Camping sites near Westfield, New Jersey range from basic tent platforms to RV-friendly parks with full hookups, all within 15-50 miles of town. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 10-400 feet above sea level, with camping seasons typically running April through November. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping conditions, with summer nights averaging 65-75°F and spring/fall temperatures dropping to 40-55°F overnight.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Round Valley State Park Campground offers access to New Jersey's deepest lake with excellent fishing. "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 one camper.
Urban exploration: Liberty Harbor RV Park serves as a convenient base for city adventures. "Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door," according to a visitor.
Hiking trails: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation features multiple trail systems for day hiking. "Make sure to visit Headley overlook and hike the awesome trials that surround the campsites," suggests one camper who notes the area is "beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Water recreation: Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area allows access to both beach and bay waters. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people. Boat from New York City," reports one visitor, while another mentions "there is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Turkey Swamp Park provides spacious, wooded sites. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," reports one camper. Another notes, "The campground was super clean too."
Water views: Spruce Run Recreation Area offers camping along its reservoir. "The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade. You can launch your kayak easily from the shore," mentions one visitor. Another camper reports, "Our site was on the water and it was really nice. A duck visited us every morning."
Urban skyline views: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides unique city vistas. "Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless," notes one camper. The park is "a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc."
Family-friendly amenities: Turkey Swamp Park includes multiple recreational options. "Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," reports one visitor, while another mentions "plenty to do over a 2 night stay."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds near Westfield experience noise from nearby highways or urban areas. At Spruce Run Recreation Area, "You can hear 78, especially at night once the campground settles down," notes one camper. Another mentions, "It was very loud and rowdy into the late night. There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!"
Access limitations: Round Valley State Park Campground requires significant effort to reach. "The campsite appears to be designed as a disbursed camping design. However, there is not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy," notes a visitor. Other campers warn, "The hike is a pretty strenuous hike, but you'll be rewarded for the effort!"
Urban camping reality: Liberty Harbor RV Park functions primarily as a base for city exploration. "It's basically a parking lot with a dump station. Not much else," according to one candid review. Another notes, "The 'campground' is nothing special. Literally a parking lot with water & electric hookups."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays between May and September. Sites at popular locations like Turkey Swamp Park and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation fill weeks in advance during summer.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Panther Lake Camping Resort offers numerous recreational options. "Big campground, lots of sites, nice pool, big community hot tub, boating is great, good fishing, nice playground, basketball court and great amenities," according to one visitor. Another notes, "Lots of activities to keep kids busy which was nice."
First-time camping: Cheesequake State Park serves as a beginner-friendly option. "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," reports one camper.
Campground navigation: Many campgrounds have specific family areas. At Panther Lake, a visitor notes, "We were able to get a secluded spot in the woods which was great! 2 teenage girls had a blast in the lake and riding their bikes around."
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report wildlife encounters. Turkey Swamp Park has notable tick populations, with one camper reporting, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides basic services. "Pluses, 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," reports one RVer. Another notes, "The sites had electric and water and were in a fenced off section of the marina parking area."
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have uneven sites. At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors note "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose," while Mahlon Dickerson campers report, "The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large. Water and electric hookups and a dump station."
Seasonal considerations: Operating seasons vary by park. Spruce Run Recreation Area operates April 1 to October 31, and one visitor notes, "They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites, and if you need to, you can go and request if they could cut your grass if it's too long."
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. One camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation recommends, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City."
