RV camping near South Plainfield, New Jersey offers convenient access to both coastal attractions and urban experiences. The area's elevation ranges from near sea level along the coast to 400 feet in western sections, with humid subtropical climate patterns bringing hot summers and mild winters. Campers should prepare for high humidity during summer months, as temperatures frequently reach above 85°F with nighttime lows rarely dropping below 65°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features several short hiking trails with the longest being 2.5 miles. "The trails are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," notes a visitor from Turkey Swamp Park.
Water activities: Fishing and boating options exist at multiple parks within 30 miles of South Plainfield. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. In summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," shares a reviewer about Turkey Swamp Park.
Archery practice: For campers interested in target sports, dedicated facilities exist at select parks. One reviewer mentioned that Turkey Swamp Park offers "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."
NYC sightseeing: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unique urban camping with city access. A camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park noted, "Minutes walk to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Science Center. Two blocks away from NJ Path train into Manhattan or take the ferry to Wall Street!"
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Several parks provide ample space between campsites. A Mahlon Dickerson Reservation visitor wrote, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings despite proximity to urban areas. "It is so quiet here. No amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods," explains a Mahlon Dickerson camper who appreciated the simplicity.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds regularly maintain their bathhouses and common areas. A camper at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center shared, "You get access to the showers with a key card and when you check in... Price is great at $45/night. FULL hookups as well."
Views and access: Some sites offer unique vantage points. "In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean," reported a visitor about site #1 at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at most parks in the region. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the forest," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor, making it a popular choice requiring advance booking.
Seasonal pests: Ticks can be prevalent in wooded New Jersey campgrounds. A candid Turkey Swamp camper reported, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads vary dramatically between campgrounds. At Indian Rock RV Resort, one visitor mentioned their site was "a big pull-through site," making access straightforward, while other parks have dirt roads that become challenging in wet conditions.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage and awareness in northern New Jersey campgrounds. "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys," mentioned a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks feature dedicated play spaces for children. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor noted, "There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground."
Swimming options: Water recreation provides entertainment for families during summer months. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road," shared a Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center visitor, describing nearby amenities.
Tent platform benefits: Raised platforms at select parks keep sleeping areas dry. "They have these 12x12 platforms to put your tent on. This was pretty cool especially since some of the sites are all gravel with surrounding dirt," explained a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds provide strategic locations near family entertainment. A visitor staying at Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground shared, "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Position your rig carefully to align with connections. A Military Park NJ National Guard camper noted, "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains."
Water hose requirements: Be prepared with appropriate hose lengths. "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," reported a Mahlon Dickerson visitor.
Urban camping considerations: City-adjacent RV parks have unique characteristics. A Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor explained, "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."
Big rig navigation: Some parks accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill," shared a Mahlon Dickerson visitor, providing helpful information for those with larger motorhomes.
