Best Campgrounds near Lacey, NJ

State forests and county parks surrounding Lacey, New Jersey provide diverse camping experiences within the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, located about 15 miles west of Lacey, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spots, and cabins in a secluded forest setting. Bass River State Forest, approximately 20 miles south, provides similar accommodations with waterfront options along the Mullica River. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access several private campgrounds like Baker's Acres in Parkertown and Long Beach RV Resort in Barnegat, which offer more amenities including full hookups, swimming pools, and organized activities. The region's camping options range from primitive sites in dense pine forests to family-oriented resorts with modern conveniences.

Sandy terrain characterizes many campgrounds in the Pine Barrens region, creating potential challenges during rainy periods. As one camper noted, "The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up, but some sites are close to roadways, so you do get some car noise." Most state forest campgrounds have basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, though electric hookups are limited to certain sites. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage. Seasonal considerations include tick awareness in warmer months and fire restrictions during dry periods, particularly in late summer and early fall.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Wharton State Forest's Atsion Family Campground. According to one reviewer, "Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites early as they are popular." Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, though farther north, earns praise for its 17-acre lake, hiking trails, and pull-through sites with good privacy vegetation. Many campers mention the region's sandy soil as both a characteristic feature and occasional inconvenience. Private campgrounds typically offer more amenities but less seclusion, while state forests provide a more authentic outdoor experience with access to extensive trail systems. The Batona Trail, which connects several state forests, is frequently mentioned as a highlight for hikers and backpackers seeking longer adventures.

Best Camping Sites Near Lacey, New Jersey (77)

    1. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "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!"

    2. Bass River State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Tuckerton, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-1114

    "We have never camped here before, but wanted to hike the Batona trail nearby."

    "I'm particularly fond of the dog friendly loop, its a newer loop and the bathrooms are more modern than the others scattered around. "

    3. Baker's Acres Campground

    15 Reviews
    Eagleswood, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 296-2664

    $43 / night

    "We stayed at Baker’s Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, for a weekend in mid-August. So did the rains of Hurricane Henri! "

    "Our site was decently sized, level, and nicely bordered with trees that gives you a sense of privacy."

    4. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    23 miles
    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"

    5. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-2107

    $64 - $78 / night

    "Fishing lake is on the smaller side, but people were catching fish. Definitely in our top 5 New Jersey Campgrounds."

    "4½ Stars Quick Weekend Getaway 

    We stayed at Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson, New Jersey, for a 2-night weekend in late-August. We’re so glad we did! "

    6. Wading Pines Camping Resort

    17 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1313

    "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."

    "Very nice wading river next to the camp grounds. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other."

    7. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 363-4036

    "It feels like you're camping out in a field with mostly sand around. But having said that, I'd still recommend it for all of the positive they do have."

    "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."

    8. Long Beach RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Manahawkin, NJ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 698-5684

    9. Batona — Wharton State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 561-0024

    "I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends.  If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT!

    You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"

    "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."

    10. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 938-2371

    "Lots of walking paths surround the park & you are also close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Manasquan (all fun shore towns)."

    "Nice state park with trails nearby."

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Recent Reviews near Lacey, NJ

405 Reviews of 77 Lacey Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Private wooded sites

    Nice, remote, private. Some sites unlevel. Bring a LONG water hose. Nice lake. Showers and washers and dryers.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    Good spot to sleep

    The camp road was kinda hard to get around direction wise you couldn’t tell what was a road and what was a campsite. It was Saturday night and only two other campers but one was a huge group but thankfully not too loud. Two pit toilets that was pretty bad shape but we are used to disperse camping without toilets so we didn’t complain.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

    Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

    Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Fantastic camping ground

    We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn’t even use mosquito repellent and didn’t get a single bite! The campground was super clean too. It was perfect!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • Jesse G.
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Clean, Friendly but Unclear and Arbitrary Rules

    Overall we enjoyed our stay. I will say that the rules of the campsites are ambiguous on the website and when we first arrived were unaware that if using an RV in a tent site you are not allowed to add another tent to the site. There is a two tent limit per site despite the site allowing up to 6 people. We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations.

    Otherwise, the stay was pleasant. The bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. They do patrol the sites with a police presence in the evening.


Guide to Lacey

Tent and RV campsites in the New Jersey Pine Barrens near Lacey Township feature sandy soil that drains quickly after rain but can create dusty conditions during dry periods. The region's elevation ranges from 20-200 feet above sea level with a moderate climate averaging 75°F in summer and 35°F in winter. Many campgrounds maintain pine forest cover that provides natural shade and habitat for wildlife unique to this ecosystem.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park features a 17-acre lake with good fishing. The campground sells bait at the ranger office, and many visitors make this a focal point of their stay. According to one camper: "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental."

River tubing: Wading Pines Camping Resort offers direct access to the Wading River for tubing adventures. One visitor shared: "You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other." Another camper recommended: "Have someone drop you off at Hawkins Bridge and float down to the campground. A little over 2 hour ride."

Hiking the Batona Trail: Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest provides direct access to the 50-mile Batona Trail. A frequent visitor noted: "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible." The sandy terrain makes for moderate hiking difficulty.

Pine Barrens exploration: Brendan Byrne State Forest offers multiple hiking trails through the distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem. A camper mentioned: "There are probably hundreds of miles of trails through the woods and bogs to explore. Can't tell you how much I love it. Could spend a whole vacation just with these trails."

What campers like

Secluded atmosphere: Brendan Byrne State Forest receives high marks for its isolation. According to one camper: "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!" Another visitor noted: "It's far away from traffic noise. You can't hear any cars or any other noise from civilization at all."

Water features: Bass River State Forest offers lake access for water activities. A camper shared: "A beautiful camping area that is affordable, each site is very large, very clean and well maintained. The camp ground area is very large and signed extremely well making finding your campsite easy."

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature large, level campsites. At Baker's Acres Campground, a visitor noted: "Their slogan is 'Where friends are made for life' and they couldn't be any more right. This is the friendliest, family run for 50+ years, clean, fun, campground. Campsites are level and somewhat sandy (You're in the Pine Barrens, it should be expected)."

Diverse amenities: The area's private campgrounds often provide more facilities than state parks. Butterfly Camping Resort earned this review: "The campground was very well taken care of. The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site. There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on."

What you should know

Ticks and insects: The Pine Barrens region has significant tick populations, especially in warmer months. A camper at Turkey Swamp Park 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." Another visitor advised: "Ticks were very active on this visit be sure to remember your bug spray and tuck your pants in your socks!"

Sandy terrain: Baker's Acres Campground and most area campgrounds feature sandy soil characteristic of the Pine Barrens. A camper noted: "Sites are level and somewhat sandy (You're in the Pine Barrens, it should be expected)." This affects tent staking and can track into tents and RVs during your stay.

Bathroom facilities vary: State forest campgrounds typically have basic facilities. At Bass River State Forest, one camper reported: "Unfortunately when I came the bathrooms, there was toilet paper all over, cobb webs and bugs flying all over. They looked as if they get cleaned maybe once a week IF THAT."

Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. A visitor to Brendan Byrne State Forest noted: "We ended up needing to purchase another site which was thankfully open for us to use, however I would have purchased it next to our original site had I known about the limitations."

Tips for camping with families

Activity-focused campgrounds: Butterfly Camping Resort provides numerous options for children. A visitor reported: "My husband and I came to this campground for a quick weekend getaway with our dogs. Both nights we were there, there were events being put on (a tractor ride, kickball, and a pool movie night)."

Playground access: Turkey Swamp Park offers child-friendly facilities. One reviewer mentioned: "There are age-appropriate playgrounds both in the campground and by the office." Another camper added: "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite! The campground was super clean too."

Family-sized sites: Bass River State Forest accommodates larger family groups. A camper noted: "The sites are a great size and many are set back enough that you have privacy. Many great memories of canoeing and fishing on the lake and is a great family-friendly campground."

Noise considerations: Wading Pines Camping Resort attracts many families with children. A visitor observed: "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 mentioned: "Very busy with kids and golf carts-even kids driving golf carts."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Tip Tam Camping Resort accommodates RVs but has some access considerations. One RVer noted: "Tip Tam Campground is close to central Jersey shore and Great Adventure. While mostly a seasonal campground there are several transiat sites with full hookup."

Hookup availability: Long Beach RV Resort in Barnegat provides full-service sites. A seasonal camper mentioned: "Clean, quiet, lots of activities for both children and adults, and overall a great campground."

Road conditions: Many Pine Barrens campgrounds have sandy or unpaved roads. At Batona Campground, a visitor warned: "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit."

Pull-through sites: Turkey Swamp Park offers convenient RV access. A reviewer 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." Another camper added: "This campground has all pull-through sites. Nicely wooded with water and electric. Be sure to bring extra hose because the water spigot is a distance from the electric."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lacey, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lacey, NJ is Brendan Byrne State Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.