Best Campgrounds near Roselle, NJ

Camping options within an hour of Roselle, New Jersey range from urban-adjacent state parks to more secluded county-managed recreation areas. Cheesequake State Park, located 15 miles east in Matawan, provides wooded campsites with electric hookups operating from April through October. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township offers a more extensive camping season (April to mid-November) with pull-through sites surrounded by vegetation for privacy. For RV travelers, Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides urban camping with Manhattan skyline views, while Pleasant Valley Lavender in Holmdel offers a unique tent camping experience adjacent to fragrant lavender fields. The Gateway National Recreation Areas at Sandy Hook and Staten Island provide coastal camping options with beach access.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The typical camping season runs April through October, with some facilities closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Many state parks prohibit alcohol consumption and have specific pet policies that vary by campground. As one camper noted about Turkey Swamp Park, "The sites are all pull-through with lots of vegetation for privacy. Only problem is none of the roads are paved—all packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks." Cell service varies considerably across the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to urban areas and spotty coverage in more remote locations.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the area. At Round Valley State Park, primitive sites accessible only by hiking or boating offer what one visitor called "breathtaking scenery" with "gorgeous crystal-clear water." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Cheesequake State Park which is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. A visitor observed, "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Summer humidity and insects can be challenging, especially in wooded areas. Campers frequently mention the contrast between developed facilities with full hookups and more rustic options with basic amenities, allowing for experiences ranging from glamping to primitive camping within relatively short distances of each other.

Best Camping Sites Near Roselle, New Jersey (103)

    1. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +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. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    31 miles
    Website
    +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"

    7. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    31 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "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. They are wooded and large."

    "It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."

    9. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +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"

    10. Skyline RV Camp - Non-Waterfront

    2 Reviews
    New York City, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 434-6891

    $85 - $120 / night

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Recent Reviews near Roselle, NJ

675 Reviews of 103 Roselle Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington 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!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    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! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Damia F.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    High Point State Park Campground

    Relaxing and Well-Maintained

    Stayed 2 nights and it was really nice. Camping for summer is pretty limited to Sawmill Lake, as the other locations are for groups or winter camping. Camps are secluded from each other and most if not all have an elevated space to put tents or chairs. Each place comes with a lamp hang, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites, but entry is free for campers. One hiking trail is accessible in Sawmill campground, 3 others are accessible on the road outside of the campground and the rest are located inside the park. When you arrive you have to check in with the park office for your campsite tag. Hours are 8-4. Park officials come through the campsites pretty regularly, a few times a day which is nice. Areas are clean and well maintained.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Adeline M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Nice campground loud campers

    Great open spot with some shade, depending on when you go we have noticed there tends to be a lot of loud disrespectful people who are there to party not camp. It’s nice to be on the Delaware and not many campgrounds have water access or a boat ramp so that’s a plus. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available.


Guide to Roselle

Camping near Roselle, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are great options nearby.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Worthington State Forest Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are nice and well marked," making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Round Valley State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "The water is beautiful and clean," perfect for a relaxing day by the lake.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, you can spot various wildlife. One camper noted, "The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings set back in the woods."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Beaver Pond Campground. A happy visitor said, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Stokes State Forest. One reviewer mentioned, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Camp Taylor Campground is known for its welcoming vibe. A family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like High Point State Park Campground, have strict noise regulations. One camper expressed frustration, stating, "We received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Round Valley State Park Campground may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all."
  • Access Issues: Some sites, such as those at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, can be tricky to access. One camper mentioned, "I thought I was going to be able to park my vehicle near my site to unload, not so unfortunately."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Camp Taylor Campground, which offers activities for kids. A parent shared, "The kids immediately took to exploring the creek and woods behind our campsite."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially at campgrounds like High Point State Park Campground. One family learned this the hard way, saying, "The police arrived at our cabin and informed us that we were being evicted from the site due to noise complaints."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Keep kids entertained with games and outdoor activities. A camper at Mountain Vista Campground mentioned, "Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Stokes State Forest. One RVer noted, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Be Prepared for Access Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds like Mountain Vista Campground have limited stores. One camper advised, "They only stayed about 1 hour and did not use any of the facilities."

For those seeking the best camping near Roselle, NJ, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences, from peaceful retreats to family-friendly adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Roselle, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Roselle, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Roselle, NJ and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Roselle, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Roselle, NJ is Liberty Harbor RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roselle, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Roselle, NJ.

What parks are near Roselle, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Roselle, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.