Best Camping in New Jersey

New Jersey may get a bad rap for its highways and a reality show shot on its famous shore, but there’s a reason it’s been dubbed The Garden State. About 22% of its land area is covered in pristine wilderness – in fact, it’s Pineland National Reserve was named an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations back in 1983. The tiny state, which is the most densely populated in the United States, has more than 50 protected areas spread throughout its mostly water-carved borders. So throw on your bathing suit or hiking boots and get ready to find the best camping in New Jersey.

The state’s gentle sand dunes have been attracting beach-goers for well over a century: one of the top destinations is Cape May, the oldest seaside resort in the entire country. Visiting nature-lovers head to Cape May Point State Park to hike the rambling trails and watch wildlife from the Hawk Watch platform. Those seeking some cardio climb the 199 steps to the top of fully restored 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, which offers prime views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

Although there is no coastal camping in New Jersey’s Cape May County, the area is home to nearly 50 campgrounds – more per square mile than other resort destination in the state – tucked away in the forests of the mainland areas.

For those who want to escape the often crowded campgrounds near the beach, Belleplain State Forest in the northern part of Cape May County offers some of the most stunning camping in New Jersey. It features idyllic sites set among the young pines, oak and Atlantic white cedar trees that are spread throughout the 21,000-acre preserve, a top pick for hikers, kayakers and swimmers, who prefer to get off the beaten tourist path. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in New Jersey, from the southern beaches to the northeastern Palisades.

Best Camping Sites in New Jersey (168)

    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest

    1. Worthington State Forest

    37 Reviews
    172 Photos
    371 Saves

    The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage. Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available. Sites 1-23 are available for tent camping only and sites 29 -82 are available for tents, travel trailers and motorhomes.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest

    2. Stokes State Forest

    26 Reviews
    136 Photos
    449 Saves

    Nestled in the Appalachian Wilderness of New Jersey, Stokes State Forest attracts campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts all over thanks to its many viewpoints and wild terrain. Spanning over 16,400 acres, visitors can expect exciting adventures crammed with tons of wilderness activities. Surprisingly, there’s a large range of amenities within the various campgrounds located throughout. In addition, there’s a host of unique geographic features to keep even the most dedicated busy for weeks. Speaking of geography, there’s no shortage of terrain diversity here. For example, Sunrise Mountain towers 1,653 feet over the undeveloped New Jersey farmland to the East, as well as virgin mountain ranges and forests to the West. Located along the legendary Appalachian Trail, this mountain peak is the most frequently visited site in Stokes State Forest. If you’re not one to hike up the side of a mountain for a view, Sunrise Mountain Rd. traverses all the way to the top for those traveling in a vehicle. Nestled below, the 500+ acre Tillman Ravine Natural Area is a green wonderland home to endangered species such as the Barred Owl. The ravine showcases world-class trails spanning throughout its terrain, complete with babbling brooks and overly-curious bears to dodge during your stay. Additionally, Stokes State Forest is home to the Lake Ashroe Recreation Area which has an area for Kayaking and Paddle Board rentals. Even though there is no boat ramp, nearby Lake Ocquittunk is perfect for small, electric motor boats. In contrast, those looking for swimming should head to Stony Lake, which features lifeguards on duty and a great recreation area for picnicking. Campgrounds are plentiful here, with four different areas to camp at depending on your needs. Shotwell to the East, and Steam Mills to the west both offer normal park amenities, and are perfect for tent campers, or people interested in camping in a lean-to. Just West of Shotwell, Haskin’s Group Camping Area consists of 9 group campsites perfect for groups of 10-65 depending on the campsite. Finally, Lake Ocquittunk has its own campground with reservable campsites, and cabins as well. Fees & permits vary here, so be sure to check the park website for more info. Regardless of your interests, if you love the outdoors in any form you’re going to enjoy your stay here. Stokes State Forest literally offers everything an enthusiast could ever dream of doing. From its babbling creeks and forested ravines, to the breathtaking mountain peaks, this is an Appalachian camping experience you don’t want to miss out on.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $7 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Holly Shores Camping Resort

    3. Holly Shores Camping Resort

    26 Reviews
    37 Photos
    50 Saves

    Holly Shores Campground is a 38 wooded acre camping resort is nestled in Cape May County just four miles from Wildwood and Cape May beaches. We offer 300 large, oak and maple tree shaded, full hook-up campsites and 40+ Deluxe Rentals, Safari Glamping Tents and Tiny Houses. Loads of amenities including free WiFi, Cable, two playgrounds, lush dog park, heated pool, kiddie pool, two hot tub spas, golf cart rentals, bike and kayak rentals, game room, and nature trail to the adjacent fishing lakes run by New Jersey Dept of Fishery. We also welcome group camping; family reunions and scout troops.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park

    4. Round Valley State Park

    24 Reviews
    74 Photos
    432 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Taylor Campground

    5. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    109 Photos
    315 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $42 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park

    6. Turkey Swamp Park

    23 Reviews
    39 Photos
    174 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $42 - $79 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground

    7. Atsion Family Campground

    23 Reviews
    65 Photos
    43 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park

    8. High Point State Park

    23 Reviews
    138 Photos
    135 Saves

    High Point Camp Campsites: 50 tent sites (no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. Fee: NJ Resident $20 per night; Non Resident $25 per night. Group campsites: Two group campsites with drinking water and pit toilets. Each campsite accommodates up to 25 people. Open year round. During the winter months visitors must bring in their own water or obtain it at the park office. Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non Resident $100 per night. Cabins: Two cabins each with furnished living room with a woodstove; three bedrooms -one room with double bed, two rooms with twin beds; kitchen with hot and cold running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Electricity. Cabins are located on eastern shore of Steenykill Lake. Each accommodates six people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are open from May 15 to October 15. Fee: NJ Resident $75 per night; 525 per week; Non Resident $85 per night; $595 per week. Group cabin: Living room with woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers. Accommodates up to 28 people. Open May 15 to October 15. Fee: NJ Resident $175 per night; Two-night minimum; Non Resident $185 per night; Two-night minimum.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    9. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    42 Photos
    298 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Belleplain State Forest

    10. Belleplain State Forest

    19 Reviews
    26 Photos
    74 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 168 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping in New Jersey

Recent Reviews In New Jersey

891 Reviews of 168 New Jersey Campgrounds


  • Oak T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Stokes State Forest

    Always stoked for Stokes!

    Stokes is my go-to state park for unplugging and enjoying time with my family. We brought our son (23 months at time of visit) on his first camping trip this past September. He loved every minute of it.

    Site T07 in Lake Ocquittunk is gorgeous and one of the few relatively secluded sites in the campground. You need to carry your gear down a narrow, rocky path that's a little steep near the road, but it's manageable. There's also a graded path into the site adjacent to a neighboring site, but you should check with those campers if they are ok with you cutting through to use it. (We opted not to disturb our neighbors and take the slope.)

    I thought I would be able to launch my kayak from site 7 since it's waterfront, but there are a lot of huge rocks in the water that prevent you from getting out into the lake. We had to find a different launch spot. That was probably the biggest disappointment for us.

    Still, I love site 7 and it's absolutely worth the privacy and the views every morning.

  • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Parvin State Park
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Parvin State Park

    Good size camp sites

    Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken. The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water. I stayed at Site#8 in a travel trailer. Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice. The dump station is sometimes secured has a combination lock. Ask for the combination during check-in. Note: Some sites are right next to hiking trails. If you want privacy, don't choose them.

    Verizon cell service was between 1 and 2 bars.

  • Jake R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Campgaw Mountain Reservation
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Campgaw Mountain Reservation

    Busy but Lonely

    Campgaw doesn’t seem to offer much in terms of a camping experience. The sites themselves are fairly close to the road and there are super popular hiking trails that run right through all the camps. If you like being woken up by folks walking their dog at 7 AM, this is the spot for you.

    However, once the sun goes down, the campsite becomes a ghost town (except for the odd sheriff driving down the road). We went on a holiday weekend, and we were the only campsite that was occupied, so that is absolutely a plus. There was also plenty to do during the day, like joining the hikers on those trails, disc golf, and sitting by the water.

    All-in-all, it is not a terrible site, especially considering the cheap price.

  • Dawn W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Ocean City Campground & Beach Cabins

    Great place

    I went there very often as a kid with my mom and her husband my grandparents met Wonder earful friends had a blast it was such fun going there for weeks at a time ine time went for a whole month it's good to see it still looks the same

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Philadelphia South-Clarksboro KOA
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Philadelphia South-Clarksboro KOA

    Peaceful New Jersey

    I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself. Maybe that's why it was so peaceful, but every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness. In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty.

  • Brenda G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Cheesequake State Park

    Not bad

    Was my very first time camping out, went with my pups and my sons and did the van camping. The spot I had was very well shaded and pretty quiet. The only thing I wasn't big on was how far the trails are, would have to actually drive to it and park in a limited parking area. Due to weather didn't take the risk so am unable to give an opinion on it, but something to remember for the next trip. Only 30-35 min off the parkway, so nice and convenient.

  • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wading Pines Camping Resort
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Wading Pines Camping Resort

    Close to home Campground

    The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground. The campground was full of plenty of amenities like basketball, volleyball, cornhole, playground, pool, crafts, bands, a lake, and fishing. The place was clean, and there was no garbage around.

    The positives were there were plenty of things to do and they also have this great river that goes through the place so you can walk and throw your tube in and float to the other side of the park 30 mins later get out and do it again. They campground will also bring you up the river further and drop you off on a canoe trip. There is an added cost for rental. I like that they allow you to bring your own golf cart and/ or electric scooters or bikes. They had an old school playground which was better then any new one out there. The store was fully stocked with anything you could possibly want or need. They had a band which played Saturday night and people lined up golfcarts from all over and just lived for this concert.

    The negatives are for me campgrounds spots were right on top of one another but they were big spots they dont have tons of trees or shade which. They did have many seasonal sites, which sometimes turns me off and can make the place look a little trashy. The other negative was that the pool was freezing because they would pump water out every night. Someone told us there was an issue with the chemicals, and the pool looked greener every day. The bathrooms by the pool were older and always dirty.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Turkey Swamp Park

    My favorite!

       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! They have 2283 acres. A 17 acre lake. Some hiking trails & a nice campground! 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. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks. Fortunately it didn't rain while we were there!

      Shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated. They're checked regularly. The bath house is for the entire campground. 3 out of the 4 women's were working. There's a shared dressing area. 

    There's a laundry that doesn't take quarters. EPay. 

    There's a nice playground in the campground.

     They have 3 cabins for rent, with forest views.

     The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake. Cell service was fair.. No WiFi. 

    They have an archery range. 

        This was my favorite campground on our trip! I really enjoyed camping here! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites & I didn't see any really bad ones.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Divide Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Great Divide Campground

    Rock'in

     Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.

     One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait. 

     The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.

       We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Nice spot in the pines

    We stayed on a mon/tues at the end of August and the campground was fairly empty and quiet except for a few generators running & air planes/ helicopters going over. There is an air force base in the area.

    Site 33 is the back corner so we did get a bit more traffic going past to get on the sand trails. There is also background noise from the road, but not too loud. There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops - just a handful which is a shame because many of the sites marked as tent only look like they could easily accommodate most RVs, especially smaller rigs.

    The dump station is locked so get the combo from the office if you want to use it. The ranger station is a bit of a drive from the camping area so if you don’t have cell service make sure you get it at check in.

    Go down to the pond and check out the carnivorous plants- one of the most unique things in this area!

    Several choices for hiking, but it’s the pine barrens so it is flat and sandy and ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year.

    Overall this is one of the nicer & quieter options for pine barrens camping

  • Damia F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Stokes State Forest

    Campsites too close together and camping areas are greatly spaced out

    Stokes State Forest is a beautiful park with a lot of different trails to check out, though some of them are difficult to access due to parking. The camping areas are split between two different entrances. If you’re in Lake Ocquitunk, like I was, you don’t enter at the main entrance, you have to go past the main entrance about another mile on rt. 15 N. and enter by the YMCA. All the other camping areas are near the main entrance by the forest office. The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy. There is a day parking area which is only accessible going through the main entrance by the forest office— if you visit during the week park entrance is free, but on the weekend fees can be a bit steep. I wasn’t super happy with my campsite as I wasn’t able to physically have my car on the site like I thought. I had to park in a small lot above my campsite and carry my belongings down a short slope to the site. I like to car-camp so this was a bit of a let down having my car separate from my actual campsite.

    The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time. Bathrooms are extremely spaced out so you will have to walk a far distance unless you strategically choose a site next to one. I drove through the other campsite and only saw 1 set of bathrooms that had toilets and showers per campground, not including the outhouses I saw for those in the small cabins.

  • Damia F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Worthington State Forest

    Spotty/unreliable WiFi and rather busy

    If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go. Being it’s along the Delaware water gap it attracts a lot of people, especially in summer. During the day you can hear music, smell fires, see people tubing on the water, or pass by people doing day picnics near the forest office. I went in the middle of the week and all the campsite in my area were filled up. I’m normally used to having campgrounds to myself when I go since I do during off times so this was a bit of a surprise. WiFi is very spotty— I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay. Trails are nice and well marked, and there is no fee to enter if you drive all the way down to the day area parking at the end of Old Mine Rd. Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation. Overall it was a nice campsite, but too busy for my liking.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Atsion Family Campground

    Ok camp spot- nice if you can get lakefront

    We did 2 weekday nights with our dog and 19’ RV in Aug ‘24.

    The dog friendly sites are limited & not the sites with lake access. It will also cost an extra $5/night.

    Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm. (Not at the recreation area where we pulled in first)

    Site 34 was close to the road with regular traffic noise & car headlights even shined in the camper at night. There is also a fair amount of plane traffic from a small local airport…and several other campers were running generators so it was not exactly quite camping.

    Bathrooms are the typical old nj state park set up- it does the job but it’s seen better days. Dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it. The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm.

    If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake it has a ramp to drop in. That is the main attraction here & there is a beach on the other side of the lake.

    Overall- nothing too special It’s not a site I would return to unless we could get water front, but dogs are not allowed there - so we won’t be rushing back because of that & the proximity to the road .

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Campground
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Frontier Campground

    Weekend Get Away

    My familiy an I stayed at Ocean City Campground for a weekend get away. The staff was was very friendliy and the campstore/snack stand was impressive. The campground has a nice pool and covered area. They also had organized activities. The site we had was nice, It was level and well kept as were all the other sites we saw. The sights do seem a little on the smaller side though. Cell service with AT&T was good overall. This campground is about a 15 minute drive from Ocean City. There are plenty of stores close by as well.

  • Jahmera R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Round Valley State Park

    BE AWARE OF UPDATED ROUTE! HIKING ISN'T WORTH IT, BOAT IN

    Doing this review because a lot of them feel extremely outdated, so here we go. 

    Access: There are two ways to get to your campsite, boating and the great 3 mile trek. Starting with the hike, the path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men. It makes the hike extremely difficult which could have been avoided. Moreover, theres a few points on the trail where you’re walking side by side from a highway, crossing driveways, passing construction zones, and past fencing. Extremely awkward and takes you out of the hiking experience immediately. Not ideal especially since you have to pay to camp on the site. I was extremely dissatisfied. Boating may be more worth it to avoid these downfalls and get your moneys worth. 

    Amenities: There are two water pumps. One at the beginning of the camp site and one at the end. They tend to get far if you plan on camping further into the campsite so I would plan ahead. The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the"outdoorsy" experienced not a huge downfall. Most of the campsites have access to a picnic table and fire ring which is a huge plus. 

    Overall: For starters, the water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk and don’t get caught? I had a wonderful time at this location, the sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown. But this site just missed with the awful trail of three miles. Although there were service roads throughout the campsite, visitors were not able to use them. The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall. Moreover, the hike itself along highways, across roads, and down strategically places pebbles and rocks were a huge miss and made it extremely difficult and slippery. I highly recommend boating as hiking will probably make the experience a lot more sour than wanted. It shouldn’t be a"choose between the two" considering you’re paying but what can you do… pick boating if you really want to see it for yourself.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Seashore Campsites & RV Resort
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Use to be Good

    This was our 5th and final trip to this campground. This time campground seemed to have LOTS OF little things that needed upkeep.

    Positive - close to Cape May, nice pool

    Negative - lots of airplane noise all day (due to local airport), nightly sites are slowly being turned into permanent sites. Lake seemed filled with algae on sides. Store was nice but not stocked as previous trips.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kymers Camping Resort
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Kymers Camping Resort

    Fun, friendly & nestled in the woods

    We stayed at Kymer's on a whim for a weekend, so we could be close to Mountain Creek for a Spartan Race. It truly exceeded our expectations in all aspects. This is a family friendly, camper-friendly place. Lots of seasonals- everyone waves, everyone stops to chat. This is what a campground should feel like. The sound of laughter and play sitting around the huge, clean pool was refreshing. Our site was Oak 10. It was level, good placement of electric water & sewer connects. Camp store has all the basics you might need. There is a brook that flows adjacent to the property. It's peaceful & magical. Pet friendly, although we didn't have our pup with us. We will be back again. I almost feel like I'm revealing a hidden gem with this post. 💎

  • Rui T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple Brook Camping Resort
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Triple Brook Camping Resort

    Not a bad place to sit and relax

    This might be my 3rd or 4th trip there. They advertise WiFi but the WiFi never works. No cable hookups. And cell service is at a minimum. Every time we go there, it’s a new excuse about the WiFi. Funny thing is, they take the time to show you your password lol.

  • Becca U.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Timber Lake RV Camping Resort
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Big Timber Lake RV Camping Resort

    Well Kept

    We stayed here for 4 nights.  We usually stay at a different campground but we unable to book there so we thought we'd try out SRA.  Upon arrival we were met by a pleasant man at the gatehouse who gave us our parking pass, gate key, and map.  Our site was easy to find and parking was easily maneuvered.  

    The grounds were well kept, the pool was clean, the bathhouse was clean AND air conditioned!!!!!  Loved the mini golf.  Every staff member we encountered was friendly.  This is a nice, flat campground so great for bike riding.  While there are MANY seasonal sites, we never felt unwelcome - quite the opposite!

    We were kind of annoyed by the loud music of other campers.  It was late (but not yet quiet hours), we were in our camper, with our air conditioner running and our TV on, and we could still hear their music.  This only happened one night but it went on for hours.

  • Damia F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Great place for a family or a solo camper!

    I’ve been here twice now and it is a beautiful campsite. Individual campsites are separate from cabin and group sites.

    Tent campsites have benches and a fire pit. Group campsites have large stove. The cabins seem clean and well maintained. All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds.

    Bathrooms are spread out so it’s never a far walk from your site. They are super clean with a shower and two stalls. There is a water fountain outside of them. One of the bathrooms has a playground next to it for people with kids. Hiking trails are also spread out among the campsites as well.

    I solo camp and have always felt safe at these campgrounds. Not to mention the hiking and scenery are absolutely breathtaking.

    The non camper public area has benches and a parking lot for visitors of campers or people doing day hikes.

  • Y
    Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Bass River State Forest

    Close to restaurants and Walmart. Lots of bugs during summer.

    I went there in late June and it was my first time camping. The campsite was clean overall. Staff were friendly and helpful.

    There was no platform, so you need to set up the tent on the ground. Most of the sites were not on grass but just dirt ground.

    Going camping in a forecast during summer time might not be the best idea. There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.

    The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison. One of the restroom has broken lights.

    There is little to no signal inside the park. But once you drive out, you will have some signal. The campsite is close to a Walmart and a few other restaurants, which is good.

  • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Run Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Spruce Run Recreation Area

    Mid week (July 4th) 2024

    My first time camping trip in a few decades... So can't compare to others (yet).

    My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun.

    Pros:

    Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days.

    Campsites well spaced apart.

    Staff friendly.

    Boats/Kayaks can be rented.

    Cons:

    Showers were cold water only and very cold at that.

    Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway.

  • Gaia B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Round Valley State Park

    Good

    The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging. The campsite was really nice, even if the pic nic table was almost completely broke

  • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Lake & Shore
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Thousand Trails Lake & Shore

    The rules are a little over the top for us, but the place was nice.

    I get you need to have rules to keep order, but when I say the people at this campground were a little extra, I mean it. We stayed 2 nights at Land & Shore and the first night was Friday night and all 6 families that are members with our own sites were hanging out around a fire pit and at 1016pm someone security person drove by with one headlight and told us at 11pm we would have to pit our fire out. I think it was a little bit overkill and there was other campers that had a fire going, we were not being loud or anything and when she came by or anything so we didn't understand the urgency of telling us that, plus when did quiet time mean you couldnt sit by the campfire. The next day when I was in the hot tub my daughter walked up to me to ask if I could get her a drink and she was not about to get into the water but the over concerned lifeguard walked up to say ... you need to be 18 to be on the hot tub and we all looked at each other that were in, and the old man next to us says well we all are and he said we'll she's not and he replied for me l, that good thing she wasn't in then ... let a parent be a if you see someone not obeying the rules, okay, but we were, and we don't need your 2 cents because you're not even 18. I liked the area but wouldn't go back to this same campground, the sites are way too close for me and your practically on top of your neighbors, but we went with family so... the beach is within 10ish minutes and is beautiful but your suppose to have passes, we biked around the area and along the beach it was very nice. I did like the lake and waterpark. However, the water in the waterpark was ice cold.



Guide to New Jersey

Camping in New Jersey offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have trails that lead to stunning views. One camper mentioned, “The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier.”
  • Fishing and Boating: Campgrounds such as Turkey Swamp Park offer lakes for fishing and boat rentals. A reviewer said, “The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest noted, “The grounds were lovely and a majority of the sites were generously sized.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stated, “The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run.”
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One camper at Mountainview Campground said, “Sites are huge and very private. You didn’t even know that there were people around you.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA are known for their helpful staff. A visitor shared, “Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bass River State Forest, may have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison.”
  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Bass River noted, “There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to noise. A review from Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, “While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Parks like Turkey Swamp Park have playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer said, “There’s a nice playground in the campground.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. One family at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area enjoyed biking, stating, “We used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, “The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground noted, “Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, “There was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us.”
  • Bring Long Cables: If your site has distant hookups, long cables can save the day. One RV owner at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA appreciated the setup, saying, “The sites are large enough for large RVs.”

Camping in New Jersey can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in New Jersey?

    According to TheDyrt.com, New Jersey offers a wide range of camping options, with 168 campgrounds and RV parks in New Jersey and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground in New Jersey?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in New Jersey is Worthington State Forest with a 5-star rating from 37 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in New Jersey?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot in New Jersey.