Tent camping near Roselle, New Jersey puts campers within an hour's drive of both mountainous terrain and coastal beaches. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region close from November through March due to freezing conditions, though a few primitive sites remain accessible year-round for experienced winter campers.
What to do
Nature photography opportunities: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers unique coastal landscapes. One visitor noted that with "views from the campsite looking out to the sea, the skyline of NYC on the left & NJ on the right, it was awe inspiring and, the sunset was a real treat!!"
Military history exploration: Several campgrounds contain historical significance. At Sandy Hook, there's "a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into."
Paddling on Round Valley Reservoir: The 2,350-acre reservoir provides excellent kayaking conditions. A camper mentioned, "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."
Lavender field visits: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a unique camping experience during bloom season. A reviewer shared it was "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."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at Jenny Jump State Forest. One camper described their experience: "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves."
Free laundry facilities: Military personnel can access NWS Earle RV Park, which offers unexpected amenities. A reviewer noted, "Laundry facilities are free for use and in like new condition."
Mountain views: Higher elevation campsites provide scenic vistas. One Jenny Jump camper shared that "the camp sites are nicely laid out to ensure privacy. This park is high up on a mountain and affords lovely views."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water access. At Round Valley State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "The water is crystal clear" and "Beautiful peaceful and primitive."
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Many sites require significant hiking effort. At Stonetown Circular trail Primitive #1, "The only difficult thing about this site is that it is at the top of a fairly difficult rock scramble. I would advise packing light if making camp at this site because a heavy pack would make this scramble up the mountain even harder."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds aren't fully isolated from civilization. At Jenny Jump, a camper mentioned that "My only complaint is that the noise from the highway was quite loud at night."
Limited store hours: Plan ahead for supplies. At Round Valley, services are minimal. Tip Tam Camping Resort has a store, but some campers note limited hours: "Exchange facilities close early on Saturday and closed Sunday."
Early risers: Expect activity starting at dawn in some campgrounds. One camper at Tip Tam observed, "The only downside I saw was people here are up way to early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in the full the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Tip Tam Camping Resort offers numerous recreation options. A visitor reported, "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars. Wooded sites."
Weekend programming: Some sites offer organized events. At Sebago Cabin Camp, "There's a ton of activities like outdoor movies and communal bonfires on weekends. I was told by ranger Joe they also do Karaoke nights too."
Short hikes for beginners: Novice campers should consider established sites with easier access. One camper at Jenny Jump shared their experience was "Nice for beginner camping" and that it offers "hiking trails with beautiful views you could enjoy right from your campground."
Pack-in, pack-out practices: Teaching conservation is important at primitive sites. As one camper noted about Stonetown, the site provides "free camping in more remote settings" but requires "complete pack-in, pack-out practices."
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: True RV accommodations are sparse near Roselle. At Sebago Cabin Camp — Harriman State Park, a visitor clarified, "No RV sites a step up from tent camping. They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping."
Concrete pads available: Military-affiliated campers have access to NWS Earle RV Park where "All spaces are level concrete With full hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection."
Electric available at select sites: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups. Tip Tam provides electric, and one camper noted it's "Great if you are going with a group/family and people want to sleep inside a cabin as oppose to a tent outside."
