, New Jersey range from primitive boat-in locations to urban campgrounds with skyline views. The region sits at sea level along the Arthur Kill waterway, with predominantly sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Weather patterns favor camping from late spring through early fall, with July averaging 85°F daytime temperatures and occasional coastal storms.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Round Valley State Park: Access the 2,350-acre reservoir where primitive campsites require either a 3-6 mile hike or boat access. "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," noted one camper at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Urban exploring at Gateway sites: Staten Island's Gateway location offers unusual camping with historical structures. "There are abandoned buildings here and you can do urban exploring. There are rangers taking you on a trek and exploring the abandoned building," reports a visitor to Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area. The campground has limited sites (seven total) that fill quickly.
Archery practice near Freehold: Turkey Swamp Park provides dedicated archery facilities open to campers. "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," writes a reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park.
What campers like
Waterfront views of NYC skyline: Campsites at Sandy Hook offer unique urban-nature combinations. "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!!" shares a camper at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area.
Secluded sites with limited traffic: Turkey Swamp features well-spaced sites that provide actual privacy. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge," notes one visitor.
Beginner-friendly camping: First-time campers find accessible options near civilization. "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," according to a Cheesequake State Park Campground visitor.
What you should know
Ticks present in wooded areas: Sandy soil and dense vegetation harbor ticks in many campgrounds. "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," warns a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Highway noise at several locations: Multiple campgrounds sit near major highways. "Located between two busy roads. 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," reports a Cheesequake visitor.
Urban camping security: Campgrounds near urban centers have specific security protocols. "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base," explains a Sandy Hook camper regarding the check-in process.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's play areas. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor about the family amenities.
Short hiking options: Trails suitable for younger children exist at multiple parks. "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. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous," shares a Cheesequake visitor.
Urban camping with easy city access: Liberty Harbor RV Park offers family-friendly camping with convenient transportation options. "Very easy to hop on transit to get to New York City. People were friendly," reports a visitor about accessing Manhattan attractions from this urban campground in Jersey City.
Tips from RVers
Levelness and surface conditions: Many campgrounds have uneven or unpaved sites. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes a Turkey Swamp Park reviewer about the RV-friendly layout.
Hookup placement challenges: Water and electric connections require extra preparation at some locations. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
RV size limitations: Larger rigs face constraints at urban camping locations. "Larger rigs will barely have a yard. And don't bet on a private picnic table. On a slow checkout day, you might get lucky enough to not wait in line for the dump station," warns a Liberty Harbor RV Park camper about the tight spacing at this popular Manhattan-adjacent option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sewaren, NJ?
What camping is available near Sewaren, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sewaren, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Sewaren, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Sewaren, NJ?
Which is the most popular campground near Sewaren, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sewaren, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sewaren, NJ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sewaren, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Sewaren, NJ.
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