Motorhome travelers near Barnegat Light, New Jersey can find several RV-friendly campgrounds within a 20-40 mile radius. The coastal region experiences mild summers with average temperatures in the mid-80s and cool winters in the 30-40°F range. Cell service varies significantly throughout the Pinelands region, with connectivity strongest near major highways and weaker in more remote camping areas.
What to do
Beach access options: Long Beach RV Resort in Barnegat serves as a convenient base for accessing Jersey Shore beaches. "Clean, quiet, lots of activities for both children and adults, and overall a great campground," notes one Long Beach RV Resort visitor. Most campers should expect a 20-30 minute drive to reach beach access points.
Fishing opportunities: Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake offers on-site fishing in their lake. As one camper mentioned, "The lake has plenty of fish," making it ideal for travelers wanting to combine shore excursions with freshwater fishing. No additional fishing license is required for the private lake.
Day trips to Atlantic City: Campgrounds like Pomona RV Park provide good access for Atlantic City excursions. Their proximity allows campers to enjoy casino entertainment while returning to quieter camping environments in the evening. Most Atlantic City attractions are within a 25-minute drive from the Pomona area.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools that receive positive feedback. At Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, a camper shared that "the pool is just beautiful," providing an alternative to beach swimming. Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Spacious military facilities: Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center receives praise for its uncrowded camping experience. "Quiet, spacious, no frills," reports one visitor who particularly noted the unobstructed views from site #1. Military campgrounds typically offer more space between sites than commercial facilities.
Community atmosphere: Echo Farms RV Campground features many seasonal campers creating a neighborhood feel. While this can limit transient site availability, one camper noted the "friendly campers" as a positive aspect of their stay. Most seasonal campgrounds host weekend activities during summer months.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds in the region present leveling difficulties. At Shady Pines Campground, a guest reported, "The site sloped so much it was impossible to level. I didn't have enough blocks to prop up the leveling jacks enough to level the RV." Carrying extra leveling blocks is advisable for this area.
Weather considerations: Flooding can occur at certain campgrounds during heavy rains. One Thousand Trails camper advised to "stay away from the front middle spots, they flood when it rains," highlighting the importance of site selection during stormy weather.
Reservation systems: Military campgrounds like NWS Earle RV Park operate under different reservation rules than commercial parks. One visitor observed that "even though the published rules state no long term leases there are a couple of trailers that haven't seen the road in some time," which can affect site availability for short-term visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mays Landing Resort offers play facilities for children. "It does have a nice playground for the little kids," noted one visitor, though the overall campground received mixed reviews. Most playgrounds are centrally located within campground common areas.
Water safety awareness: Parents should exercise caution at tent camping areas near water. At Mays Landing Resort, a camper pointed out that "the tent loop is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There is no safety fence," requiring extra vigilance with young children.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented events on weekends. One Mays Landing visitor mentioned, "My daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt," indicating organized children's activities during peak season. Most activities occur on Saturday mornings or afternoons.
Tips from RVers
Sewer connection placement: RVers should prepare for unusual hookup configurations. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, a visitor noted that "the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," requiring adaptations to standard dumping procedures.
Site dimensions: Accurately communicating your RV dimensions when booking is essential. At Shady Pines, guests reported their site was "inadequately sized to accommodate the full length" of their motorhome, necessitating multiple site changes. Most parks can accommodate up to 40-foot rigs, but longer vehicles may face limitations.
Transient availability: RVers seeking short stays should be aware that some parks primarily serve long-term residents. At Shady Pines, a visitor observed there are "several contract workers staying there" and at Mays Landing, another noted it's "more like a long term stay place that has a couple of short term sites," which affects the overall camping experience.
