The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

354 Reviews

Camping options near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey include several developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Allaire State Park, though temporarily closed for renovations, normally offers tent sites, RV spots, and rustic cabins approximately 9 miles west of the shoreline. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township provides electric hookups and accommodates tents, RVs, cabins and glamping setups. Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area offers primitive tent and RV camping with beach access just 15 miles north of Avon. Most campgrounds in the region feature designated sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to basic amenities like drinking water and restrooms.

Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. Turkey Swamp Park operates from April 1 to November 15, while the military campgrounds like Sea Girt National Guard Training Center restrict camping to the summer season between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Cheesequake State Park Campground maintains a similar operating season from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend camping during summer months when shore-bound visitors seek overnight accommodations. Many campgrounds offer mixed-use sites supporting both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability differs by location. As one visitor noted about Allaire State Park, "Sites are spacious, but bathrooms are filthy. They say they clean them daily, but the showers never looked remotely clean."

Proximity to ocean beaches represents a key attraction for campers in this area. Sandy Hook offers the closest beach access with campground visitors enjoying direct walking paths to shorelines. A camper mentioned, "You have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake and the horizon over the ocean" at the Military Park RV Sites in Sea Girt. Allaire State Park provides inland forest camping with bicycle connections to coastal communities. According to one review, it offers "a really nice bike ride to Ocean Grove and other beach towns." Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain shower facilities, though cleanliness and maintenance quality vary considerably between locations. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and recreation fields are common at the larger campgrounds, while military campgrounds typically offer the most reliable full-hookup services for RV campers.

Map showing campgrounds near Avon-by-the-Sea, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey (51)

    1. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    15 miles
    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. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    4. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well."

    5. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway  We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    6. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"

    7. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

    8. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites

    1 Review
    Wall, NJ
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 974-4500

    $45 / night

    "In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."

    9. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."

    10. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 51 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Avon-by-the-Sea Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

141 Photos of 51 Avon-by-the-Sea Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

354 Reviews of 51 Avon-by-the-Sea Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.

Guide to Avon-by-the-Sea

Camping near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy scenic trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "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: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can fish and rent boats. A camper shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake."
  • Exploring Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical sites like the old iron and glass community at Batsto Village, which is just a short drive from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. One reviewer mentioned, "NJ State Park Rangers are working hard keeping the area clean, rehabilitated, and educational."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Bass River State Forest. One visitor said, "The campground was clean and well maintained. It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers have praised the helpful staff at Spruce Run Recreation Area. A reviewer noted, "Great arrival experience—the office has their act together."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers various activities like basketball and crafts. One camper mentioned, "The campground was full of plenty of amenities like basketball, volleyball, cornhole, playground, pool, crafts, bands, a lake, and fishing."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cheesequake State Park Campground, have older facilities. A visitor commented, "The bathroom/shower facility is older and has limited stalls."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted some noise from nearby roads and air traffic. One reviewer said, "There was some low flying air traffic going in to the joint base nearby."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of ticks and other wildlife, especially in areas like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. A camper warned, "Ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites with shade and space for kids to play, like at Turkey Swamp Park. One family shared, "Wooded sites, restrooms with showers clean and well stocked. Peaceful family campground."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor equipment to keep kids entertained. A camper at Wading Pines Camping Resort mentioned, "The place was clean, and there was no garbage around."
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Spruce Run Recreation Area noted, "If you get there on a day they clean the showers not bad."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the campsite, especially at places like Bass River State Forest. A reviewer said, "The individual sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire ring grill."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall."
  • Plan for Road Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider sites further from roads, as noted by a visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest: "There is also background noise from the road, but not too loud."

Camping near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, can be a great experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 51 campgrounds and RV parks near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ is Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 3.6-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ.

Keep Exploring