Camping near Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey offers sites across a range of landscapes from sandy coastal pine forests to inland lake environments. The region sits primarily at sea level with minimal elevation changes, creating generally level camping areas suitable for most equipment types. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels near the shore, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler temperatures averaging 50-70°F with less precipitation.
What to do
Fishing access: Turkey Swamp Park provides a stocked fishing lake where many campers report success. According to one visitor at Turkey Swamp Park, "There is a pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office." The park offers both shoreline fishing and boat-based options.
Hiking options: Multiple trail systems accommodate different experience levels. Cheesequake State Park Campground trails range from easy to moderate with several lookout locations. One hiker noted, "The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations. The elevation of the trails is not too strenuous."
Water recreation: Beyond just swimming, several campgrounds offer expanded water activities. At Turkey Swamp Park, "Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental." The rental options provide alternatives to bringing personal watercraft.
Winter camping: Some area campgrounds remain open during colder months. One camper at Allaire State Park shared, "Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wondrful there." Winter camping options typically involve cabins rather than tent sites due to seasonal temperatures.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds design sites with natural separation. At Butterfly Camping Resort, "The sites are cozy and each lined with natural shrubbery and in some cases fencing. they're well maintained and raked between campers." This creates a more secluded camping experience despite proximity to urban areas.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds receiving highest ratings typically maintain well-kept common areas. One camper noted about Butterfly Camping Resort, "This campground offers many things we were looking for: proximity to Six Flags, cleanliness, access to nature and entertainment for the kids with quiet and relaxation."
Recreational activities: Beyond standard hiking, many campgrounds include additional recreation options. A review of Tip Tam Camping Resort stated, "They have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly."
Lakefront site options: Some campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites. At Timberland Lake Campground, "There is lake in the middle and spots available along the water with their own dock." These sites typically cost more but provide direct water access and enhanced views.
What you should know
Road noise levels: Several campgrounds experience traffic sound from nearby highways. As one Cheesequake State Park camper reported, "The parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises. That said, this is probably a great place for those who have not camped before."
Reservation timing: Demand exceeds capacity during peak summer months. The Military Park RV Sites at Sea Girt National Guard Training Center provides only 9 total sites which "are often booked, so need to do so in advance."
Tick prevalence: Several wooded campgrounds report tick issues, particularly during spring and early summer. One Turkey Swamp Park visitor warned, "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."
Sand management: Sandy soil dominates many campgrounds. A camper at Timberland Lake Campground advised, "Two things I loved: 1. Cost, 2. Shade. One thing didn't love: 1. Sand… so hard even with rugs to pull out of trailer." Bringing extra mats and sweeping tools helps manage sand tracking into tents and RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. At Turkey Swamp Park, "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office," providing recreational spaces for different age groups.
Swimming facilities: Pool availability varies by campground. One visitor to Sandy Hook reported, "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people." This provides supervised swimming options important for families with younger children.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds coordinate scheduled events. At Timberland Lake Campground, "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."
Bug preparation: Families should pack appropriate insect protection. A camper observed about Allaire State Park, "Tent camped July 1st. Clean bathrooms. Sites are a little too close together. Noisy with highway traffic. Well maintained though. Ticks galore." Bug spray with tick protection is essential during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," requiring longer hoses or careful positioning.
Site levelness: Many campgrounds feature level sites requiring minimal adjustment. A visitor to the Military Park RV Sites noted, "Sites in Loops B-E all have pull-thru driveways. Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy."
Water connection challenges: Several campgrounds require extended hose setups. One camper advised, "Bring a LONG water hose" for Turkey Swamp Park since some hookups are positioned far from ideal RV parking spots.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary significantly in quality. At Timberland Lake Campground, one RVer cautioned, "There are many pot holes that need gravel," suggesting drivers proceed cautiously especially after rain when puddles can mask depth.
