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Best Campgrounds near Scotch Plains, NJ

812 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Scotch Plains, New Jersey (120)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    16 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."

    2. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    19 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."

    3. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    24 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    25 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."

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

    5 Reviews
    Bayonne, NJ
    18 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. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    26 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."

    7. Collective Governors Island

    6 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    19 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    32 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"

    9. Panther Lake Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Andover, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (973) 347-4440

    "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."

    10. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 638-8572

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Scotch Plains, NJ

416 Photos of 120 Scotch Plains Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Scotch Plains, NJ

812 Reviews of 120 Scotch Plains Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 23, 2025

    Jugtown Mountain Campsites

    A decent, clean campground.

    I stopped by in early October 2025 for one night, as I was on my home from Dad's.  The place is attached to a trailer company.  Most of the good camping spots are for RV's.  There is a small area up the hill for tents.  I was the only one in the Tent area.  The restroom was clean and simple; two toilets and two sinks.

  • Nadine R.
    Dec. 10, 2025

    Stokes State Forest

    Lots to Love Here

    We stayed at a tent platform site in Shotwell camping area. The platforms could use a little maintenance as there were a few tie down hooks that were missing or corroded. The campsites are close around this loop that includes lean-tos, but not so close that you are bothered by your neighbors normal sounds. The bathroom is close and clean. There is a bear box at each campsite which gave peace of mind. Firewood is available for sale at the park office. The staff there is very welcoming. Great Jersey getaway with gorgeous hiking trails.

  • Nadine R.
    Dec. 10, 2025

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Calm Camp, Great Trails

    This was a great weekend camping trip. Despite extreme thunderstorms both nights I'd stayed, this was still a great experience. The campsites are spaced a little close, but there is good enough separation with trees and shrubs you're not staring right at your neighbor. Everyone staying here was really friendly, and the vibes felt good and safe. Easy access to all hiking trails from this camping area. The staff works hard to maintain a clean and safe park, and had quickly cleared out fallen trees from a strong thunderstorm the night prior. This is a lovely park for solo campers or families.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Skyline RV Camp - Waterfront

    Waterfront Skyline Views, Clean Bathrooms

    A 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.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Dingmans Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Beautiful, wooded, campsites

    I’m stopping through for the night and so grateful that I did. This campground is lovely. The spots are wooded so you have a bit of privacy. And you are so close to activities throughout the park. I’m changing my schedule to enjoy the campground and park a bit tomorrow.

  • 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.

Guide to Scotch Plains

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 120 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 19 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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