Best Campgrounds near Princeton, NJ
The Princeton area encompasses a mix of developed campgrounds and managed recreation areas within an hour's drive of downtown. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, approximately 25 miles east of Princeton, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with a 4.3-star rating. Timberland Lake Campground in Cream Ridge provides similar options with the addition of glamping facilities. Washington Crossing State Park, closer to Princeton along the Delaware River, focuses primarily on tent camping and offers boat-in access, though it is temporarily closed for 2024. Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon caters to tent and RV campers with boat-in and hike-in access.
Many campgrounds near Princeton operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November. Spruce Run Recreation Area enforces a strict camping season from April 1 to October 31, while Turkey Swamp Park extends slightly longer from April 1 to November 15. Reservations are generally required for all established campgrounds, with most sites offering picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets. Hookup availability varies significantly between locations, with parks like Cheesequake State Park providing electric hookups but no sewer or water connections directly at campsites. Facilities at Washington Crossing State Park are notably more primitive. A camper described the experience as "secluded and right on the Delaware River. Very enjoyable."
Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at Timberland Lake Campground, particularly noting its proximity to Six Flags Great Adventure. Seasonality affects not only when camping is available but also the experience quality. The area campgrounds typically feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy between sites. Water access represents a key attraction across multiple locations, with Round Valley offering boat-in camping opportunities. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of amenities, as one reviewer noted that some locations have "many seasonal campsites" where long-term residents "have let their sites go with clutter." Washington Crossing State Park draws history enthusiasts with its Revolutionary War connections, while parks further from town tend to offer more natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities.
