Camping near Secaucus, New Jersey offers diverse options within a 45-mile radius, with most sites nestled in the highlands region where elevations range from 500 to 1,800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall year-round, creating lush woodland settings for campers. Yurt camping near Secaucus provides a solid middle ground between traditional tent camping and cabin stays, with several parks maintaining these structures for all-season use.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Round Valley State Park Campground features multiple trail options directly from camping areas. "This is a great campground that is super private and quiet - great for getting out to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It's a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!" shared one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained paths.
Water recreation options: High Point State Park Campground offers multiple water bodies for various activities. A camper noted, "We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake." The multiple lakes provide different experiences, though "we had to drive between the different lakes."
Year-round activities: Stokes State Forest maintains seasonal programming regardless of weather. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021... The park office is not nearby, about 2(?) miles away. They sell wood, and there are a few road stands near the campground," explained a winter visitor who enjoyed off-season camping.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation consistently earns praise for site layout and spacing. One camper stated, "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."
Family-friendly amenities: Great Divide Campground offers scheduled activities alongside natural features. "Great family run campground. Owners are a blast. Most sites are level. Some areas are a little steeper than I would like to set up on, but that's me. Nice small lake with boats to use. Nice small beach. Lots of weekend activities," wrote a satisfied visitor.
Flexible accommodation types: Yurt options in the Secaucus area provide alternative sleeping arrangements. "This is a beautiful campground with much to do around the grounds themselves. They had live music which was actually really good!!! A reggae band. We found plenty of trails to hike with our two dogs," commented a Great Divide Campground guest who enjoyed the diverse amenities alongside camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Turkey Swamp Park operates on a restricted schedule. "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," explained a visitor who stayed during the regular season.
Access challenges: Round Valley's wilderness campsites require effort to reach. "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," warned one camper about the remote sites.
Wildlife considerations: Tick activity varies by location and season. "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. I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us," reported one Turkey Swamp visitor during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Check platform availability: Many sites feature raised platforms that affect tent placement. A High Point State Park visitor shared: "I chose this campsite, 031, based on the photos on the reservation website and boy was I disappointed. We wanted to setup our large tent on the flat gravel driveway and our hammocks and relaxation area on the platform. The photos did not convey the actual steepness of this site!!"
Consider noise factors: Camp Glen Gray maintains a more structured environment for groups. "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions," noted a family that regularly visits this location near Secaucus.
Pack extra water supplies: Campgrounds have varied water access points. At Turkey Swamp Park, a visitor observed, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Panther Lake Camping Resort has terrain variations for RV parking. "Majority of sites are season all campers with LOTS of cottages... Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages. Other area of the place had water and electric but it would be hard to get in/out of if it had rained a lot as it was all on soft grass," cautioned one RVer.
Hookup limitations: Allaire State Park offers basic services at most sites. "We've stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites. It is well maintained with numerous trails to hike. Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there," commented a frequent visitor who appreciates the yurt camping options near Secaucus.
Hose length planning: Water connections may require extra equipment. A Mahlon Dickerson Reservation visitor advised, "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
