7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several campgrounds surround Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, providing options within an hour's drive of this suburban community. Round Valley State Park Campground in Lebanon offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations with boat-in and hike-in access. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation near Jefferson provides a mix of tent, RV, and cabin camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites. The area supports a range of developed campgrounds that vary from state parks to privately operated camping resorts, with most facilities concentrated along the region's lakes, reservoirs, and forested areas.
Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter access. Cheesequake State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes east of Berkeley Heights, maintains regular operating hours from April 1 to October 31. Facilities at most locations include drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though electrical hookups and shower availability vary significantly between campgrounds. Travelers should verify their specific campsite amenities before arrival, as state parks and private campgrounds maintain different standards. A camper noted, "Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, with limited amenities, so checking in advance is essential."
Campers report mixed experiences with privacy and noise levels at regional campgrounds. The proximity to urban areas creates a unique camping environment where nature and city sounds often blend. One visitor commented, "The campground is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy or can be close to someone if you want." State parks like Cheesequake and Round Valley receive generally positive reviews for their hiking trails and water recreation, though visitors mention hearing highway noise at some locations. Mixed-use campgrounds like Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provide urban camping experiences with city views but less natural seclusion. Several campgrounds in the area feature lake access for swimming and fishing, particularly at Panther Lake Camping Resort and Spruce Run Recreation Area, both within reasonable driving distance from Berkeley Heights.
"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."
"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."
from $200 / 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."
from $145 - $180 / night
"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."
"It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
"Panther lake was a pretty good campground with lots of spots to camp at. Our campsite had a picnic bench and a fire ring. They offer both RV and primitive camping."
"The Lake is the gem of the campground with a really nice beach, good for fishing and kayaking. The negatives were the bathrooms. They are very primitive and quite dirty."
"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."
"Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground."
"All the positive reviews about this place are accurate! Beautiful, clean, well maintained, lots to do, great value for your $$"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $50 / 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!"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
from $42 - $79 / night
"There are dumpsters but no recycling (not sure if New Jersey segregates recycling after pickup). ATT had some reception but we forgot to check the Verizon phone. "
"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"
TravelerMike grandson and I had a fun time he enjoyed the little beach and especially the playground. The staff in the office were very nice. Bathrooms were clean but can be updates.
ScoutWater/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
LegendNestled 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!
LegendLocated 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!
LegendThere'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!
ScoutOn 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.
ScoutPast reviews has mentioned that the office seems to be closed often, while I found that to be true I had no reason to contact anyone. This is definitely one of the cleanest quiets site I’ve ever visited
RangerWe 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.
GuideBooked 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!
Camping spots near Berkeley Heights, New Jersey exist primarily in the forested highlands and reservoir areas to the west, with most located between 20-60 minutes driving distance. The region's camping season typically runs April through November, with several parks maintaining winter accommodations for cold-weather campers. Most locations experience heavy weekend demand during summer months with weekdays offering greater site availability.
Boating on Spruce Run Reservoir: Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboats and rowboats at Spruce Run Recreation Area when camping here. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Hiking varied trails: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation offers hiking opportunities through wooded terrain with minimal elevation changes. "We always hike to the lake here, it's a very easy hike and also very peaceful," writes one camper. Another visitor at Spruce Run Recreation Area mentioned, "Several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times."
NYC sightseeing access: Camp near the city with direct ferry access. "There is a ferry 100-yards away that takes you to Wall Street M-F. There is a great market about 1/4 of a mile away, and the path that can take you to WTC or 33rd Street area is only a mile away," reports a camper at Liberty Harbor RV Park.
Remote wilderness camping: Boat-in or hike-in sites at Round Valley offer rare seclusion near Berkeley Heights. "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!" notes a visitor at Round Valley State Park Campground.
Lake fishing opportunities: Most nearby campgrounds feature fishing access at their lakes or reservoirs. "The campground is small but also secluded. We always hike to the lake here, it's very easy hike and also very peaceful," shares a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Spacious wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced campsites with natural barriers. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," comments a Turkey Swamp visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of bathrooms differs significantly between locations. "The bathroom was absolutely disgusting. I thought with COVID they were cleaning them more, but for the entire weekend, someone's #2 remained all over the toilet, floor, and corner wall," reports a Spruce Run camper.
Insect preparation needed: Ticks present challenges at some locations, particularly in wooded areas. A Turkey Swamp camper warns, "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."
Boat-in only sites: Some campgrounds require watercraft to access. "We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," notes a Round Valley visitor. Another camper at the same location adds, "If you get a site on the water, you can take a boat across to to your site (check the site for regulations/restrictions)."
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers should consider fully-developed sites. "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," explains a visitor at Cheesequake State Park Campground.
Kid-focused activities: Some campgrounds organize recreational programs for children. A camper at Great Divide Campground states, "The common area, along with the pool, had a small soccer field and volleyball court. They also had scheduled activities for kids."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "The parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises," notes a Cheesequake visitor. Similarly, another camper shares, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," regarding Spruce Run.
Water access challenges: Many sites require extended water hoses. "Water hookups 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," notes a Mahlon Dickerson camper.
Limited full-hookup availability: Full service sites can be scarce. "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," advises a Spruce Run visitor.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," explains a Liberty Harbor RV Park camper who added, "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Berkeley Heights, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Berkeley Heights, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 133 campgrounds and RV parks near Berkeley Heights, NJ and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Berkeley Heights, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Berkeley Heights, NJ is Round Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Berkeley Heights, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Berkeley Heights, NJ.
What parks are near Berkeley Heights, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Berkeley Heights, NJ that allow camping, notably Gateway National Recreation Area and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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