Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Belmar, NJ

Looking for the best Belmar pet-friendly camping? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in New Jersey is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly spot offers quick access to one or more of Belmar's most popular destinations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Belmar, NJ (36)

    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    1. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    69 Photos
    90 Saves
    Allenwood, New Jersey

    PARK ADVISORY: Allaire State Park Family Camping is closed until further notice. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection will start work on the construction of a new bathroom/shower facility. Group Camping will re-open April 1st.

    Campsites: There are forty-five tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is open April 15 through October 15. Campsites are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Shelters: There are ten shelters. Shelters are cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Accessible to persons with disabilities. Shelters are open from April 1 - December 15.

    Group campsites: Six group sites with fire rings, picnic tables. Sites A, B, C, and D hold a maximum capacity of 50 people. Fee: New Jersey Resident $100 per night; Non Resident $200, per night. Sites E and F hold a maximum capacity of 25 people. Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non Resident $100 per night. Open open from April 1 - December 15.

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

    2. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    18 Photos
    137 Saves
    Matawan, New Jersey

    Campsites: The park has fifty tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station is available. There is an 11 foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area. The campground is open from April 1st through October 31st.

    Group campsites: The Gordon Field Group Area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are four individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All trash must be carried out. The group campsites are open from May 1st through October 31st.  We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size and not over-estimate as refunds cannot be made later.

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

    $200 / 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

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

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

    $42 - $79 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Butterfly Camping Resort

    4. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    83 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey

    A great family experience is our number one priority here at Butterfly Camping Resort. With over 20 amenities, shaded sites, and our large gift shop, there is something for everyone to do! After 24 years, the Letho family and their hard-working staff are dedicated to providing great hospitality and clean facilities to make each family camping trip a memorable one.

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

    $64 - $78 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort

    5. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberland Lake Campground

    6. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    16 Photos
    66 Saves
    Cream Ridge, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      7. Pine Cone Resort

      7 Reviews
      28 Saves
      Freehold, New Jersey

      Pine Cone Resort has 125 level, wooded & open sites with water, electric and sewer hookups.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest

      8. Brendan Byrne State Forest

      16 Reviews
      37 Photos
      239 Saves
      Chatsworth, New Jersey

      Brendan Byrne State Forest is in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, a unique ecosystem known for its sandy soils, acidic waters and diverse plant and animal life. Campers can explore the forest's numerous hiking and biking trails or go fishing or boating in the nearby streams and lakes. The forest also offers a range of educational programs and interpretive displays, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the region's natural and cultural history. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at one of the forest's many picnic areas, or spend the day exploring the nearby towns and attractions. There’s also disc golf and guided nature walks.

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

      $3 - $60 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker's Acres Campground

      9. Baker's Acres Campground

      15 Reviews
      14 Photos
      89 Saves
      Eagleswood, New Jersey
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $43 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest

      10. Bass River State Forest

      17 Reviews
      73 Photos
      116 Saves
      Tuckerton, New Jersey

      Campsites: There are 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites. No hook-ups provided. Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents. Trailer sanitary station is open March 1 through November 30. Campsites are open all year.

      Group Campsites: Six group campsites with water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers. Parking is directly on the site. Open all year. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to overestimate because refunds cannot be made later. Six licensed vehicles only are permitted to park on each group campsite, within the campsite limit signs. Additional vehicles (two per site) are required to pay $5 per night and park in the designated parking area.

      Lean-tos: There are nine accessible lean-tos located on the south shore. All lean-tos have a hardwood floor, woodburning stove, outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are close by. Lean-tos are open year round and accommodate a maximum of six people. Pet Friendly Camping South shore campsites 1 through 85 are designated pet friendly. There is an additional charge of $5 per night if you bring a pet. Pet friendly camping is limited to domestic dogs and cats with a maximum of two pets per camping permit. A Pet Registration and Certification form is required during the check-in process which will be retained in the area files. Dogs and cats must have current rabies vaccinations. Written proof of the pet's current rabies/distemper vaccine and license (if a license is required by the resident's state) must be provided during the check-in process. Pets are not permitted in cabins, shelters or lean-tos.

      Shelters: Six shelters located along the north shore of Lake Absegami, each with two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, wood-burning stove and screened double door. All shelters have an outdoor grill for cooking, fire ring, table and benches. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Shelters are open from April 1 through October 31 and accommodate a maximum of four people.

      Cabins: Six cabins located along the north shore of Lake Absegami contain a living room and fireplace; two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with shower, toilet and sink; and electricity. The screened-in porch faces the lake and there is an outdoor fire ring, grill for cooking, picnic table and bench. Cabins are open April 1 through October 31 and accommodate a maximum of six people.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
    Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

    Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Belmar

    278 Reviews of 36 Belmar Campgrounds


    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Urban Camping in crazy town

      The physical facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. The park is very big and is located inside and urban area.

      The campsite appears to be designed as a disbursed camping design. However, there is not enough trees and folage to provide any privacy.

      The camping area is located on a loop road I would estimate to be about a mile long. There is one restroom/shower house. Some campsites are close but our site was a 1/1 mile away.

      The strangest thing is that hunting is allowed in the state park except on Sundays. There was a sign near our camp site saying don't shoot here because there is a city street 40 yards away. However they don't seem to mind if you shoot towards the camp sites.

      Other campers near us were LOUD and stayed up well past the quiet time. They were annoying!!

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

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      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.

    • 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

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      Skyline RV Camp Has Moved

      Be advised that Skyline RV Camp has moved to:

      50 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

      The original property location at 2 Oak St was sold and is now private property.

      Google Maps coords are 40.730491531436556,-73.9577966772486

      There no longer is a waterfront view of the NYC skyline when camping at Skyline RV. The website views are misleading.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
      Aug. 21, 2024

      Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

      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 .

    • 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.

    • Gennifer K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Bass River State Forest

      Great spot

      The campground was clean and well maintained.  It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience.  There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind.

    • Matt S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)
      May. 27, 2024

      Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

      Deceiving Website

      We stayed at Adventure Bound Tall Pines in Elmer, New Jersey, for Memorial Day weekend for a quick getaway. Despite reserving and paying for a“Premium” site, it fell far short. But there were still a few things we liked… 

      THINGS I LIKED: 

      1. Super-friendly staff, especially Allie, who was courteous and seemed to try to make things right 

      2. Lots of mature shade trees 

      3. DJ at the pool Saturday and Sunday and live band Saturday evening 

      4. Close proximity to Delsea Drive-in Theatre and Cohenzick Zoo 

      THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

      1. I reserved and paid-in-full for a premium site which listed 50-amp service and a concrete pad. Nope. Only 30-amp service and no concrete pad. When I called the office, assuming there must’ve been a mistake, I was told by two different staff members that their website is“wonky.” I wouldn’t mind as much, but this weekend was 90-degrees each day and humid, so it would’ve been good to have air conditioning. 

      2. The entire park was dirty sand with weeds growing everywhere 

      3. This place is not big-rig friendly, difficult to navigate some of the turns in our 45’ motorhome and taking scratches from tree branches that should be trimmed 

      4. I paid$432 for 3-nights and feel like I was taken 

      WOULD WE COME BACK? 

      Nope. I’m sticking with campgrounds that give you what you paid for.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
      May. 19, 2024

      Bass River State Forest

      Still a great campground

      Bass River has become my go-to destination for quick weekend getaways. The south shore campground has a ton of sites with varying degrees of privacy, but all are easy to get to and within a short walk of the restrooms.

      The staff at this location is fantastic. I wanted to make some adjustments to my reservation and they took care of everything without issue. The only noise you’ll get is from Stage Road, but it doesn’t have a continuous flow of traffic, especially at night. Amenities nearby include Walmart, Tractor Supply and Wawa, all within a 10-minute drive. I haven’t done much hiking here, but they do have a few great trails.

      Overall, this a great campground for just about anyone.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
      May. 5, 2024

      Tip Tam Camping Resort

      Nice place to visit

      My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. 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. There is also a pavillion in the middile of the campground with a Ms Pacman/Galaga classic arcard game, as well as a small library and soda machine. AT&T cell service was good. Te site are very close together, and you can hear your neighbors easily. There is not currently a dog park, but the owner told me that they were going to be constructing one in the future. There is a Monmouth County dog park under five minutes away that is huge. There are many close by food options and stores as well.

    • Joe D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake
      Apr. 26, 2024

      Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

      typical thousand trail campground

      pros

      pull through

      friendly front desk

      clean showers and toilet

      free cable

      great lounge

      close to Long Beach Island and Atlantic city

      well kept area

      nice pool and playground

      right off the parkway- easy to get to and easy to go places

      Cons

      small unshaded campsites

      I liked it and would go back

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Skyline RV Park
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Skyline RV Park

      It is not as lovely as it looks in the pictures

      There was only 1 bathroom with small shower for all guests, however they are in the process of adding 5 more. The only bathroom did have toilet paper, a garbage can and hand soap for the sink, but no paper towels to dry your hands and no shelves, hooks, or benches to put your things while you shower.

      The campground was pretty hard to find. We almost gave up before we found someone local who could point us to the right place. One of the reasons is that their sign is half gone, small, and very hard to read.  

      The views of the city are spectacular, but the place itself is what I would call very rustic/primitive/not lovely.

      The host was helpful but the administration seemed a little unorganized. When we tried to check in, they told us we were a day too early. I had booked through the Dyrt and there was a mixup. A day later, two days later, they texted us that we were late checking in. They had another mixup. On checkout day, we didn't check out on time and they didn't contact us until it was so late we had to pay for and stay another night. It was our fault, but a reminder of checkout time would have been helpful.

      I have pictures I would add if there was a way to do that.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Atlantic Shore Pines Campground
      Apr. 8, 2024

      Atlantic Shore Pines Campground

      Great Stay at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground!

      My family and I stayed here this weekend. The campground is now known as Atlantic Shore Pines. This place is very close to Bass River State Park with lots of hiking and outdoor activities. Restaurants and stores in Tuckerton are just a few minutes away. This campground is about 20 minutes from LBI, and 35 minutes from Ocean City. The site we had was a pull through and very spacious. The whole place was quiet and clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. AT&T cell service was great. We will definitely stay here again.

    • P
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort
      Apr. 6, 2024

      Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort

      Run from this place

      Extremely rude manager who will charge you for anything he can. Artie has zero people skills! If you give a card or deposit, expect to get excess charges. Poor Verizon connection, no wifi in some areas.

    • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sea Pirate Campground
      Mar. 13, 2024

      Sea Pirate Campground

      Closing out the camping year 2023

      Came the weekend before the real Halloween, and the grounds were pretty deserted. We rented a golf cart and did some of the activities like painting and playing bingo. It was a cooler bit. It was still a very nice weekend for october. We enjoyed the grounds they are beautiful with the pools, lake, and ocean. It has a great store with basically everything you could need. The arcade left a lot to be desired and could use some more things. We took a hayride around the park, which was fun. Would Def go back!!

    • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Liberty Harbor RV Park
      Jan. 5, 2024

      Liberty Harbor RV Park

      Close to NYC!

      This RV park is literally just a parking lot and quite expensive for what it is.

      The location is great, but the surrounding streets may be hard to maneuver with an RV if you’re a newbie. You can see the Statue of Liberty from the park, and there were several cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

      If you’re looking for actual amenities, this probably isn’t the park for you. But if you just need a base camp for doing tourist activities in NYC then this place will do.

      There is 24 hour security which is nice as well. We felt safe while we were there, but it was also fairly empty too.

    • Trip Over Life
      Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
      Dec. 4, 2023

      Batona — Wharton State Forest

      Primitive Campground on the Batona Trail

      The Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest is a small campground best suited for tent campers. It can get busy (and rowdy) on weekends. The road into the campground is sand.

      A water pump provides fresh water but is not available in the winter. There's at least two pit toilets in the campground - don't expect luxury.  Bears frequent this campground so be bear aware and practice proper food storage. 

      Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve. Site 6 is one of the more private sites as it's tucked into the back corner.

    • Bradley B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cone Campgrounds
      Sep. 13, 2023

      Pine Cone Campgrounds

      Quiet, Safe, but small annoying things.

      A Peaceful Retreat with Room for Improvement 

      I recently had the pleasure of staying here, and I wanted to share my experience with fellow travelers. Overall, it was a tranquil and secure place, but there were a few aspects that could use some attention. 

      Pros: Serene and Secure: One of the standout features is the peaceful environment it offers. During my weeks-long stay, I never once had to contend with loud noises or intrusive traffic, creating a truly peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway. 

      Cons: Bathroom Facilities: Unfortunately, the campsite falls short in terms of its bathroom facilities. The stall doors are quite small and lack privacy, which can be a discomfort for many guests. Moreover, only one stall has a functioning lock, which can be inconvenient during peak times. Limited Showers: The campsite has only two showers, and they are not designed for simultaneous use. To make matters more challenging, you must pass through one shower to access the other, limiting the privacy and convenience for guests. Additionally, the absence of temperature regulation can be a drawback. 

      Maintenance Concerns: During my two-week stay, I noticed a cleanliness issue that needs addressing. There was persistent trash in one of the showers throughout my visit, which was disappointing. 

      Recommendations: If you're considering a stay here I'd recommend opting for their cabins. Having stayed in them previously, I found them to be clean, spacious, and overall delightful accommodations. They provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience compared to the campsite facilities. 

      Additional Note: One aspect to be aware of is that the owner doesn't seem to like dogs. If you're traveling with furry companions, it's essential to plan accordingly.

      In conclusion, They offers a peaceful and secure retreat, but there are areas in need of improvement, particularly regarding the bathroom facilities. For a more comfortable stay, I highly recommend their cabins. With some attention to the mentioned concerns, this campsite could become an even more appealing destination for nature enthusiasts like myself.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      Sep. 5, 2023

      Cheesequake State Park Campground

      Nice Park Near the Highway

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

      Campsite

      Campsites are fully shaded and include a picnic table, fire ring, and hook to hang food supplies from (away from wildlife). The site was well kept and clean - I didn't have to look hard to find a nice secluded space for my tent.

      Each site is separated from its neighbors by a small (about 5-10 foot) forested area, and are deep enough that you can pitch your tent away from the road and have some privacy.

      The park is bisected by the Garden State Parkway. While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little.

      Amenities

      The bathroom and shower facility is older and has limited stalls, but I didn't have any issues with lines or finding time to use it. They're closed for about an hour in the early morning.

      Potable water is available at the bathroom and showers.

      The lake has a small beach and swimming area, and a concession stand. On Friday the beach was pretty quiet, it was closed on Saturday due to water conditions however.

      Access

      The park is about 2 miles from the nearest train station and can be accessed on foot, but it may be difficult with camping gear. I took the train to the station and a rideshare the rest of the way to the entrance. The campsite is about a mile from the park entrance so it's easier overall to drive, but not required. Bringing a bike to travel within the park would be a good idea.

    • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
      Aug. 23, 2023

      Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

      Situated in nature, fun events in summer, close to beaches"

      Allaire State Park is a favorite spot of mine. In addition to their tent sites and group gathering areas (we have had several family reunions here), we enjoy all the activities! There is a historical village where you can visit a blacksmith shop and other spaces to learn about the history. They have a flea market many weekends in the summer months and in early fall. They also. Have Halloween themed events like a hayride. Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns). Bathroom maintenance could use some sprucing up, but other than that- great place to visit.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
      Aug. 19, 2023

      Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

      I liked it when we can actually camp there!

      This has been closed way before August of 2023. My wife said she seen feds or some type of authority there with hound dogs when she was driving by one day when they closed it. The park said it’s for “bathroom renovations” but a bathroom renovation with a simple design like they have shouldn’t take over a year to do. I want to camp here with my kids since it’s close and every time I drive by it’s still closed. What the heck is going on here???

      Other than that the experience we had camping for a weekend was pretty nice and enjoyable. There was a cold spell that came through for the weekend we were there and it was very cold at night, but we ruffed it out.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Belmar, NJ?

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

    • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Belmar, NJ?

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