Best Campgrounds near Long Beach, NJ
Campgrounds near Long Beach, New Jersey offer a mix of private resorts and public recreation areas spanning the coastal region and inland pine forests. Baker's Acres Campground and Sea Pirate Campground provide cabin accommodations along with traditional tent and RV sites, while Bass River State Forest offers year-round access to camping within the natural setting of the New Jersey Pinelands. Most locations are situated within 30-45 minutes of Long Beach Island's beaches, creating convenient base camps for both forest and ocean activities.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April or May through October, with peak demand during summer months when beach access is most desirable. As one camper noted, "Just had our first stay at this campground and we loved it. The site was spacious and right across from the bathrooms. Only about 25 minutes from Long Beach Island." Full hookup sites for RVs are widely available at private campgrounds like Long Beach RV Resort and Wading Pines Camping Resort, though these tend to require reservations well in advance during summer weekends. Public facilities at Bass River and Brendan Byrne State Forests provide more rustic experiences with fewer amenities but typically offer more shade and natural settings.
The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area feature varying levels of development and privacy. Waterfront sites at locations like Baker's Acres receive consistently positive reviews for their access to activities. A reviewer highlighted that "Our site was a level back-in with 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. My favorite thing about this campground is that most of the sites have plenty of trees and shrubs for semi-privacy, shade, and a rustic feel." Sandy terrain is common throughout the region's camping areas, presenting challenges during wet weather. Several campgrounds offer amenities like swimming pools, camp stores, and planned activities, which provide alternatives to beach days when traffic to Long Beach Island becomes congested during peak summer weekends.
