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Best Campgrounds in New Jersey

971 Reviews

New Jersey state parks and forests offer a range of camping options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds with cabin rentals. Worthington State Forest Campground in the Delaware Water Gap provides tent and RV camping with basic amenities, while Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township features electric hookups, water connections, and cabin accommodations. Stokes State Forest maintains year-round camping with sites for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals. Many New Jersey campgrounds support mixed-use approaches, allowing visitors to choose between various accommodation types at a single location.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout New Jersey, with most state forest campgrounds operating from April through October or November. Some locations like Stokes State Forest and Belleplain State Forest remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold conditions. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly by location, with remote forest campgrounds often having limited connectivity. As one camper noted, "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."

Campers frequently mention the privacy and spaciousness of sites at Belleplain State Forest, with one review highlighting "HUGE sites with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and neighbors." Many state forest campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. Cape May area campgrounds like Sun Outdoors Cape May offer proximity to beaches with full hookup sites. Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with state park facilities sometimes receiving mixed reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers should note that dump station facilities at some state parks may be limited, potentially causing delays during busy checkout periods. The proximity of many New Jersey campgrounds to urban areas makes them convenient for weekend getaways while still providing natural settings.

Best Camping Sites in New Jersey (168)

    1. Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    Website

    "Full bathrooms are located behind campsite #15 (clean flushing bathrooms, with motion-sensed lighting, showers, dishwashing sink), but easily accessible from campsites nearby."

    "Bathrooms with flush toilets are conveniently located centrally every so often."

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    30 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-7286

    $42 - $79 / night

    "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!"

    "Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"

    3. Stokes State Forest

    28 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "We stayed at the campsite at Lake Ocquittunk Area. Campsite was very spacious and had a platform where we were able to fit two tents. There was plenty of space on the site for more tents."

    4. Round Valley State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

    "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

    5. Sun Outdoors Cape May

    26 Reviews
    Tabernacle, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 886-1234

    "Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."

    "The front of the park is close to the pool and store- if pool noise is a concern you should stay further back. A mix of seasonal,"cabins" and overnight camping. Park was very clean."

    6. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

    7. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    24 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "It was a great location, closest site to the water with beautiful views. Super convenient if you're a Kayaker, you can launch right off that spot. Its a huge site, away from other sites."

    8. High Point State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Matamoras, PA
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."

    "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."

    9. Belleplain State Forest

    22 Reviews
    Woodbine, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 861-2404

    "They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for."

    "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ. Clean facilities. Plenty of space for our tent. lake for swimming and you can rent boats. nice hiking trails and playground."

    10. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    21 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods"

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Recent Reviews in New Jersey

971 Reviews of 168 New Jersey Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Jun. 8, 2026

    Avalon Campground

    Nice campground near lots of great beach towns

    We spent a weekend at Avalon Campground to tour the trailers at the Vintage Trailer Rally. We toured about 15 RVs which was a lot of fun. The owners all took time to share details about their renovations and how they use the trailer. 

    For me, this is a 4-star campground because of lack of wifi and cable tv. We normally bring our own wifi, but are waiting on a replacement unit to arrive this week. That’s why I was hoping they’d have wifi, or at least cable tv as a backup. 

    THINGS I LIKED:

    — Nice campground— nothing fancy, but everything worked and it was pretty clean and well-maintained

    — Friendly staff including an escort to the site(which was a good size with working utilities)

    — Lots of nearby beach towns

    — Easy access from Exit 17 off Garden State Parkway

    — They have a concrete pickleball court which we enjoyed 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

    — WiFi cost extra fee and didn’t work well at all

    — Cable TV reception wasn’t good 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a great spot! They’re adding a swimming pool which is under construction now, so that should be a good addition

  • Thomas H.
    May. 21, 2026

    Turkey Swamp Park

    First trip with travel trailer

    Nice site. Neighbor not to close. Bring extra water hose. The connection is not very close.

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2026

    Beachcomber Camping Resort

    Beachcomber RV Resort

    Website says RV Resort and cabins. Turns out 75%+/- of camping area is made up of Tiny Homes, owned by people, and some for rent, plus cabins.

    In fairness, this isn't our type of camping. Many RV's were season with no one there. Thursday was dead, but Friday campers came in for Mother's Day weekend. We went to the bathhouse only to find out it was closed (seasonal). So a nice easy walk to do laundry turned into a lengthy walk or drive. Made no sense. Then on Friday, I was outside reading a book and an employee rolled into our site on a riding mower kicking up dirt all over me and into the trailer, with rocks kicked up into the picnic table. Lucky, no broken windows. Lippert no longer makes the window, so they would have been buying five (5) ones

    This is a great place for families with young children. Just not our cup of tea

  • fThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2026

    Jugtown Mountain Campsites

    Clean, convenient

    We stopped here overnight on our way down south. Very convenient location, nice large lawn with beautiful tall shade trees, bathroom was extremely clean and you can see were just recently renovated. They had a pool and some basic playground equipment. Pet friendly. You have to enter the camping area by driving through an RV and truck storage area first. We would stay here again .

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2026

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Great Campsite!

    I've hiked the A.T. through New Jersey, and this is probably my favorite NJ A.T. campsite. The only downside is that there is no water, so depending on which way you come in (nobo or sobo), you'll have to collect water before you get here from either Sunfish Pond, or one of the streams before the climb up here. There are 2 privies, one newer, and also a great spot to watch the sunset. Plenty of campsites, and during peak season there is a caretaker on site.

  • Ashley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2026

    Thousand Trails Lake & Shore

    First time campers and we loved it here

    The area was well maintained, lots for the kids to do, and everyone that worked there was so nice. Close to beaches and food. We’ll be back!

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2026

    Shotwell

    Great Winter Camping

    We enjoyed our first winter camping trip in our travel trailer at Stokes State Forest! The Shotwell area has trailer/tent sites as well.as enclosed mini cabins (think lean-to but with 4 walls). The bathroom is heated and kept clean. Lots of trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail nearby! Great experience, we'll be back!

  • Rachel L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2026

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    I love this location. Close to public transportation, great staff, and site security.

  • Kalinda I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2026

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    Cute, safe and quiet

    Love the staff the community and the solitude. All the amenities are up and working all the time.

Guide to New Jersey

Camping in New Jersey offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have trails that lead to stunning views. One camper mentioned, “The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier.”
  • Fishing and Boating: Campgrounds such as Turkey Swamp Park offer lakes for fishing and boat rentals. A reviewer said, “The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest noted, “The grounds were lovely and a majority of the sites were generously sized.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stated, “The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run.”
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One camper at Mountainview Campground said, “Sites are huge and very private. You didn’t even know that there were people around you.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA are known for their helpful staff. A visitor shared, “Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bass River State Forest, may have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison.”
  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Bass River noted, “There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to noise. A review from Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, “While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Parks like Turkey Swamp Park have playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer said, “There’s a nice playground in the campground.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. One family at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area enjoyed biking, stating, “We used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, “The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground noted, “Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, “There was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us.”
  • Bring Long Cables: If your site has distant hookups, long cables can save the day. One RV owner at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA appreciated the setup, saying, “The sites are large enough for large RVs.”

Camping in New Jersey can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in New Jersey?

Dispersed camping options in New Jersey are limited but available. Lower Forge Camp offers a true backcountry experience in the Pine Barrens, requiring a 5+ mile backpack from Atsion or 7 miles from Batsto. Located on the Batsto River, you can even boat in to this remote site. Another option is Round Valley State Park Campground, which features boat-in and hike-in wilderness sites. For most dispersed camping in New Jersey, permits are required and you must practice Leave No Trace principles. State forests like Wharton and Stokes may offer primitive camping areas, but these typically have designated sites rather than true dispersed camping.

What are the best tent camping sites in New Jersey?

Belleplain State Forest offers excellent tent camping with spacious, wooded sites and is conveniently located a short drive from Cape May and Ocean City beaches. The check-in process allows you to drive around and select your preferred site before committing. High Point State Park Campground in the Skylands region provides beautiful lakeside tent sites with direct access to numerous hiking and biking trails. You can hike to the monument at New Jersey's highest point or explore sections of the Appalachian Trail. Other noteworthy tent camping destinations include Stokes State Forest for its remote feel while still being accessible and Worthington State Forest along the Delaware Water Gap for its scenic beauty.

Is year-round camping available in New Jersey?

Year-round camping options in New Jersey are limited but available. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in the Skylands offers year-round camping with paved, mostly level sites featuring water and electric hookups. The wooded, spacious campsites make it ideal for winter camping adventures. Many other campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA close for winter, typically reopening in April, though exact closure dates vary and should be verified directly with the park. Private RV resorts like Beachcomber and Ocean View generally operate seasonally. State parks and forests often have reduced winter operations with limited facilities. Always call ahead during off-season months as services, water availability, and road maintenance may be restricted even at year-round campgrounds.

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