Turkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
1 campground with availability this weekend
Collective Governors Island offers a luxury glamping experience on a unique island setting in New York Harbor, with upscale accommodations that blend outdoor living and metropolitan convenience. Glamping sites feature plush beds with premium linens, full electricity, private decks, and stylish furnishings that create a more refined experience than traditional camping. Located a short ferry ride from Manhattan, guests enjoy dramatic skyline views while staying in safari-style canvas tents and yurts equipped with climate control for year-round comfort. Most units include private en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, while some feature kitchenettes stocked with essentials for light meal preparation. One visitor noted, "The glamping experience feels close to nature while providing a peaceful space away from the noise of the city."
Nearby, Camp Glen Gray and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation provide additional glamping campsites within a short drive from New York City. These glamping resorts offer hiking trails that connect directly to accommodation areas, allowing guests to explore the surrounding woodlands without venturing far from their comfortable quarters. Visitors can alternate between outdoor adventures and cultural excursions, with many properties offering shuttles or easy access to public transportation into Manhattan. The surrounding areas feature seasonal farmers markets, wildlife viewing opportunities, and outdoor dining experiences that complement the upscale accommodations. According to a camper, "The cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. The trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions." Most glamping sites require reservations well in advance, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when availability becomes limited.
from $529 - $1200 / night
"Arrived to campsite late but easily found. Campsite and lean to was clean. Fire pit with grill and picnic table."
"There are level padded sites with electric and water (in warmer months). Sites were spaced out with beautiful woods in the background. Hiking trail goes right through the campground."
"Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions"
"One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp. Trading Post for treats and other items."
from $5 - $200 / night
"we hiked one of the few trails in the morning and it was clean and well marked. we kayaked after that and the one thing that wasnt very great was that we brought our own kayaks so we had a decent walk"
"Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric. sites are level and well maintained."
from $42 - $79 / night
"Fire pit had a medal grate to cook on. Beautiful area. we paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear"
"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"
"Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
"The campground is clean, the people who live there are friendly, very well organized, sites are big, street are easy to travel, the amnesties are good, the welcome center store is has the basic needs,"
"Love the area lots to do hiking fishing nature walks, something for everyone."
"Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."
"Love the pool and small pond for fishing it is well stocked with little fish. The barn with games is nice. They have theme weekends with lots of activities. Nice store & food by the pool."
"The pool was great and the laundry room was immaculate. Within about an hour from NYC...it appeared to be the closest nice campground we could find to explore the city."
"This campsite, CS52, was in the woods and we were able to get the illusion of privacy by parking the cars along the road as a makeshift wall and pitching our tents beside them, facing inward."
"This campsite was in the open grass area and not very private, but that was okay for this trip as I spent the days hiking around lakes and waterfalls in the area(45min drive)."
"Tent campsites have benches and a fire pit. Group campsites have large stove. The cabins seem clean and well maintained."
"The "shelter" is what we would describe as a "cabin"; four walls, a roof, locking door, locking windows, large picture frame front window, four beds(two bunks), a wood burning stove, and a porch."
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
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!
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my 6th grade Girl Scouts. We were at sites 23 and 24 which worked out great because they back up against each other. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are outlets at the bathroom building by the sink to charge any electronics. The playground is adequate and the field is big for playing. There are many things to do close by too like the observatory, Round Valley beach, Grounds for Art, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves and plan on returning.
Stayed three nights in a tent and enjoyed it very much. Sites have electrical hookups, shared water connections, large picnic table, and fire ring with adjustable grate. Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose. Bathrooms are clean; showers have separate stalls but they’re clustered together (not the most private). There are hiking and biking trails, a lake, and archery park. Staff are friendly. Office is open through 9pm, and firewood, ice, and bait for fishing are available. Site C3 is in an okay spot; it’s close to the bathroom and laundry room, but also right next to the playground. We were able to visit the beach; easy 25 minute drive to Asbury Park.
Beautiful park and very peaceful. Rangers are super friendly. This is exactly what camping should be.
The main issue with the sites was that they were primitive -- no water. The campsites were basically just wooden platforms, with a picnic table and fire pit. There were also a lot of bugs, though this may be due to the rain. The location itself was fairly pretty and there were a number of hiking trails of not-overly-serious difficulty. The particular site we picked left is a little farther from our car than we would have liked, but for other sites you can bring your car closer.
The campground was closed in 2024 for renovations. It is now open. I did a tour of the campgrounds but did not stay there. FYI, generators are NOT allowed at all at this campground. I did not see electric or water hookups. There are three loops. Each has it pros/cons. Sites 30-33 are near the bathroom facilities, sites 34-50 are more secluded, sites 52-65 are closer to the lake.
Campground: fairly secluded, forested, breezy with some wildlife. Small camp store. Ingress/Egress: Tight approach with multiple switchbacks and steep grades - if you’re coming in a towable rig over 36’ you might want to take a solo look first. Sites are oddly arranged and there aren’t any FHU sites. Cell: Verizon in spot C9 had 1-bar; we used Starlink for connectivity. Laundry: 3 washers & 3 dryers: $2.50 each. Dump Station: was close by (across the street) but we didn’t need it for our 3 day stay. Bathhouse: across the street, clean and we used it almost exclusively. Noise: Quiet with some small arms fire, but barely noticeable from our site. Site C9: can be viewed from Google street view site is north of the lake in the horseshoe road- some cabins are viewable as well. Site is gravel with composite picnic table, post metal grill and truck rim fire ring. Water pressure- fluctuated 30psi-50psi: hunted constantly. Cabins: available and in good order. They appear to be older, but still functional- mini log cabins $65/night (primitive-no bathroom)
Nice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.
Glamping near New York City offers secluded outdoor experiences within 90 minutes of Manhattan. The region features a mix of state forests and private campgrounds at elevations ranging from near sea level to over 1,000 feet in the surrounding highlands. Fall brings vibrant foliage displays typically peaking from mid-October to early November, while summer humidity can make waterfront sites particularly desirable.
Lake activities: Paddle boats and kayaks available for rental at Turkey Swamp Park, where campers can enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. "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 one visitor.
Mountain biking: Trail access directly from Allaire State Park campsites. "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between. Working village and antique train are available most of the year," states one regular visitor. The park hosts festivals throughout summer months with activities coordinated around holiday weekends.
Hiking with views: Several trails connect at Jenny Jump State Forest, ranging from short forest walks to longer ridge routes. One camper reported, "The space was reasonably priced, but we did have to pay an extra $5/day for our dog. However, we didn't mind as it was so private we felt like we had the entire Park to ourselves." Ghost Lake offers a popular destination within the park for day hikes.
Affordability: Budget-friendly options make overnight escapes accessible. At Round Valley State Park Campground, campers appreciate the value of wilderness camping. "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 one review.
Privacy: Secluded sites at many locations provide separation from neighboring campers. At Swartswood State Park, certain sites offer more seclusion than others. "Starting there, sites get more separated and a wee bit secluded. There are only 4 dog friendly sites, which we need. They are 42-45," explains a visitor who appreciates quiet camping.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms consistently appear in positive reviews. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, campers find dependable facilities. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups 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," mentions one camper.
Reservation timing: Book months ahead for summer weekends, especially for waterfront sites. At Turkey Swamp Park, campers should secure spots early. "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on," reports a satisfied guest.
Wildlife encounters: Black bears inhabit many camping areas near NYC. One camper at Swartswood State Park reported: "Three black bears strolled by the campsite next to ours in the early morning — gave us more of an energy boost after a sleepless night than our coffee!"
Site selection matters: Reviews often highlight substantial differences between sites at the same campground. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," notes a Turkey Swamp Park visitor describing the layout differences between camping areas.
Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities available at several locations, including Great Divide Campground which offers structured activities. "This was our first time camping and it was a success. Sites had room to move and it was quiet and peaceful. Kids had lots of fun on the free kayaks and pool. Staff was friendly and helpful," shares one family.
Swimming options: Pools and beaches provide water recreation for different ages. One Panther Lake camper notes, "Fun camping place to books groups. Very kid and pet friendly, lake to fish and kayak on, lots of activities, great pool and awesome hot tub."
Bug preparation: Tick protection essential, particularly in wooded sites. A Turkey Swamp visitor warns: "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."
Water hookup distances: Bring extra hose length at many New Jersey campgrounds where spigots may be far from electrical connections. "Nice campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric," advises an RVer at Swartswood State Park.
Terrain considerations: Sites often on hills require leveling blocks at campgrounds like Camp Glen Gray. "Great Camp!!! One rustic place with many hiking trails to choose from. Camp also provides trucking of gear weather permitting. No vehicles allowed to drive through camp," notes a visitor highlighting the unique vehicle restrictions.
Dump station availability: Limited full-hookup options mean planning for waste management. "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N. Y. City," reports an RVer at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation who appreciated the convenient transit options while still enjoying a rural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near New York City, NY is Collective Governors Island with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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