123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Scotch Plains, New Jersey primarily consist of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of the town. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles east, offers tent and RV camping in a wooded setting with hiking trails and a lake for swimming. Other nearby options include Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township and Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, which provides urban camping with views of the Manhattan skyline. The region includes a mix of state parks and county-operated recreation areas that support tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations.
Access to most campgrounds requires advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most closing between November and March. As one camper noted, "The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little." Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality across locations, with some visitors reporting older but functional amenities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to the proximity to urban areas, though some more rural sites may have spotty coverage.
Campers consistently mention the convenient location of these campgrounds for those looking to balance outdoor recreation with proximity to urban amenities. Several sites offer water activities as key attractions, with lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating. Reviews highlight that many campgrounds provide a good introduction to camping for beginners or families. A visitor to Cheesequake State Park commented, "This is a great site for those who are not avid campers. It's close to town if you forget something and it has all the facilities you may need." The trade-off for this accessibility is that true wilderness experiences are limited, with highway noise and crowds common during summer weekends. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water, with varying levels of privacy between sites.
"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"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"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."
"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"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."
"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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
"Park employees and park police drive around through the day. Some big groups of campers got a little rowdy at night. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting."
"The actual site was nice and was close to the bathrooms. There was plenty of shade as the sun moved throughout the day."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
RangerWe camped here in our pop up for our Anniversary in November. We were impressed with the cleanliness and available amenities for the time of year we were camping in! Close proximity to DWG and PA AND NJ attractions.
TravelerAnother great experience. Sites were large. Staff was friendly with many different things for kids to do. Great base camp for local hikes.
RangerWe came here to ride our ATV's...since it is more than 3 hours from home, we decided to book this spot for the night. We have stayed in a bunch of the DWSF sites. This one was kinda meh. Nearer to the road so traffic at all hours. Picnic table and fire ring, and as always, evidence of people chopping down live trees for firewood. Ugh! We set up our tent and had a nice fire, albeit there was broken glass on the ground. Biting flies worked overtime on us. Not a terrible stay, but we prolly won't book this one again. And these sites are no longer free. As out of state-rs, we paid $21 for one night. Still a good deal.
ScoutAs far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
GuideTwo night stay, large loud parties make it hard to enjoy but once most of them left it was nice to walk down to the river. Bath house with toilets and showers, not all lights working. No swimming access but boat access and trails for hiking.
ScoutNo hookups. It was wooded, quiet and dark at night. I used the dump station on my way out. The first time I ever saw a poop fountain. The sewer opening sticks up above ground level. The cover swivels away, so I couldn't put it on top of my hose. And then, when I tried to rinse it, there was nowhere for it to go, because the inlet is elevated.
TravelerWe’ve been to Camp Taylor twice now for tent camping: September 2021 and May 2023. We stayed at the rustic tent sites both times, and there was room for 2 cars and 2 tents. Depending on how you want your setup, there are some that are more secluded and others that are close together and would be great for group camping.
The staff are all lovely and take the time to explain the rules both in-person at check-in and on the forms they provide at the time of booking. They are not hiding how seriously they take rules like quiet hours, and it will keep campers like me coming back. If you are respectful of the folks around you and especially during the posted quiet hours, you will have no problems.
The office and shop keep supply of snacks, firewood, and gifts. There are flush toilets mapped in spots of the tent sites (SUCH a pleasant surprise! I was expecting a porta-potty or vault toilet), and hot showers are available at the same complex as the office.
ScoutI spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
ScoutStayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Camping opportunities near Scotch Plains, New Jersey include several state parks and established campgrounds within an hour's drive. The area features Cheesequake State Park Campground approximately 20 miles east, offering both tent and RV camping with shaded sites. Other options include Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, and Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon. These campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities from primitive tent camping to full-service RV sites and even glamping accommodations at select locations.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or early November. "The campground is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy or can be close to someone if you want," noted one camper about Cheesequake State Park. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Travelers should note that some locations have limited hookups despite what online information might suggest, with several reviewers mentioning discrepancies between advertised and actual amenities. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, particularly during rain events, and proximity to urban areas means some locations have audible highway noise.
Campers consistently mention the balance between natural settings and urban proximity as a distinctive feature of the region's campgrounds. Many sites offer wooded surroundings while maintaining reasonable access to New York City and other metropolitan areas. Several visitors highlight the family-friendly nature of parks like Cheesequake and Turkey Swamp, noting the presence of swimming areas, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. However, reviewers frequently mention the varying quality of facilities, with bathroom cleanliness and maintenance being common concerns. Urban camping options like Liberty Harbor provide convenient access to New York City via public transportation, making them popular for visitors seeking both outdoor experiences and city attractions. Most established campgrounds in the area require fees ranging from $20-50 per night depending on residency status and specific amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Scotch Plains, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Scotch Plains, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Scotch Plains, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Scotch Plains, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Scotch Plains, NJ is Cheesequake State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Scotch Plains, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Scotch Plains, NJ.
What parks are near Scotch Plains, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Scotch Plains, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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