Top Tent Camping near Fair Haven, NJ

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Fair Haven? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Fair Haven. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Fair Haven, New Jersey's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Fair Haven, NJ (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    1.

    Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    222 Saves
    Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

    Overview

    Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

    Recreation

    Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

    Facilities

    Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

    Natural Features

    Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.

    Nearby Attractions

    Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:__ Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.__ Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.__ Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.__ No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $50 / 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

    2.

    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 Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area

    3.

    Staten Island — Gateway National Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    63 Saves
    Bayonne, New Jersey

    Overview

    This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortification tours are available on site. Connecting to the bike path, near the campground, is a NYC Parks and Recreation boardwalk where bike rentals and food concessions are available offsite.

    Recreation

    Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites).

    Facilities

    Surf fishing at the beach is available for campers with a fishing license (see DEC for details). In addition, campers can attend a ranger-led tour of the historic structures. In the summer months, campers may enjoy walking/sunbathing (no Lifeguard on duty) on the beach at Fort Wadsworth. Swimming where lifeguards are on duty, is available at Gateway NRA- Great Kills Beach or NYC Parks and Recreation beaches. Bird watching, kayaking, biking and playground areas are all located within the Staten Island Unit of Gateway (Fort Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park sites).

    Natural Features

    Thousands of years ago, glacial activity created a morainal hilltop, that is Fort Wadsworth Overlook. Located at the Narrows in New York Harbor, visitors can look out at the hills of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and eastern Staten Island. Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Staten Island Unit, has various topographic features, such as hills, fields, maritime forest and dunes, as well as beaches.

    Nearby Attractions

    Alice Austin House, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Museum are all within a 10 mile or less radius.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Changes & Cancellations__ Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:__ https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies__

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender
    Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Lavender

    5.

    Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    89 Saves
    Aberdeen, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from NWS Earle RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from NWS Earle RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from NWS Earle RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from NWS Earle RV Park

    6.

    NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    14 Saves
    Colts Neck, New Jersey

    WPNSTA Earle has a 15-site RV Park located within the base. Each site is back-in only and has full hookup amenities including water, sewer plus 20, 30 and 50 AMP service, Wi-Fi, a picnic table, and grill. Rates are per night and monthly rates are not offered. The RV Park is open year-round. There are men and women showers and a laundry facility on site, and all guests are invited to participate in MWR activities and use MWR facilities during the time of their visit. Check-in packets of information are e-mailed with reservation confirmation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cone Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cone Campgrounds

    7.

    Pine Cone Campgrounds

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    5 Saves
    Freehold, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8.

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    3 Photos
    60 Saves
    Titusville, New Jersey

    STARTING FEB 2024 - CLOSED TEMPORARILY FOR IMPROVEMENTS. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

    Washington Crossing State Park is the site of General George Washington’s historic 1776 Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River. For almost ten hours, boats and ferries moved continuously back and forth carrying men, horses and cannon to the Jersey side. By midnight a strong storm had developed, hurling sleet, hail and snow at the rebel army. Landing at Johnson’s Ferry, the Continental Army still faced an arduous nine mile march to Trenton as the storm continued with a vengeance. Reaching Trenton in the early morning of December 26th, the American Army surrounded, defeated and captured over 900 Hessian mercenaries and secured a morale boosting victory of immeasurable proportions.

    Group campsites: Four group campsites are located in the Phillips Farm area of the park. Each site contains picnic tables, fire rings and a composting toilet. These are designated as primitive campsites with no water or electric utilities available on site. Total combined capacity of all four sites: 115. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to overestimate as refunds cannot be made.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $50 - $100 / night

    • No image available

      10.

      Campgaw Mountain Reservation

      Be the first to review!
      8 Saves
      Ramsey, New Jersey

      Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers unique opportunities such as archery, disc golf, skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing in a wooded setting. Hiking is available along the marked trails in this 1,373-acre wooded park. Campsites are also available at Campgaw. Camping permits are required and are available at Bergen County Parks Dept., Monday- Friday, 9am- 4pm. Fees. Must be 21 years or older. Camp season opens April 1, closes November 30, two-week limit per person per year. No alcoholic beverages permitted. Dogs allowed on 6 FT leash. For further hiking and camping information call (201) 327-3500.

      https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/images/Departments__Services/Parks/Parks__Recreation_Areas/Campgaw_Mountain_Reservation/View-Campgaw-camping-ground.pdf

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

    Recent Tent Reviews In Fair Haven

    217 Reviews of 10 Fair Haven Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      August 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

    • Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      August 19, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      BE AWARE OF UPDATED ROUTE! HIKING ISN'T WORTH IT, BOAT IN

      Doing this review because a lot of them feel extremely outdated, so here we go. 

      Access: There are two ways to get to your campsite, boating and the great 3 mile trek. Starting with the hike, the path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men. It makes the hike extremely difficult which could have been avoided. Moreover, theres a few points on the trail where you’re walking side by side from a highway, crossing driveways, passing construction zones, and past fencing. Extremely awkward and takes you out of the hiking experience immediately. Not ideal especially since you have to pay to camp on the site. I was extremely dissatisfied. Boating may be more worth it to avoid these downfalls and get your moneys worth. 

      Amenities: There are two water pumps. One at the beginning of the camp site and one at the end. They tend to get far if you plan on camping further into the campsite so I would plan ahead. The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the"outdoorsy" experienced not a huge downfall. Most of the campsites have access to a picnic table and fire ring which is a huge plus. 

      Overall: For starters, the water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk and don’t get caught? I had a wonderful time at this location, the sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown. But this site just missed with the awful trail of three miles. Although there were service roads throughout the campsite, visitors were not able to use them. The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall. Moreover, the hike itself along highways, across roads, and down strategically places pebbles and rocks were a huge miss and made it extremely difficult and slippery. I highly recommend boating as hiking will probably make the experience a lot more sour than wanted. It shouldn’t be a"choose between the two" considering you’re paying but what can you do… pick boating if you really want to see it for yourself.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
      June 29, 2024

      Round Valley State Park Campground

      Good

      The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging. The campsite was really nice, even if the pic nic table was almost completely broke

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs Lodges & RV Resort
      April 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cone Campgrounds
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
      September 1, 2023

      Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

      Beautiful beaches , terrible roaches

      We are local and have spent most of our beach days at Sandy hook. It’s one of our all time favorite places in the world. So naturally we wanted to spend an entire night down there. The campsites sell out early in the season, but we realized people cancel pretty frequently and we found availability on the night the blue moon was up. We set up camp and went to the beach across the street for sunset. When we got back I noticed the bear boxes were infested with roaches, but we didn’t think too much of it. Fast forward to the morning and we wake up to our tent and everything left out of the tent covered in roaches. We spent 1.5 hours shaking everything out after we went to watch the sunrise, although I ended up having to throw out my tent because it had hundreds of bugs on it and I couldn’t risk infesting my home. I thought I had gotten them all but they were crawling around my car as I was driving home and when I got home, the outside of my car still had a bunch on it. $30/night was a misleading price as I’ll have to replace my tent and get our cars detailed. I had never seen a roach at Sandy hook beaches, and we’ll continue to go back for day trips, but that was a one and done camping excursion. Really sad because it was a nice set up and it would have been fun to camp by the beach.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
      August 24, 2023

      Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

      awesome beaches, birding, historical sites & trail for biking, but ROACHES!

      We had a breezy afternoon check-in with the fantastic & knowledgeable forest service ranger. Parking close to the campsites, but helps to use the provided wheelbarrows to get everything to your personal site. The power is currently out for a major reconstruction. our campsite had 10-15 holes in the ground with what appeared to be sand wasps flying in and around the holes. they have never caused me any trouble, they are just large and surprising. We knew they’d be sleeping at night. after camp set up, we used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail about 2 miles to Beach D, spent a great afternoon sanding & swimming and a little ice cream at the carvel truck. Biked back and bought a few bundles of firewood to cook & get ready for the evening.

      our campsite backed right up to a communal water source. when I went over to get some additional water once dark, roaches scurried when I turned on a light at the faucet tap. not totally surprised (people were washing food off pots there) but then when I walked back to my picnic table, I was ACTUALLY surprised to find HUNDREDS of roaches everywhere ….all over our equipment on the table, on our bikes, even on the marshmallow stick resting on the lit fire pit  … I mean everywhere. It’s like once it was dark they all came out, in numbers I have never seen anywhere. Am planning on giving feedback to the rangers as well in case the were not aware of the extent of the problem. We weren’t able to stay overnight in that environment unfortunately because everything else was truly super pleasant.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
      August 5, 2023

      Brendan Byrne State Forest

      Beautiful, remote and pristine

      This was definitely a unique camping experience for me. The forest is absolutely beautiful, but not by any design. Instead, nature is just doing its thing. Sand roads crisscross the whole area and navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around.

      The campgrounds are clean and simple. Some reviews mentioned that the borders between sites are a bit murky, which I agree with. In the larger loop, one site easily blends into another. I stayed in the smaller loop (1-13), which was simple and a bit more private. The bathrooms nearby were immaculately clean, which hasn’t been the case at many other state campgrounds. There was some occasional road noise, but nothing that kept me up at night. However, there was some low flying air traffic going in to the joint base nearby. It wasn’t terrible, but it was definitely noticeable.

      In a pinch, there’s a Wawa about 5 minutes away from the campground. Beyond that, there’s a bar and a gas station a bit further away. Anything else is a bit of a hike. If you want to get away and feel like you’re truly in nature, this is a good spot to visit.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      July 22, 2023

      Turkey Swamp Park

      Great first night

      We stayed here on our first night with the campervan. Had lots of room. The ranger were really nice.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground
      June 19, 2023

      Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground

      Well run park close to attractions

      We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful. Many campers here are seasonal or long term stays and were very quiet and respectful. We had a bad luck of the draw being next to a very loud, inebriated family with unruly dogs but luckily they only were there the one night. Once they left, the atmosphere changed and we really enjoyed our stay. We would camp here again to go to six flags because it was easy to drive back a few minutes after a long day at the park. We had full hookup access with no issues as well.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Battle Row Campground
      December 26, 2022

      Battle Row Campground

      Fantastic hidden tent camping experience

      I have lived 6 miles from this campground for the last 20 years and never knew they had tent sites. The park is clean the bathrooms are well maintained and there is a playground for the kids. Each site is set back off a common area so there is plenty of privacy. It's great if your local easy in and out

    • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      November 26, 2022

      Turkey Swamp Park

      Excellent camping spot and county park!

      Turkey Swamp is a county park located in Monmouth County, NJ. This beautiful park has some of the nicest campsites in a wooded area. Biking and hiking trails are located in the park so no need to travel beyond the park. If you want to travel, Freehold, NJ is nearby offering restaurants, breweries, shopping, and more.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
      November 2, 2022

      Turkey Swamp Park

      Perfect place

      My experience was just what I needed. It was quiet, the one family I met was so kind. It was late fall so not many campers. The energetically outlet was so important and the bathrooms were clean. No complaints at all.



    Guide to Fair Haven

    Camping near Fair Haven, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Many campgrounds have trails that let you explore the local flora and fauna. For example, at Brendan Byrne State Forest, one visitor mentioned, "There is a 12-13 mile loop with a nice lake area about 3/4 of the way through that is really nice."
    • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest has a ramp for kayaks and canoes, making it easy to access the water. A camper noted, "The water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming."
    • Exploring historical sites: Allaire State Park features a historical village where you can learn about the past. One visitor shared, "There is a historical village where you can visit a blacksmith shop and other spaces to learn about the history."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Turkey Swamp Park mentioned, "Restrooms with showers clean and well stocked."
    • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Bass River State Forest said, "Sites are spacious and not on top of each other."
    • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One reviewer at Round Valley State Park Campground noted, "The staff at this location is fantastic."

    What you should know:

    • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A camper at Atsion Family Camp mentioned, "There is also a fair amount of plane traffic from a small local airport."
    • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Cheesequake State Park Campground has older facilities, with one visitor stating, "The bathroom/shower facility is older and has limited stalls."
    • Bugs in summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Bass River State Forest noted, "There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Turkey Swamp Park has a nice playground in the campground.
    • Plan for quiet hours: Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park mentioned, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet."
    • Pack extra supplies: Bring enough food and water, as some campgrounds have limited markets. A camper at Round Valley State Park Campground advised, "Plan ahead for water pumps, as they tend to get far if you camp further into the site."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted, "There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops."
    • Be aware of road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Bass River State Forest mentioned, "You could hear car traffic from the nearby road."
    • Use the dump station: If you need to empty your tanks, check the availability of the dump station. A visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest said, "The dump station is locked so get the combo from the office if you want to use it."

    Camping near Fair Haven, New Jersey, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fair Haven, NJ?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fair Haven, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Fair Haven, NJ?

      TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Fair Haven, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.