39 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Red Bank, New Jersey range from beachfront tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several developed camping areas situated within an hour's drive. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers tent-only sites with ocean views and beach access approximately 12 miles northeast of Red Bank. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park with cabin accommodations and Cheesequake State Park Campground with mixed-use tent and RV sites. The region includes both state parks and privately operated campgrounds featuring varying levels of amenities from primitive to resort-style facilities.
Most camping areas operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Cheesequake State Park operates from April 1 to October 31, while Turkey Swamp Park is open April 1 to November 15. "Many sites have shelters, others do not. Pay attention when reserving," noted one visitor to Sandy Hook, highlighting the importance of checking campground details before arrival. The region's proximity to New York City makes weekends particularly busy, especially at waterfront locations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when shore-area campgrounds routinely reach capacity. Sites with electricity, water hookups and shade are typically the first to book.
Campers consistently mention the diverse recreational activities available near these mixed-use campgrounds. At Sandy Hook, visitors appreciate the combination of beach access, historical sites, and biking trails. "Activities abound: hit the beaches for water sports or sunbathing, learn about the military history of the area on an NPS tour, visit the oldest working lighthouse in the US, walk or bike the multi-use trails," shared one camper. Turkey Swamp Park provides facilities for both primitive tent camping and RV hookups, while also offering cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area feature family-friendly amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and accessible restrooms. Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by location, with birds and small mammals commonly spotted in wooded camping areas. Seasonal considerations include summer humidity, insects during warmer months, and cooler temperatures in spring and fall.
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."
"4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "
from $64 - $78 / night
Check Availability"It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."
"Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
"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."
from $145 - $180 / night
Check Availability
ScoutVery nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.
ScoutNice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
ScoutI love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.
GuideA 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.
RangerNice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.
RangerVery 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!
RangerThe camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.
LegendWashington 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!
ScoutGave 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.
Camping spots near Red Bank, New Jersey range from seasonal tent-only sites to year-round campgrounds with full hookups. The region sits within 30 miles of both Atlantic Ocean beaches and the New Jersey Pine Barrens, with elevations rarely exceeding 400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate 60-75°F temperatures with less rainfall than summer months.
Outdoor recreation beyond beaches: The area around Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers extensive biking opportunities. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," notes camper Stanley S.
History exploration: Military installations and lighthouses provide educational opportunities near camping facilities. At Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area, visitors can explore Fort Wadsworth. "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 Phillip L.
Seasonal recreation: Winter activities are available at select year-round campgrounds. At Allaire State Park, winter campers find unique experiences. "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there," writes Patrick M., who notes the park feels like a "Ghosttown all of fall."
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites at Turkey Swamp Park. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," explains Lee D.
Diverse water activities: Multiple water recreation options exist beyond ocean swimming. Turkey Swamp Park offers "Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," according to Lee D.'s detailed review.
Convenience for city access: Camps provide overnight options for those visiting New York City. At Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area, Jill R. notes it's "awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY" and "located in the middle of staten island."
Site conditions vary significantly: Surface materials range from concrete pads to dirt and sand. At Butterfly Camping Resort, one camper observed, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."
Wildlife considerations: Insects can pose challenges at certain campgrounds during warmer months. At Turkey Swamp Park, a camper reported, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper."
Noise levels differ by location: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Located between two busy roads. Used a fan in the trailer to block out the sound of traffic with the exception of some sports cars/motorcycles speeding loudly."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, families find numerous activities. "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars," shares Tracy.
Seasonal bug concerns: Insect activity varies through camping season with parents reporting different experiences. At Turkey Swamp Park, one family noted, "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!"
Activity options: Varied recreation facilities keep children engaged. Tip Tam Camping Resort offers extensive facilities according to one reviewer: "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."
Hookup logistics: At some campgrounds, site configuration requires planning. At Earle RV Park, Jeffrey notes, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Site surfaces: RV sites range from concrete to sand, affecting leveling and setup. At Earle RV Park, "All spaces are level concrete with full hookups and attached concrete patio," according to Jeffrey's review.
Campground road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. At Butterfly Camping Resort, Preston G. observed, "I am a little concerned about moving to the site they want me to move to in the Spring; the corners around the campground seem tight with trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Red Bank, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Red Bank, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 39 campgrounds and RV parks near Red Bank, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Red Bank, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Red Bank, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Red Bank, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Red Bank, NJ.
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