We did the heavy lifting for you and came up with the 25 best campgrounds within 2 hours of New York City. You’ve been sitting at that desk all week and you know what you need to do. You know that a walk in Central Park isn’t going to get you the nature fix you need. It’s time to pack up the car and hit the road. We’ve included some that you’ve heard of, and some that you probably haven’t. From campgrounds with activities for the kids, to campsites that you have to hike 5 miles to reach, there is something here for everyone. The important thing is that you just…GO.
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New York
Fort Wadsworth: Staten Island, NY
Fort Wadsworth.
Fort Wadsworth has a great view of the harbor, and is a small campsite that will provide a nice getaway. There are are plenty of activities for the family, and the sites are large enough to accomodate 6 people. The sites have fire rings, and you can purchase firewood on-site.
Address:210 New York Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-354-4655
Tent: $30/night.
Website
Floyd Bennett Field: Brooklyn, NY
Floyd Bennett Field
Floyd Bennett Field is an old airport that was taken over by the National Park Service. Fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and even archery can be enjoyed at this park. The archery range has 8-10 targets and can be used as part of your camping reservation.
Address:1427 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11210
Phone:718-354-4606
Tent:$30
Website
Beaver Pond Campgrounds
Beaver Pond Campground
This place is nice and close to NYC, but during peak season it can get a little crazy. Large groups like Beaver Pond, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this might not be the best choice for you. That said, there is fishing and hiking, and showers. It’s a great place, but be prepared for a bit of a scene. In the off-season it’s great.
Address:700 Kanawaukee Road Stony Point, NY 10970
Phone:845-947-2792
Tent:$15-$22
Website
Fahnestock State Park
Fahnestock State Park
Fahnestock State Park is a 14,086 acre park with a lot for you to see and do, including the Hudson River Birding Trail. Birders will be in awe at the wide variety of species available for viewing. Fishing on Canopus Lake is also excellent. You can rent a rowboat at the park office use your own as long as you obtain a permit. The park also has excellent cross country skiing and snowshoe trails for winter recreation.
Address:1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512
Phone:(845)225-7207
Tent:$15-$19
Group Campsite: $2/person per night.
Website
Wildwood State Park
Wildwood State Park
Wildwood State Park offers 600 acres of undeveloped beauty for the adventurous spirit. Biking, fishing, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding are the main activities that bring visitors to the park year after year. The rugged, yet beautiful beach at Long Island Sound is also quite swimmable. It is one of the best campgrounds within two hours of New York City!
Address:790 Hulse Landing Road
Wading River, NY 11792
Phone:(631) 929-4314
Tent:$18-$34
Website
New Jersey
Wawayanda Campground: Hewitt, NJ
Wawayanda State Park
Wawayanda State Park is set at the site of an old iron smelting town. Many of the structures from that time are still visible. 255 acre Wawayanda Lake provides almost every recreation your heart desires. Paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and more can be rented daily. There are more activities here than you’ll know what to do with. Or maybe you’ll just do nothing, which is also encouraged.
Address:885 Warwick Turnpike Hewitt, NJ 07421
Phone:973-853-4462
Group Sites:$30-$140 depending on size of group
Website
Cheesequake State Park.
Cheesequake State Park has a nature center and plenty of hiking trails. Activities include camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and canoeing. The campsites are private, and the small six acre lake feel like you have it all to yourself.
Address:300 Gordon Road Matawan, NJ 07747
Phone:732-566-2161
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Website
Allaire Campground: Farmingdale, NJ
Allaire State Park
Allaire State Park has something for everyone. With tents, yurts, and shelters, every type of camper will be happy. There is an interpretive center and historic village, and even horseback trails if you’re feeling adventurous. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
Address:4265 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Phone:732-938-2371
Tent:$20 res/$25 non-res
Yurt:$35 res/$40 non-res
Shelter:$48 res/$60 non-res
Website
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park has 805 acres of trails and streams that will make any nature lover smile. The Musconetcong River has excellent trout fishing, and is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout annually. Not surprisingly then, fly fishing is quite popular here. There are 6 miles of trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Address:800 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Phone:(908)852-3790
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Website
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Kittatinny Valley State Park is over 5,000 acres and has 4 lakes for fishing, boating and kayaking. One of the lakes is actually the deepest natural lake in New Jersey. There are are two rather long trails for experienced hikers and bikers. The Paulinskill Valley Trail is 27 miles long and passes through rural landscapes and deciduous forests. The Sussex Branch Trail is 20 miles long and skirts lakes, fields, and several small communities. There is also geocaching available in the park for those looking to hunt treasure.
Address: Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860
Phone: (973)786-6445
Group Campsites:$42 res; $84 non-res
Website
Round Valley Recreation Area
Round Valley Recreation Area
Round Valley Recreation Area is home to a 2,000 acre reservoir. It’s the deepest lake in New Jersey, at 180 feet. The Round Valley reservoir is stocked with lake trout, making for excellent fishing, and is actually managed as a trophy lake. The camping here is great if you’re looking for seclusion. They have 85 wilderness family campsites that are from three to six miles in. Excellent water clarity also makes it popular with scuba divers.
Address:1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road Lebanon, NJ 08833-3115
Phone:(908)236-6355
Tent:$17 res; $22 non-res. 3-6 mile hike to sites.
Group Sites:$50 res; $100 non-res
Website
Spruce Run Recreation Area
Spruce Run Recreation Area
At 2,030 acres Spruce Run is the third largest reservoir in New Jersey. 29 species of fish make it a popular fishing destination as well. The Highlands Trail also runs through Spruce Run, which is a 150 mile long trail. The 2.6 mile section here takes hikers through a beautiful pine and then maple forest before exiting onto NJ Fish and Wildlife property.
Address:68 Van Syckel’s Road Clinton, NJ 08809
Phone:(908) 638-8572
Tent:67 tent and trailer sites. $20 res; $25 non-res.
Website
Voorhees State Park
Voorhees State Park
Voorhees State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. in the mid 1930’s. The park is also home to the largest working telescope available to the public in New Jersey. It’s the ideal destination for a stargazer, and programs are offered from March to November.
Address: 251 County Road Route 513, Clinton, NJ 08809
Phone:(908)638-8572
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Group campsites:50 people – $100 res; $200 non-res.
30 people – $60 res; $120 non-res
Website
Swartswood State Park
Swartswood State Park
Swartswood State Park was New Jersey’s first state park, meant to preserve access to Swartswood Lake, their third largest freshwater lake. Established in 1915, the park is a destination for water lovers from all over. In addition to anything you could possibly want to do on the water, there is also plenty of hiking. You won’t regret a weekend here.
Address:1091 E Shore Rd, Swartswood, NJ 07877
Phone:(973)383-5230
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Group sites:$40 res; $80 non-res
Yurt:$35 res; $40 non-res
Website
Jenny Jump State Forest
Jenny Jump State Forest
Jenny Jump State Forest is truly a unique camping experience. The 4,466 acre state forest was covered by glaciers 21,000 years ago. As they receded, they left large rock outcroppings called moraines. It makes for a stunning day of exploration. The campground is mellow, and will be the perfect place for you to kick back for the weekend. 11 miles of hiking trails will take you up to Jenny Jump mountain for spectacular vistas so be sure to bring your camera.
Address:330 State Park Rd, Hope, NJ 07844
Phone:(908)459-4366
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Group Sites:$50-$160
Shelters:2 rooms with bunks and wood burning stove. $48 res; $60 non-res.
Website
Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest
Stokes State forest is nice and large at 16,447 acres, and Sunrise Mountain is the most visited attraction. It offers an incredible view and has a shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. in the 1930s. Unique to the park is the 12.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail running along the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge. Overnight guests can crash at Steam Mill Campground, which offers a wide variety of accommodations.
Address:1 Coursen Rd, Branchville, NJ 07826
Phone:(973) 948-3820
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res.
Group Campsites:$60-$180.
Lean-tos:$35 res; $40 non-res.
Cabins: $55-$140
Website
Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing State Park
History buffs are going to love this state park, as it showcases the very spot that George Washington crossed the Delaware River on December 25th, 1776 and began their march to Trenton. Because the area is so historic, it features the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum and the Johnson Ferry House, which was likely used by Washington for a briefing on Christmas night. There are also 15 miles of trails in park, and it is home to a wide variety of birds.
Address:355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560
Phone:(609) 737-0623
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res.
Group Campsites:$30-$200
Website
High Point State Park
High Point State Park
High Point State Park is a small, quaint park that is a wonderful getaway for the weekend. The view from High Point Monument creates a stunning vista of three states. It also pays tribute to New Jersey’s war heroes, and is the main attraction of the park. The 20 acre lake is well stocked with trout and large mouth bass, so bring your filet knife.
Address:1480 New Jersey 23, Sussex, NJ 07461
Phone:(973) 875-4800
Tent:
Website
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a unique section of land, as there are depressions and foundations from an old town that used to be supported by the Lebanon Glass Works Company in the mid 1800s. These days, 37,242 acres are yours to roam and explore. Many visitors love that you can hear the sound of the Pine Barrens Tree Frog at night. 25 miles of marked trail and and the remains of Whitesbog Village will give you plenty to explore.
Address:Mile Marker 1
Highway Route 72 East
Woodland Township, 08088
Phone:(609) 726-1191
Tent:$20 res; $25 non-res
Group Campsites: $60-$120
Cabins:$55 res; $65 non-res
Yurts:$35 res; $40 non-res
Website
Goshen Pond Camping Area
Goshen Pond Camping Area
You won’t find much in the way of activities at the Goshen Pond Camping Area. It is secluded, and honestly, not that easy to get to. The last mile is a fairly sandy road that can present challenges, which is exactly what some campers want. Those with a watercraft will have the most fun here, as the pond is fun to explore while offering good fishing. If you really want to unplug, this might be just what you’re looking for.
Address:Shamong, NJ 08088
Phone:(609) 561-0024
Tent:contact office
Website
Mullica River Camping Area
Mullica River Camping Area
Mullica River Camping Area is paddle-in or hike-in ONLY. This type of camping is only for those who are very dedicated to reaching a remote location. It’s about 5 miles to paddle in, and 4-6 miles to hike in, depending on your starting point. The reward is worth it, as you will be about as unplugged as it gets. Don’t plan on fishing, as the brackish water doesn’t support marine life very well. This one is for those looking for a true adventure.
Address: 39.715314, -74.690768
Phone:(609) 561-0024
Tent: call office for details
Website
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area
Godfrey Bridge Camping Area is easy to get to and offers plenty of hiking, as well as a wading area. Bring a few tubes and you’ll be set up for a great afternoon of floating in the sunshine while decompressing.
Address:39.689033, -74.547391
Phone:(609) 561-0024
Tent: call office for details.
Website
Buttonwood Hill Camping Area
Buttonwood Hill Camping Area
Buttonwood Hill Camping Area is great for family camping. There are a lot of activities available, and it’s a great place to introduce kids to camping. If you’re looking for seclusion however, this might not be the best spot for you.
Address:39.626694, -74.488414
Phone:(609) 561-0024
Tent: call office for details.
Website
South Shore Campground
South Shore Campground
South Shore Campground sits on 67 acre Lake Absegami, and provides excellent fishing year around. Biking, boating, fishing, and swimming are the featured activities.
Address:39.626446, -74.432676
Phone:(609) 296-1114
Tent:$20
Group Campsites:$50
Lean-tos:$35
Shelters:$48
Cabins:$75
Website
North Shore Campground
North Shore Campground is spacious and perfect for escaping the crowds. The park offers plenty of hiking, canoeing, and swimming to keep the you occupied all weekend.
Address:39.632180, -74.425573
Phone:(609) 296-1114
Tent: Call office for details.
Website
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