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Best Campgrounds in New Jersey

957 Reviews

New Jersey state parks and forests offer a range of camping options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds with cabin rentals. Worthington State Forest Campground in the Delaware Water Gap provides tent and RV camping with basic amenities, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features electric hookups, water connections, and cabin accommodations. Stokes State Forest maintains year-round camping with sites for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals. Many New Jersey campgrounds support mixed-use approaches, allowing visitors to choose between various accommodation types at a single location.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout New Jersey, with most state forest campgrounds operating from April through October or November. Some locations like Stokes State Forest and Belleplain State Forest remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold conditions. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly by location, with remote forest campgrounds often having limited connectivity. As one camper noted, "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."

Campers frequently mention the privacy and spaciousness of sites at Belleplain State Forest, with one review highlighting "HUGE sites with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and neighbors." Many state forest campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. Cape May area campgrounds like Sun Outdoors Cape May offer proximity to beaches with full hookup sites. Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with state park facilities sometimes receiving mixed reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers should note that dump station facilities at some state parks may be limited, potentially causing delays during busy checkout periods. The proximity of many New Jersey campgrounds to urban areas makes them convenient for weekend getaways while still providing natural settings.

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Best Camping Sites in New Jersey (165)

    1. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "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!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    3. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."

    4. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

    "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

    5. Sun Outdoors Cape May

    26 Reviews
    Tabernacle, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 886-1234

    "Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."

    "The front of the park is close to the pool and store- if pool noise is a concern you should stay further back. A mix of seasonal,"cabins" and overnight camping. Park was very clean."

    6. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

    7. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    8. High Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Matamoras, PA
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."

    "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."

    9. Belleplain State Forest

    22 Reviews
    Woodbine, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 861-2404

    "They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for."

    "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ. Clean facilities. Plenty of space for our tent. lake for swimming and you can rent boats. nice hiking trails and playground."

    10. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos in New Jersey

490 Photos of 165 New Jersey Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in New Jersey

957 Reviews of 165 New Jersey Campgrounds

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    King Nummy Trail Campground

    Nice campground

    This was a nice campground. There are a lot of long term campers but they've got sites for weekenders too. Very close to local shops and attractions. The pool was great. They have 2 on site with a shallower one and an 8ft. No real activities or events when we were there. Bathrooms very clean and located throughout

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Lots to do

    The park was great. Very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport. Lots of activities on site including fishing, a heated pool, hot tub, and a couple of playgrounds. Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on

  • S
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

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

Where can I find dispersed camping in New Jersey?

Dispersed camping options in New Jersey are limited but available. Lower Forge Camp offers a true backcountry experience in the Pine Barrens, requiring a 5+ mile backpack from Atsion or 7 miles from Batsto. Located on the Batsto River, you can even boat in to this remote site. Another option is Round Valley State Park Campground, which features boat-in and hike-in wilderness sites. For most dispersed camping in New Jersey, permits are required and you must practice Leave No Trace principles. State forests like Wharton and Stokes may offer primitive camping areas, but these typically have designated sites rather than true dispersed camping.

What are the best tent camping sites in New Jersey?

Belleplain State Forest offers excellent tent camping with spacious, wooded sites and is conveniently located a short drive from Cape May and Ocean City beaches. The check-in process allows you to drive around and select your preferred site before committing. High Point State Park Campground in the Skylands region provides beautiful lakeside tent sites with direct access to numerous hiking and biking trails. You can hike to the monument at New Jersey's highest point or explore sections of the Appalachian Trail. Other noteworthy tent camping destinations include Stokes State Forest for its remote feel while still being accessible and Worthington State Forest along the Delaware Water Gap for its scenic beauty.

Is year-round camping available in New Jersey?

Year-round camping options in New Jersey are limited but available. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands offers year-round camping with paved, mostly level sites featuring water and electric hookups. The wooded, spacious campsites make it ideal for winter camping adventures. Many other campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA close for winter, typically reopening in April, though exact closure dates vary and should be verified directly with the park. Private RV resorts like Beachcomber and Ocean View generally operate seasonally. State parks and forests often have reduced winter operations with limited facilities. Always call ahead during off-season months as services, water availability, and road maintenance may be restricted even at year-round campgrounds.

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