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"

    "Sand roads crisscross the whole area and navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around.

    The campgrounds are clean and simple."

    2. 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."

    3. Bass River State Forest

    17 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. "

    4. Turkey Swamp Park

    27 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

    11 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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Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lacey, NJ

398 Reviews of 77 Lacey Campgrounds



Guide to Lacey

Camping near Lacey, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds have trails right on site. For example, at Turkey Swamp Park, visitors enjoy the hiking trails and the beautiful 17-acre lake. One camper mentioned, "Biking and hiking trails are located in the park so no need to travel beyond the park."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you love fishing, Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest has a lake perfect for kayaking and canoeing. A reviewer noted, "If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake, it has a ramp to drop in."
  • Exploring Historical Sites: Allaire State Park features a historical village where you can learn about the area's 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. At Bass River State Forest, one camper said, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A reviewer at Baker's Acres Campground mentioned, "My boys loved the large play area and had a blast on the hayride."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. At Brendan Byrne State Forest, one visitor noted, "The individual sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire ring."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Wharton State Forest — Atsion Recreation Area mentioned, "Cell service was fair... No WiFi."
  • Seasonal Restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For instance, Turkey Swamp Park is open from April 1 to November 15.
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for unpaved roads at some sites. A visitor at Atsion Family Camp noted, "The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Wading Pines Camping Resort, one parent said, "The campground was full of plenty of amenities like basketball, volleyball, cornhole, playground, pool, crafts, bands, a lake, and fishing."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Some campgrounds are more suited for families. A reviewer at Butterfly Camping Resort mentioned, "The campground was very well taken care of... tons of stuff to do."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to pick a site away from noisy areas. A camper at Timberland Lake Campground noted, "It’s like golf cart Daytona 500," indicating that some areas can be busy.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at Baker's Acres Campground mentioned, "The roads are narrow getting to the ground and very tight inside especially for larger rigs."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Timberland Lake Campground said, "They do offer full hookups that include cable."
  • Be Prepared for Sand: Many campgrounds have sandy sites. A camper at Butterfly Camping Resort noted, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain."

For those seeking the Best Camping near Lacey, NJ, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking comfort, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

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.