Campgrounds near Belmar, New Jersey sit in the coastal plain region with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet. Most sites feature sandy soil with pine and oak woodland coverage, creating partial shade during summer months when temperatures average 85°F. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with seasonal availability typically extending from April through October at most locations.
What to do
Lake activities: Turkey Swamp Park offers a lake for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes Lee D. from Turkey Swamp Park.
Mountain biking: The trail systems at Allaire State Park provide various difficulty levels for riders. "Mountain Biking from easy, paved trails to several miles of single track with everything in between," according to Beau B. from Allaire State Park.
Archery: Several parks offer dedicated archery ranges for practice or recreation. "There is plenty to do or not. Kids can go. Mini golf, swimming, pedal cars. Wooded sites," notes Tracy from Butterfly Camping Resort, which provides various recreational options beyond standard hiking.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open during colder months. "We found this campground one night when we were in NJ. It ended up snowing that night. The bathrooms were clean and warm. There is a lot to do in the area," reports Lisa S. about her experience at Allaire State Park.
Wooded sites for privacy: Timberland Lake Campground offers sites with natural separation. "This campground has a pretty lake, a bridge and is very woodsy, not just a camper parking lot like some other campgrounds," explains Jessica D.
Spacious pull-through sites: Many RVers appreciate the ease of access. "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy," says Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
What you should know
Ticks present: As with many wooded areas in New Jersey, ticks can be an issue. "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2. That was so crazy because we were just sitting by our camper," warns LAURA Y. from Turkey Swamp Park.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are situated near major roadways. "Close to the parkway, constant road noise. Okay bathrooms, flush toilets, sinks, showers, electric outlet," reports Dwight D. at Allaire State Park.
Sand management: Pine Cone Resort and other area campgrounds have sandy sites that require planning. "Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer," notes Robyn W. about the soil conditions at Timberland Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Butterfly Camping Resort offers numerous amenities for children. "We are wintering here and it seems to be a great place so far. Most of the neighbors that have been here years are friendly as well as the staff that I have met so far," shares Preston G.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites (we had stayed on 105A). Friendly staff and clean bathrooms," reports Jen W. from Butterfly Camping Resort.
Special events: Timberland Lake Campground hosts seasonal activities. "We LOVE camping here in the fall!! 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," says Jessica D.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up placement: Some sites have utility connections in challenging positions. "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," warns Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park.
Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal adjustment. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," mentions Lee D. about Turkey Swamp Park.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads vary in maintenance. "There are many pot holes that need gravel," notes Jim C. at Timberland Lake Campground, something to consider when towing or driving larger rigs.
