Camping near Winfield, New Jersey offers varied terrain from coastal shorelines to forested highlands with elevations ranging from sea level to over 1,000 feet in the northwest regions. Northern New Jersey camping locations experience seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 82-88°F and winter camping opportunities limited by snowfall and freezing temperatures. Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations and have limited availability on summer weekends.
What to do
Beach activities: 1 mile from campground. Sandy Hook's oceanfront location provides swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during summer months. One camper noted, "We spent 3 nights here last week. Very convenient location. My wife visited Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island."
Hiking: Multiple difficulty levels. Cheesequake State Park features trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels for casual walkers and experienced hikers alike. A visitor mentioned, "The 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."
Boating: Rentals available seasonally. At Turkey Swamp Park, visitors can enjoy the lake with rental options. "Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from. Campsites are roomy with electric and water hookups," explains one camper who enjoyed the water activities.
Archery: Free with equipment. Turkey Swamp Park offers archery facilities with hay bale targets available to practice your skills. A regular visitor explains: "We go every year. It has everything the outdoorsman could ask for. Bring your bow and shoot at the hay barrels."
What campers like
Quiet wooded sites: Spacious and private. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers enjoy the natural setting with ample space between sites. One reviewer stated, "This county park has large, wooded campsites with electric and water. It's beautiful and quiet, and close to beautiful hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor recreation opportunities."
Easy NYC access: Multiple transit options. Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City provides convenient access to Manhattan via multiple transportation options. A camper noted, "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."
Hiking trails: Connected to campsites. Beaver Pond Campground provides direct access to trail networks including portions of the Appalachian Trail. One visitor appreciated that "Offering the stunning views of the changing foliage, quick glances at the Hudson River and the rolling hills of the area."
Lake swimming: Seasonal activities. Round Valley State Park offers lakefront camping with swimming access during warmer months. A camper described, "Beautiful and quaint..a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature."
What you should know
Bear activity: Proper food storage required. At Harriman State Park, campers need to be aware of local wildlife. "The wildlife do roam around your campsite so be mindful of putting food and garbage away before sleeping," warned one reviewer.
Seasonal operations: Limited winter camping. Most campgrounds near Winfield close between November and April, with Round Valley State Park Campground operating from April 1 to October 31. Check official park websites for current dates before planning trips.
Campsite access: Hike-in requirements. Round Valley offers true wilderness camping requiring physical effort to reach. "Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir," noted one camper, adding "I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear."
Tick exposure: Prevention needed. Turkey Swamp Park has reported tick issues during warmer months. One camper 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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: First-timer support. Cheesequake State Park provides an accessible introduction to camping for families new to outdoor experiences. A reviewer shared, "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."
Playground access: Multiple locations. Pleasant Valley Lavender offers quiet tent camping with easy access to central New Jersey attractions and facilities for children. "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with... peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways," noted one visitor.
Beach access: Family activities. Beaver Pond Campground offers access to Welch Lake with a lifeguard-monitored beach during summer. A camper described it as a "Great location and quick to get to from NYC. 45 minute drive and location has a lot of amenities."
Water safety: Supervised swimming. Sandy Hook provides lifeguard-monitored beaches suitable for families with children of all ages. "Very reasonable rates to pitch a tent. You get a private space with a fire pit. Ocean is close with lifeguards," explained a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: End spots preferred. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, choosing the right location makes a difference in your experience. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," advised one RVer.
Water connections: Longer hoses needed. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation requires extended water hoses at some sites. A reviewer mentioned, "The water hoses provided are plenty long. We didn't need to use our hose at all, just the filter."
Urban camping: City access priority. Liberty Harbor provides basic facilities for RVers focused on city access rather than traditional camping amenities. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," shared one RVer.
Off-season advantages: Quieter experience. Beaver Pond Campground offers a better RV experience during weekdays and off-peak times. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," reported a visitor.
