New Jersey is often overlooked when it comes to camping. However, New Jersey has an amazing variety of places to see that are close to urban centers, so urban camping is a great way to experience it. In the far north, the Catskills and the Poconos provide mountainous and beautiful environments year-round, and you also have proximity to New York City. The NJ coast is some of the finest beach territories on the East Coast, and toward the south, you get open plains. New Jersey gets all four seasons but generally does not experience extremes of any weather — it gets a milder summer than Washington, D.C., and more southerly locations and milder winters than Boston without too much rain or snow. New Jersey is the Garden State, so you can expect plenty of great farmer’s markets and local products depending on when you decide to go urban camping. Camping near the cities of NJ gets you ready access to the natural beauty of the state as well as diverse, fun city life that’s just a train ride away.
Urban RV Parks in New Jersey
Liberty Harbor RV Park
Jersey City is a beautiful place for urban camping because you can get amazing views of the New York City skyline and the downtown Jersey City skyline. At Liberty Harbor RV Park, you have immediate access to New York via subways and ferries if you want to check out the city where there is a lifetime of sights to see. There is a lot to do in the JC and Hoboken area as well, with great restaurants and lots of local history.
Indian Rock RV Park & Campground
Newark is NJ’s biggest city, and it is also fairly close to New York City, so you get great access. It is near Six Flags and the countryside too, with easy driving that places you out away from the city if you want to get some fresh air. Newark is a diverse and exciting city in its own right with a lot to see, and it is also the gateway to all of North NJ via driving and public transport. If you’re looking to explore all that Newark has to offer, Indian Rock RV Park & Campground is an excellent home base.
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
If you want a campground that is within a close drive of Philadelphia, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA is a good choice. Philly is the city that influences all of South Jersey the same way New York influences North Jersey, and it’s easily accessible when you stay at this charming KOA in Clarksboro, NJ. Form here, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of South Jersey, and the campground has all of the plentiful campground amenities that are synonymous with KOA.
Chestnut Lake RV Campground
Chestnut Lake RV Campground offers a relaxing respite from the excitement of the Garden State. There is an on-site lake that guests love to fish in, and there’s also a nice pool. Additionally, with laundry facilities, mini-golf, horseshoe pits, boat docks, a picnic area, and more, you will never have to leave the campground! However, when you are ready to venture out, Atlantic City is a seaside community with lots of big hotels and casinos, as well as a beautiful beach and a large boardwalk that is a must-see. This is a beautiful part of the state and allows you to get a look at southern New Jersey, as well as the coast and the beach.
Cape May KOA
Cape May is farther south than Atlantic City, and it is less dense, but it still has great beach access and beautiful wilderness. At the Cape May KOA, you can enjoy a swimming lake with beach access, fishing, volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pool, and more. Be sure to check the schedule as they often have themed weekends during the summer. If you love the outdoors but you don’t want to get too far from a city, this is the spot for you.
Where to Urban Camp in New Jersey
New Jersey has something different in every region. The farther north you go, the closer you get to NYC and all of its attractions, and once you get into the northern tip of the state, you are in a mountainous and rural area that also contains part of the Appalachian Trail. It’s near upstate Pennsylvania and New York as well, so you can dip into other states. When you go south, you get to Philadelphia and also closer to the coastal wetlands, which are a different experience entirely.
Urban RV Camping in New Jersey
When you plan to visit New Jersey, keep in mind that it is the most densely populated state in the U.S. Wherever you are, you are probably not too far from a town where you can shop, get gas, and eat at a diner. That said, the state does get storms, and especially in the winter, it can be hard to get around if there is a lot of snow and ice on the road.
New Jersey has a few idiosyncrasies. For example, it is not legal to pump your own gas. In general, the roads are fairly easy to navigate, and the highway system is robust, so it is not hard to get where you want to go if you have a good navigation app or roadmap. There is a lot for you to explore in NJ, and it is a fairly easy place to start if you are new to urban camping because it is more accessible than other states without sacrificing having a lot of great things to do and to see.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for more RV travel tips and ideas.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
