The Princeton, New Jersey area offers camping options within a 25-mile radius, with sites spread across wooded state parks and private campgrounds. The region features moderate elevation changes with rolling hills typical of central New Jersey's Piedmont region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall bring milder 55-70°F weather with higher rainfall, affecting trail and campsite conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park's 60-acre lake provides freshwater fishing with gear available for purchase. "The office is open until 9 pm and sells ice, firewood, and bait," notes Lee D., who stayed in late April when the campground was only 20% occupied.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range for visitors interested in target practice. As Patrick M. mentions, "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels," which offers a unique recreational option beyond standard camping activities.
Historic sites exploration: Just 12 miles from Princeton, Washington Crossing State Park offers Revolutionary War history along with camping. Stuart K. recommends the "Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors." The park connects to hiking trails that follow Washington's historic route.
Watercraft rentals: Multiple parks offer boat rentals for exploring their lakes and reservoirs. At Turkey Swamp Park, "In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," according to one camper who enjoyed the small boardwalk along the lake.
What campers like
Lake access camping: Round Valley State Park Campground offers sites accessible only by boat or hiking. "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," shares James R.
Large, private sites: At Mountainview Campground, campers appreciate the spacious and secluded sites. Christina H. describes it as "a nice little remote campground in the mountains" where "our site was fully private (could not see or hear neighbors)."
Wildlife viewing: Mountainview Campground offers abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "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!" shares Christina H.
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds near Princeton cater specifically to families with children. At Butterfly Camping Resort, Caitlin F. noted, "Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night). There was also a dog park which was very nice!"
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality of facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, "Bathrooms were clean but there wasn't soap in any of the dispensers," reports Katrina Z., while at Round Valley, Stuart K. warns that "while there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed."
Tick awareness needed: Some wooded sites require vigilance for ticks during warmer months. At Turkey Swamp Park, LAURA Y. warns, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2... I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time."
Seasonal noise levels: Traffic noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near highways. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, Jules T. observed, "The only con to this campground is it's proximity to the highway. You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down."
Alcohol restrictions: Several state parks prohibit alcohol completely. At Tohickon Valley County Park, Maureen F. notes "No electrical and no pets allowed in camp sites," and another reviewer mentions that "this is no alcohol permitted in the park due to it being a state park."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Butterfly Camping Resort features a large pool that appeals to families with children. "The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," states Matt S., while another camper noted the "Large playground and lots of activities for the kids."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for younger campers. "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office" at Turkey Swamp Park, according to Lee D., providing entertainment options beyond hiking and water activities.
Amusement park proximity: Timberland Lake Campground sits just 5 minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure, making it ideal for combined camping and theme park trips. Aaron E., who stayed at the campground in June, mentioned, "Overall, a nice campground that is close to Six Flags. We will be going back."
Bug preparation: Families should prepare for seasonal insect activity. At Turkey Swamp Park, JAEWOOK P. had a positive experience: "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!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers water views but limited hookups. Ruette W. explains, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV."
Tree clearance concerns: RVers should check tree clearance when booking. Frank J. noted at Spruce Run, "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."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require leveling blocks. At Butterfly Camping Resort, deb K. observed sites were "Fairly level with adequate hook ups," but notes that "Sites are sand and dirt, so be prepared for that."
Water management: Many sites require extended hoses. At Turkey Swamp Park, Shawn advises to "Bring a LONG water hose" for access to water hookups, as site layout may place connections far from ideal RV positioning.
