Camping options near Manahawkin, New Jersey combine sandy pine barren terrain with freshwater lakes and oceanfront proximity. The area sits just 7 miles from Long Beach Island with a mix of county, state, and private campgrounds throughout the region. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity while fall camping brings cooler nights that can drop below 50°F by October.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers river access directly from camp. "The river is right there to go tubing or kayaking. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other," notes Layne, who enjoyed the convenient water activities. Visitors also recommend the longer float trip that starts upstream: "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."
Archery practice: Turkey Swamp Park maintains dedicated archery facilities within their county park. Dan W. appreciated this unique offering: "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from."
Historic site exploration: Camping near Tuckerton Seaport provides access to local maritime history. Several campgrounds mention their proximity to the Seaport, and Atlantic Shore Pines Campground puts you within minutes of this attraction. Dave B. confirmed: "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."
What campers like
Pine forest immersion: The Pine Barrens create a distinctive camping environment with soft, sandy soil that campers appreciate. A reviewer at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted this unique feature: "Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have... most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Halloween weekend events: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer special fall programming. Nicole S. from Sea Pirate Campground shared: "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... We took a hayride around the park, which was fun."
Off-season seclusion: Camping in spring or fall provides a different experience with fewer crowds. Dorian P. appreciated the isolated feel at Brendan Byrne: "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: The pine barrens and wetlands mean biting insects can be problematic, especially in summer. One camper at Wharton State Forest shared practical information about terrain: "The unique ecosystem of the barrens give campers some advantages: the ground is soft and comfortable to sleep on (NOT rocky at all, like almost weird how few rocks there are). It also means that there is plenty of kindling to gather for fires."
Sandy sites require maintenance: Many campgrounds in the region have sandy soil that creates housekeeping challenges. Matt S. noted at Sea Pirate Campground: "One less significant issue is that the sites are sandy dirt—no gravel or concrete. This makes things extremely dirty whether it's dry or raining."
Water pressure fluctuations: Some campgrounds experience utilities issues during peak usage times. A visitor mentioned: "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times, that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. Tylen L. highlights the options at Turkey Swamp Park: "Turkey Swamp is a great spot, a lot of different things to do. Fishing, Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on."
Child-focused campgrounds: If traveling with children, select locations that cater to families. At Wading Pines, Amy notes: "This place is great for families with children. But if you're looking for a quiet kid-free-get-away, I wouldn't recommend." Another visitor added: "Loud and kid friendly, which is fine for us but might not be for some."
Weekend activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized weekend programming. Gennifer K. found Sea Pirate particularly helpful: "They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on." Look for campgrounds that provide scheduled events if traveling with children who need entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: For larger rigs, consider campgrounds with dedicated pull-through sites. A visitor to Long Beach RV Resort rated it "the nicest campground in the area" with good options for RVs. James G. noted it was "clean, quiet, with lots of activities for both children and adults."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. At Turkey Swamp Park, a reviewer mentioned: "Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose." This practical advice highlights the importance of bringing leveling blocks and extended utility connections.
Proximity to services: When glamping close to Manahawkin, New Jersey in an RV, consider access to supplies. Sea Pirate Campground offers convenient access, as one camper noted: "There are plenty of stores within a 5-mile drive if you should need anything including Walmart, super markets, convenience stores, and several restaurants."
