RV camping near Raritan, New Jersey provides convenient access to both urban attractions and natural areas with varied terrain. The region sits at the boundary between the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain, creating diverse camping environments within a relatively small area. Cell reception varies significantly across campgrounds, with stronger signals closer to urban centers and weaker coverage in more wooded locations.
What to do
Explore Manhattan skyline views: At Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, campers can use nearby transportation to visit NYC attractions. "The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," notes a visitor. The park provides easy access to ferries that take you directly to Wall Street.
Visit nearby historical sites: Camping at Thousand Trails Scotrun puts you near regional historic attractions. "We came in at end of season, so pretty much everything seems closed. But, it's a beautiful campground and the part of PA is great too," reports one camper. The area is particularly stunning during fall foliage season.
Enjoy local beaches: For coastal activities, Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites offers waterfront camping with beach access. A camper explains, "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants. Plenty of space for kids to play in the field/grass area."
What campers like
Affordability compared to hotels: While staying at RV parks near Raritan, many appreciate the cost savings. A camper at NWS Earle RV Park noted, "It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore. If you're planning a visit to either this campground is cheap, clean & quiet."
Seasonal camping options: The area offers both year-round and seasonal camping. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, a visitor shared, "When we arrived we were surprised at how many seasonal campsites there were. We came on a holiday weekend and thought it would be rowdy and loud. So far, nice and quiet."
Security features: Many RV parks near Raritan provide secure environments for leaving your vehicle while exploring. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, a camper mentioned, "The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area. It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close."
What you should know
Bridge and road restrictions: Some routes have limitations for larger vehicles. Access to certain campgrounds requires planning alternate routes to avoid narrow bridges or tight turns.
Limited full-hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer complete hookups. At Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South, a visitor noted, "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."
Seasonal operation schedules: Several campgrounds operate seasonally. NWS Earle RV Park in Colts Neck only operates from "April 1 to November 15," requiring advance planning during shoulder seasons.
Variable site spacing: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. At Timothy Lake South, a camper observed, "Sites are kinda close together but it was fairly quiet even though it was full."
Tips for camping with families
Consider pool availability: When traveling with kids, look for campgrounds with swimming facilities. A Timothy Lake South visitor noted, "My kids explored the playground and found it sufficient."
Check pet policies: Village Scene Park in Hatfield welcomes pets but has specific guidelines. A visitor advised, "There's an empty lot right next to the area designated for RVers, so me thinks if you come bringing Fido, you'll have plenty of space for him/her/they to run around."
Look for recreational facilities: Some parks offer family-friendly amenities. A Village Scene Park reviewer suggested, "Should you need to let the kids unwind for a bit to run around and explore, I would suggest the Amazing Escape Room, just due east of here by 5 minutes."
Evaluate shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies between parks. One camper at Skyline RV Camp reported, "There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more."
Tips from RVers
Check tank connection heights: Some parks have unusual sewer setups. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, a camper warned, "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains."
Monitor water pressure: Water systems vary in pressure. One Timothy Lake South visitor mentioned, "Best water pressure I have seen on the east coast, unregulated it's over 80 psi."
Verify campground location: Some RV parks have relocated or changed. A Skyline RV Camp reviewer cautioned, "Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to: 50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property."
Anticipate urban noise levels: When staying at city-adjacent RV parks near Raritan, prepare for ambient noise. A Liberty Harbor visitor mentioned, "It was a little loud with city noises, but exactly what we expected being so close."
