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 Trenton, NJ
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The area surrounding Trenton, New Jersey provides a diverse range of campground options spanning multiple counties and two states. Washington Crossing State Park, located along the Delaware River, and Timberland Lake Campground in Cream Ridge offer tent and RV camping within 15-30 miles of the city. The region features several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV campers, with some locations like Turkey Swamp Park and Butterfly Camping Resort also offering cabin accommodations for those seeking additional comfort. State forests including Brendan T. Byrne and Wharton provide more natural settings compared to privately operated campgrounds.
Camping season in central New Jersey typically runs from April through October, with some campgrounds like Brendan Byrne State Forest remaining open year-round. Many developed campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. Sites with water and electrical hookups are common at private campgrounds, while state parks and forests often offer more primitive accommodations with fewer amenities. The region's relatively flat terrain makes most campsites accessible without specialized vehicles, though sandy soil can be challenging after rain. As one visitor to Butterfly Camping Resort noted, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."
Water features rank highly among camper experiences in the region, with several developed campgrounds offering lake access. Round Valley Recreation Area provides boat-in camping with what one camper described as "breathtaking scenery and gorgeous crystal-clear water." Turkey Swamp Park features a 17-acre lake with fishing and boat rentals, while Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers waterfront sites popular among kayakers. The New Jersey Pine Barrens region southeast of Trenton provides a unique ecosystem experience with sandy terrain and pine forests. Campgrounds closer to Philadelphia and Atlantic City tend to offer more amenities and organized activities but may experience more noise and crowding compared to the more secluded forest campgrounds. Most private campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, while state-managed properties typically offer more rustic camping experiences with fewer services.
Best Campgrounds near Trenton (105)
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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."
4. 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"
5. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
"First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
6. 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."
7. Tohickon Valley County Park
"Easy to drive in and out. No “camp store/ features” but there’s a local pool with swing sets within walking distance and lots of manageable trails along the cliffs."
"The Delaware Canal is nearby with the tow path for biking. That makes this a nice Bikepacking stop."
8. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."
"It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."
9. Butterfly Camping Resort
"Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."
"4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "
Check Availabilityfrom $64 - $78 / night
10. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."
"m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $72 / night
Drive Time
- 26 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 8 min from New York, NY
- 1 hr 14 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Trenton, NJ
220 Photos of 105 Trenton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Timberland Lake Campground
Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
Tohickon Valley County Park
Turkey Swamp ParkJ
Tinicum Park Camping
Butterfly Camping Resort
Brendan Byrne State ForestL
Camp Carr Campground
Tip Tam Camping Resort
Dogwood Haven Family Campground, LLCR
Round Valley State Park Campground
Ringing Rocks Family Campgroundk
Recent Reviews near Trenton, NJ
689 Reviews of 105 Trenton 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!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- 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.Guide
Stephens 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!
Guide to Trenton
Primitive camping sites near Trenton, New Jersey typically remain open from spring through fall, with seasonal restrictions varying by location. The region's sandy terrain creates unique camping conditions, especially in the Pine Barrens area where porous soil affects campsite conditions after rainfall. Temperatures range from cool spring nights in the 40s to humid summer days that can exceed 90°F.
What to do
Kayaking on reservoirs: Round Valley Recreation Area offers boat-in camping with exceptional water quality. As one camper notes, "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." The 2,350-acre reservoir provides ample space for paddling.
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park features significant Revolutionary War sites. "Every year, they re-enact Washington's troops crossing the Delaware! It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," explains one visitor.
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park provides designated archery facilities among its recreational options. "Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels. Ice skate on the lake in the winter or just enjoy a gorgeous walk in the woods," suggests a regular visitor who appreciates the variety of outdoor activities.
Hiking pine forest trails: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers extensive trail networks through the distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem. A camper shared, "Spent every summer here. Some of my favorite things about this place are... it's in the great NJ pine barrens. This place is fantastic! The smells, the sounds, the wildlife. Love it... the walking trails! There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Turkey Swamp Park features generously sized campsites with natural separation. "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Sites are level and well maintained. They also allowed us to put the car tent on the same site as a friend's camper," notes one satisfied visitor.
Waterfront camping: Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest offers lakeside sites with direct water access. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," recommends a regular camper.
Primitive wilderness experience: Round Valley Recreation Area provides true backcountry camping accessed by hiking or boating. "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!" states an experienced camper who appreciates the seclusion.
Clean facilities: Brendan Byrne State Forest maintains well-kept amenities despite its natural setting. A recent visitor observed, "The bathrooms and showers here were in really good condition, well cleaned and stocked, and was pleasant to use! The campsites are a little bit close to each and didnt offer much privacy but they were right in top of each other."
What you should know
Ticks and insects: Campsites throughout the region require proper preparation for ticks, especially in wooded areas. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor warned, "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."
Sandy soil conditions: Butterfly Camping Resort and other area campgrounds feature sandy terrain that affects camping comfort. One camper noted, "The site was sandy. I scored this a 4 because you can't beat the price for area. However my biggest issue is the sand for all pull-throughs... One thing didn't love: Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Timberland Lake Campground runs from March to December, while Turkey Swamp Park operates April through mid-November. Washington Crossing State Park typically closes for winter months.
Hike-in requirements: Round Valley Recreation Area's wilderness sites require physical effort to access. "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," advises an experienced visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Timberland Lake Campground offers programmed events for children. "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 tricker treating. Lake was beautiful," reported a parent with young children.
Playgrounds and recreation: Turkey Swamp Park provides dedicated play areas for different age groups. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing. We really enjoyed our stay," mentioned a family camper.
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas during summer months. At Atsion Family Camp, "While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," notes a frequent visitor.
Pool facilities: Butterfly Camping Resort maintains a swimming pool that extends the swimming season. "The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," according to a summer visitor, providing an alternative to natural water bodies when conditions are unsuitable.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: Sandy sites throughout the region require preparation. At Butterfly Camping Resort, one RVer advised, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."
Navigating tight spaces: Tohickon Valley County Park presents challenges for larger vehicles. "No electrical and no pets allowed in camp sites. But plenty of trees and huge fire rings in each spot. An RV would have a tough time but for car camping it's great," warns a visitor familiar with the campground layout.
Hookup locations: Turkey Swamp Park requires additional preparation for RV setups. "Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises an experienced RVer who has camped there multiple times.
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds near Trenton accommodate both short-term and seasonal campers. At Indian Rock RV Resort, "Many campers here are seasonal or long term stays and were very quiet and respectful," notes a recent visitor, indicating the mixed-use nature of campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tent camping available near Trenton?
Is tent camping available near Trenton?
Yes, tent camping is readily available near Trenton. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest offers tent sites in a beautiful forest setting about an hour from Trenton. The campground is run by the Department of Environmental Protection and provides tent, trailer, and group sites. Lower Forge Camp is one of New Jersey's few backpacking-accessible campgrounds, located on the Batsto River with access points from either Atsion (5+ miles) or Batsto (7 miles). These options provide peaceful tent camping experiences in natural settings not far from Trenton.
Where are the best campgrounds near Trenton, NJ?
Where are the best campgrounds near Trenton, NJ?
Several excellent campgrounds are within driving distance of Trenton. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers full hookups and is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Philadelphia, making it a great base for exploring both cities. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold is another top option with 2,283 acres, a 17-acre lake, hiking trails, and spacious campsites. For those seeking more natural settings, consider Timberland Lake Campground near Cream Ridge or Brendan Byrne State Forest, both offering wooded sites and recreational activities within an hour's drive of Trenton.
Are there free RV parking options around Trenton?
Are there free RV parking options around Trenton?
Free RV parking options are limited around Trenton. Most established campgrounds like Holly Acres RV Park and Butterfly Camping Resort charge fees for their amenities and hookups. Holly Acres offers full-service sites with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, WiFi, and cable, while Butterfly has large sites with trees and shrubs for privacy. For budget options, consider county parks or look for businesses that permit overnight parking. Always verify policies beforehand, as free overnight parking is not guaranteed and often restricted in New Jersey's urban and suburban areas.
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