M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Camping near Somerset, NJ
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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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."
Best Campgrounds near Somerset (109)
1. Cheesequake State Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $200 / night
2. Round Valley State Park Campground
"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
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $79 / night
4. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / night
5. Spruce Run Recreation Area
"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. Lowe's - W Windsor
"Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye."
"Despite being conveniently located right off US1 and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there"
7. Liberty Harbor RV Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $145 - $180 / night
8. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"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."
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
9. Pleasant Valley Lavender
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $50 / night
10. Timberland Lake Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 38 min from Trenton, NJ
- 47 min from New York, NY
- 57 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 2 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Somerset, NJ
325 Photos of 109 Somerset Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cheesequake State Park CampgroundK
Pleasant Valley LavenderE
Round Valley State Park Campground
Camp Carr Campground
Turkey Swamp ParkJ
Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025
Spruce Run Recreation AreaY
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
Timberland Lake Campground
Jugtown Mountain CampsitesM
Inn the WoodsN
Recent Reviews near Somerset, NJ
718 Reviews of 109 Somerset Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
- KKelly B.
GuideStephens State Park Campground
Great last min getaway
Booked the day before—even on the holiday weekend! Just 1.5 hours outside of NYC, site was a bit close to the neighbors (fire pit was very far back and basically in the neighbors’ campsite, but we put up a “privacy clothesline” and hung a tarp over it for a bit of extra coverage.
The staff was friendly and helpful, they said it was the busiest they’ve seen the campground all year (there were lots of large groups but everyone seemed to settle down by 9:30pm
Poison ivy was EVERYWHERE at our site so make sure to stick to the open areas and the paths. Lots of families around, we felt very safe Bathrooms were fine—it was my impression they’re usually cleaner but the high traffic of the weekend left a bit to be desired, (lots of families around=dirty diapers in the bathroom trash bin) but it’s camping! I’m not gonna argue w a flushing toilet!
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Guide to Somerset
Somerset, New Jersey camping spots feature a mix of forested county parks and accessible reservoir-based campgrounds situated between 50-400 feet above sea level. While summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler alternatives with seasonal park closures typically occurring from November through March. Most campgrounds within a 30-mile radius require reservations at least two weeks in advance for weekend stays.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: At Round Valley State Park Campground, water activities center around a 2,350-acre reservoir that reaches 180 feet deep. "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," notes James R. The reservoir contains trout and offers multiple access points.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains an archery range with hay barrels for target practice. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," reports Dan W. The archery range operates year-round with seasonal hour adjustments.
Urban exploration: For campers seeking a metropolitan experience, Liberty Harbor RV Park offers unique access to New York City. "Two ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you to Manhattan. Jersey city has a lot of restaurants and bars walking distance," explains Karen S. The ferry costs $7-9 one-way and runs hourly from 7am-7pm.
What campers like
Wilderness feel with accessibility: Campers praise Mountainview Campground for its natural setting despite being near towns. "The drive up to this place was so breathtaking the entire way. Adorable little mountain houses, with bridges that go over a stream to get to their front door," writes Christina H. Sites feature fire rings with cooking grates and flat tent areas.
Wildlife encounters: The more remote campsites offer surprising wildlife viewing opportunities. "Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" reports Christina H. at Mountainview Campground. Morning hours typically offer the best viewing times.
Waterfront access: Many campers select sites with direct water views. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Many sites have a lovely water view of the reservoir. Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," notes Jocelyn G. Waterfront sites typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard sites.
What you should know
Primitive camping challenges: At Round Valley, sites require significant effort to reach. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon... you can only access by hiking 3 to 6 miles—or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water," explains Stuart K. Water must be filtered or obtained from designated pumps.
Noise considerations: Urban-adjacent campgrounds often experience traffic sounds. At Cheesequake State Park Campground, "The Parkway is right there so it's not a nice quiet place," mentions Stacey R. Sites farther from highways typically offer better sound conditions.
Tick activity: Several campgrounds report tick issues, particularly in wooded areas. "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," warns Laura Y. from Turkey Swamp Park. Bring repellent and conduct tick checks daily.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Cheesequake State Park works well for camping newcomers. "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, bathroom, shower, etc. The best part is all the trails," recommends Maggie A. Most sites accommodate one vehicle plus tent or RV.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days. Campsites well spaced apart. Staff friendly. Boats/Kayaks can be rented," reports Frank J. The playground areas typically close at dusk.
Seasonal activities: Some campgrounds offer special events during holidays. At Timberland Lake Campground, "We went to timberland lake last fall. it happened to be the Halloween weekend which was full of excellent activities from pumpkin painting to piñatas and trick-or-treating. Lake was beautiful," shares Ann Marie M. Event schedules are typically posted 2-3 weeks in advance.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: Many RV sites feature unpaved surfaces that can be challenging. "All roads are dirt, which was a bit surprising. They were well-maintained and in dry weather, not a problem, but probably not if it was rainy," notes Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park. Most sites require wheel blocks for leveling.
Hookup limitations: RVers should verify utility connections before booking. At Spruce Run, "There are some RV sites with water & electric which are not on the water, but in the parking lot. I would consider getting one on the water to enjoy the water and one in the parking lot to hook up the RV," suggests Ruette W. Electric services typically range from 30-50 amps depending on the campground.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at individual sites. "There is a dump station, but not the easiest to use," reports Shawn B. about Liberty Harbor RV Park. Most dump stations operate during daylight hours and may have limited accessibility during peak checkout times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any unique or cool campsites in the Somerset area?
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?
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?
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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