Cheesequake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Cheesequake State Park in New Jersey is one of the most unique in the state because of its geographical location. It lies between the urban north and suburban south locations of the state, but it’s in a unique transitional zone between two different ecosystems, meaning visitors can experience open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a fishing lake, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens and a hardwood forest. Campers, fishers, hikers and more have been enjoying the 1,610-acre park and its various nature attractions since 1940. Thinking of a visit to Cheesequake State Park? Read on to see what else makes it worth a visit!
Spring 30s-70s F
Summer 60s-80s F
Fall 50-70 F
Winter 20s-40s F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cheesequake State Park
In an RV, you can experience a comfortable and cozy glamping experience. Ditch your tent under the stars for an RV with a private bathroom, kitchen for easy snacking and best of all, a bed to call your own for the trip. If you’ve decided on an RV for your Cheesequake State Park camping trip, consider renting one fromRVshare.com. It’s easy to find the perfect, completely custom RV that fits your budget and all your needs. The helpful support team can walk you through it, plus all rentals come with nationwide insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Once you’ve selected the perfect RV, the ideal camping site should follow. There are campsites available right on site at Cheesequake State Park, so you can have fun at the park and not have a long drive back to your home away from home! Open between April 1 through October 31, there are 53 tent and trailer sites available with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are available within walking distance. Keep in mind there is an 11-foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area. The popular campsites fill up quickly, but luckily there are several campgrounds in the area. Here are some worth checking out:
Pine Cone Resort
Just a little over a half hour from the State Park in Freehold, NJ is Pine Cone Resort, a family-friendly campground with 125 campsites that is open year-round. With both wooded and open sites, the tranquil setting is perfect for kicking back, relaxing and enjoying all the amenities the campground has to offer! Rates begin at $50 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming pool, free cable TV, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, playground, soccer and softball field, laundry, camp store, restrooms, free hot showers and RV storage facilities.
Timberland Lake Campground
About 45 minutes from the state park, Timberland Lake Campground offers over 200 sites across 54 acres. The ideal location is nearby Six Flags Great Adventure Park, popular area beaches and much more. There’s plenty of fun nearby, but also lots of amenities to enjoy right at the campground like a swimming pool, lake for boating, themed weekends and much more. Rates begin at $55 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi:
Pet-friendly:
Other amenities: free cable TV hookup, private lake for fishing and boating, Olympic sized pool (open Memorial Day-Labor Day), propane refills, pump out service and free dump station, camp store, arcade, three bath houses with free hot showers, theme weekends and hourly activities, evening events, playground with mini-golf, horseshoe pit, pool table, darts.
What to Do at
Cheesequake State Park
Inside Cheesequake State Park
From hiking through the two ecosystems that make Cheesequake State Park unique to swimming or even winter activities, there is so much to do and see inside the State Park. There is truly something for everyone in your family or group. Here are some of the must-do activities:
Trails – There are five designated trails within Cheesequake State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, running, walking, mountain biking and more. The trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles and difficulty levels range from easy to moderate, with inclines, so there is a trail for every member of your family. The trails are one of the best ways to experience firsthand the unique ecosystems located throughout the park!
Fishing – Anglers will love trying their hand at freshwater fishing at the Hooks Creek Lake within the state park. There is also crabbing available from the Crabbing Bridge, which is ADA accessible. The six-acre lake offers trout, largemouth bass, catfish and sunfish.
Other Water Activities – If you’re not a fisher, there are plenty of other water activities to enjoy such as boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming! Boating, canoeing and kayaking is permitted Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend with car top boat launching only.
Swimming is permitted in the Hooks Creek Lake only while lifeguards are on duty, and a schedule can be found on the state park website. The beach area offers a changing area, restrooms, concession stand and first-aid station.
Picnicking – When you’re ready for a break from the fun, there are several picnic areas located throughout the park. These smaller areas have tables and grills. There are also two group picnic areas available to reserve for a fee, with the ability to hold up to 150 and 100 people, respectively. Reservations may be required.
Winter Activities – The fun doesn’t stop at Cheesequake State Park during the winter months! Enjoy wintertime fun like sledding, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the roadways and field areas and snow shoeing is permitted throughout the park during the winter months.
Outside Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park is located nearby one of the state’s most popular theme parks as well as the world famous Jersey Shore. Once you’ve experienced all the state park has to offer, there’s plenty more to do nearby. Here are some of the best local attractions to check out:
Restaurants
What better way to cap off your day than a delicious, family meal at a local restaurant. From homemade Italian to American in a chic, casual atmosphere, there is something to appeal to even the pickiest eaters in your family. Here are some of the local restaurants worth checking out:
The Pine Tavern
The Pine Tavern is located just 10 minutes from the State Park and offers lunch and dinner options in a rustic, pub-like space. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pasta, seafood, chicken, steak and much more.
Type: American
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Grillestone Old Bridge
Just minutes from the state park is Grillestone, a chef-driven concept that offers hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, signature burgers, gourmet sushi and much more, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The casual and chic atmosphere makes it the perfect location for lunch or dinner with family and friends after fun at the park.
Type: American
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Café Luna
Café Luna is the perfect place for a large family meal with Italian comfort food! Enjoy classic Sicilian dishes including hot and cold appetizers, signature pizzas, homemade pasta, fish, meats and much more.
Type: Italian
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Sightseeing
Local Beaches and Boardwalks
Locals and visitors alike enjoy spending time along the Jersey Shore. The area is known for the boardwalks, beaches and various amusements along the way! Ranging from about a half hour to an hour from the State park, there are plenty of beaches and shore towns nearby, perfect for a beach day trip, boardwalk fun and much more.
Location: Various locations
Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari
Enjoy rides for all ages, including your little ones, character entertainment, a Safari, animal programs and much more at Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari. The theme park is located about 45 minutes from the State Park, it’s a great daytime activity the entire family is sure to enjoy.
Location: Jackson, NJ
Rutgers Gardens
Part of Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens is a 180-botanic garden that does not charge admission! It’s open year-round and visitors can enjoy designed gardens, plant collections, a student farm, farmers market and natural habitats.
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
How to Get to
Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park is located at 300 Gordon Road in Matawan, NJ. It is accessible from exit 120 off of the Garden State Parkway and also from Route 34. For more information and directions, click here.
Entering Cheesequake State Park
There is a fee to enter Cheesequake State Park per vehicle, charged from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Cheesequake State Park Residents : $5.0
$10 on weekends and holidays
Cheesequake State Park Non-residents : $10.0
$20 on weekends and holidays
Cheesequake State Park is one of the most unique in the area, and sure to be a hit for your next camping trip. We can’t wait to hear about it all! When you snap great family or nature photos, don’t forget to tag us, or shoot us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesequake State Park
The climate of Cheesequake State Park is humid continental. The summers are usually hot and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy. Spring and fall tend to be milder, with occasional periods of warm weather.
Cheesequake State Park is home to many wildlife including bears, white-tailed deer, red foxes, squirrels, and songbirds. You may also spot unusual creatures such as wood frogs and box turtles.
Yes, you are required to reserve a camping spot at Cheesequake State Park in advance. The cost is $20 per night for New Jersey residents and $30 per night for non-residents.
Yes, pets are allowed at Cheesequake State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash that is no longer than six feet long. Pets are prohibited in the park's buildings or on the beach.
Yes, Cheesequake State Park is partially accessible for disabled visitors. The parking spots, picnic areas, and restrooms are all wheelchair accessible. The park's nature trails are also open to wheelchair users.