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Best Campgrounds near Somerset, NJ

670 Reviews

Campgrounds near Somerset, New Jersey range from established state parks to private RV resorts within a short drive of the city. Turkey Swamp Park offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins on its 2,283 acres, featuring a 17-acre lake and pull-through sites with abundant vegetation for privacy. Cheesequake State Park Campground provides shaded tent and RV sites just 30 minutes from Somerset, while Round Valley State Park Campground offers more remote boat-in and hike-in camping experiences. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent campers seeking woodland experiences and RV travelers needing full hookup amenities.

Most state park campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April 1 to October 31, with private campgrounds often extending their seasons slightly longer. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. New Jersey state parks enforce quiet hours and typically prohibit alcohol consumption, though enforcement varies. Many campgrounds feature electrical hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, but tent campers should note that some sites can be rocky or uneven. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with nearly all public facilities closing for the season. A camper noted, "The sites are all pull-through with plenty of vegetation for privacy. We had a site on the perimeter, which offered forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds featuring lakes or reservoirs. Round Valley Recreation Area offers more primitive camping experiences with boat-in and hike-in sites around its reservoir, providing a wilderness feel despite being relatively close to urban areas. Families particularly appreciate Turkey Swamp Park for its recreational amenities, including kayak rentals, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Campers seeking convenience value the Liberty Harbor RV Park in nearby Jersey City, which provides urban camping with views of the Manhattan skyline and easy access to public transportation. Several visitors highlighted the balance of natural settings with accessibility to urban amenities. One reviewer wrote, "Stokes is nestled in a beautiful part of New Jersey and it's just remote enough that you can get away from the crowds and activity while still being in a short driving distance of restaurants, grocery stores, etc."

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Best Camping Sites Near Somerset, New Jersey (104)

    1. 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."

    2. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    20 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."

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    24 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"

    4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / 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. Spruce Run Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Bethlehem, NJ
    26 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."

    6. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    17 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"

    7. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    Titusville, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 737-0623

    $50 - $100 / night

    "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

    "Good for biking and dog walking."

    8. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    9. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / 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."

    10. Mountainview Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bloomsbury, NJ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 996-2953

    "We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."

    "Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Somerset, NJ

368 Photos of 104 Somerset Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Somerset, NJ

670 Reviews of 104 Somerset Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    Amazing campground with helpful staff and disc golf course

    The name says it all. It has boulders and woods.  The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did.  It was super tight.  Gorgeous place though.  They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs.  That's where we fell in love with disc golf.

    We stayed there in August 2017.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Good for the river

    It’s on the Delaware so that’s nice, but being so attracts a lot of tourists. Which seems like most of them never have any courtesy for other campers. Always a few sites blasting music till late hours. Cars speeding around the campsite. In the three weekends we’ve been here the park rangers only patrolled one night each time.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

Guide to Somerset

Camping near Somerset, 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 several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds have great trails. For example, at Round Valley State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier." So, be prepared for some challenging hikes!
  • Fishing and Boating: At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, visitors can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One reviewer said, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Exploring Beaches: If you head to Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, you can enjoy beautiful beaches. A local shared, "We are local and have spent most of our beach days at Sandy Hook. It’s one of our all-time favorite places."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one visitor said, "The hiking and scenery are absolutely breathtaking."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A reviewer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "The campground is really well maintained and beautiful!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Mountainview Campground, a guest said, "The staff took us out to the site with our bundles of firewood and helped us back the camper into the perfect place."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. For instance, at Spruce Run Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "Showers were cold water only and very cold at that."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or other campers. One visitor at Cheesequake State Park Campground said, "While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife. A camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort noted, "There were lots of deer around but we kept our ankles covered."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Jenny Jump State Forest, one reviewer mentioned, "There is a water fountain outside of them. One of the bathrooms has a playground next to it for people with kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A family at Great Divide Campground enjoyed the "swimming beach" and "playground."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area mentioned, "We spent 1.5 hours shaking everything out after we went to watch the sunrise," highlighting the importance of keeping food secure.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground said, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray to keep the pests away. One camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort warned, "I got attacked by mosquitos."
  • Arrive Early: Get to your campground early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Great Divide Campground noted, "As this campground becomes more popular it is harder to book a site."

Camping around Somerset, NJ, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any unique or cool campsites in the Somerset area?

Somerset offers several unique camping experiences. Walter's Boat In Campsites in Delaware Water Gap provides a true adventure as these sites are only accessible by canoe or kayak, offering a peaceful riverside experience managed by the National Park Service. For a distinctive wooded setting, Great Divide Campground features scenic landscapes with a small lake and pond surrounded by forests. The campground provides a beautiful natural environment for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while still having access to amenities. Both options offer unique experiences that allow campers to connect with nature in different ways—one through the adventure of water access and the other through a picturesque wooded setting with water features.

Where are the best campgrounds in Somerset?

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stands out as one of the best options in the Somerset area, featuring large, wooded, and mostly level paved sites with water and electric hookups. Its location in the Skylands of New Jersey makes it ideal for both short stays and longer vacations, with convenient access to hiking trails. Turkey Swamp Park is another excellent choice, offering 2,283 acres of natural beauty including a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. The campground is well-maintained with paved sites and is conveniently located near Revolutionary War battlefields, providing both natural beauty and historical interest for campers.

What amenities do Somerset camping sites offer for tent campers?

Tent campers in Somerset have excellent options with various amenities. Stokes State Forest offers tent-friendly camping at locations like the Steam Mill Camping Area, which features 27 primitive sites specifically designed for tents or small trailers. The forest provides a remote experience while still being within driving distance of stores and restaurants. Stephens State Park Campground offers lovely tent camping sites in a natural setting, though it's important to note their no-pets policy at some locations. Tent campers at these parks typically have access to basic amenities like potable water sources, restroom facilities, and designated camping areas with fire rings and picnic tables, all while enjoying the natural surroundings of New Jersey's forests.

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