Best Campgrounds near Woodbridge, NJ

Campgrounds within 30 miles of Woodbridge, New Jersey provide a range of camping options from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Several established campgrounds serve the area, including Cheesequake State Park Campground just 8 miles south and Turkey Swamp Park approximately 15 miles southeast. While primarily offering developed camping experiences, these locations accommodate diverse preferences with tent sites, RV facilities, and in some cases, cabin rentals. The proximity to New York City makes these campgrounds popular for urban residents seeking accessible outdoor experiences without lengthy travel.

Access to campgrounds in the Woodbridge area typically requires advance reservations, particularly during peak season from April through October when most facilities operate at full capacity. Many campgrounds in central New Jersey close during winter months, with operating seasons generally running April 1 to October 31. Terrain throughout the region is relatively flat with some wooded areas, making most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles. Cell service remains strong throughout the region due to the proximity to urban areas. A visitor noted, "The sites are all pullthrough. There's lots of vegetation for privacy. We had a site on the perimeter, which are forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."

Campers consistently mention water features as highlights in the Woodbridge area camping experience. Several state parks and recreation areas feature lakes and reservoirs that provide fishing opportunities, with some offering boat rentals or swimming areas during summer months. While some campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption and impose quiet hours, many receive positive reviews for family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming facilities. Reviews frequently mention the balance between natural settings and urban convenience. As one camper described Round Valley Recreation Area, "Round Valley is certainly a must see for any type of outdoors person, or someone who appreciates relaxation in a gorgeous landscape. It is a semi-mountainous, forested setting with a very large lake." Proximity to both natural settings and urban attractions allows for diverse recreational activities within short driving distances.

Best Camping Sites Near Woodbridge, New Jersey (79)

    1. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "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."

    2. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $150 / night

    "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."

    3. Liberty Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Jersey City, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 516-7500

    $149 / 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."

    4. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / 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!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    5. Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area - CLOSED for 2025

    4 Reviews
    Bayonne, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (718) 354-4655

    $30 / night

    "You have a clear view of the Narrow bridge and at night the city lights light up your surroundings light a nigh light. The camp here has 7 campsites here and it fill up really fast."

    "this place is awesome when it comes to finding an affordable place to stay while in NY, this camp ground isnt your usual forest camp sites, however there are some beautiful views, and it is located in"

    6. Collective Governors Island

    5 Reviews
    Jersey City, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 445-2033

    $529 - $1200 / night

    "The article also mentions the benefits of camping on Governor Island, such as feeling close to nature, relaxing and enjoying a peaceful space, away from the noise of the city."

    7. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"

    8. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "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."

    9. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    10. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

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Recent Reviews near Woodbridge, NJ

518 Reviews of 79 Woodbridge Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    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, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, 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.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

  • Bob F.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Moon Valley Campground

    Very unique smaller private campground

    This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking , cruising etc. Bring your tent or use the existing glamping tents. Headed back for a fall weekend in the "dome" which has incredible views. Try it you won't be sorry.

  • Carrie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Panther Lake Camping Resort

    Horrid showers

    Probably the worst shower ever. The lights are timed. The water is a button. The space is small as hell.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.


Guide to Woodbridge

Camping near Woodbridge, NJ, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Harriman State Park - Beaver Pond. One camper mentioned, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, option for platform sites, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Fishing: Head to Round Valley State Park Campground for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The water was beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can spot various animals. One happy camper said, "Wooded sites, restrooms with showers clean and well stocked. Peaceful family campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Beaver Pond Campground noted, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "The staff person at Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park is so sweet!"
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the spacious sites that offer a sense of privacy. A review from Stokes State Forest stated, "Big spacious sites with a lot of privacy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds have noise issues, especially on weekends. A frustrated camper at Worthington State Forest Campground complained, "I'm typing this at 2:22 AM as the group site next to us has been playing amplified music into the wee hours of the morning."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp - Wharton State Forest mentioned, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."
  • Reservations Recommended: During peak seasons, it's wise to book your spot in advance. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground noted, "We had running water and an electric outlet. Our neighbors were quiet and respectful."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and game rooms. One family at Mountain Vista Campground said, "Lots of stuff to do for kids including a game room."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground advised, "The sites were big enough for play and privacy."
  • Plan Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals to make family camping smoother. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground shared, "We had everything we expected for a camping trip."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stokes State Forest mentioned, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for unpaved roads. A review from Turkey Swamp Park noted, "None of the roads are paved. All are packed sand."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A camper at Atsion Family Camp - Wharton State Forest mentioned, "Dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it."

Camping around Woodbridge, NJ, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping grounds near Woodbridge?

Woodbridge area offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson stands out with large, shaded sites separated by trees and shrubs, a fishing lake, playground, and numerous activities for children. For a more natural setting, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold provides 2,283 acres with a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. Both offer full hookups and clean facilities, making them perfect for families or those seeking a weekend getaway within easy reach of Woodbridge.

What state parks offer camping near Woodbridge?

Stephens State Park Campground offers a lovely camping experience in a natural setting, though it's worth noting some sites restrict pets and larger RVs may face challenges with access. Round Valley State Park Campground provides another excellent option with beautiful surroundings and recreational opportunities. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance from Woodbridge and offer the chance to enjoy New Jersey's natural beauty without traveling too far from the metropolitan area.

What unique or cool camping spots can I find near Woodbridge?

For a truly unique camping experience near Woodbridge, check out Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands of New Jersey, featuring wooded, large paved sites that are mostly level with water and electric hookups. It's perfect for hiking and exploration adventures. Another distinctive option is Great Divide Campground near Newton, offering a scenic setting with a small lake, pond, and surrounded by woods. This private campground provides a peaceful retreat in a beautiful natural environment near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.