Camping near Long Beach, New Jersey offers access to the Pine Barrens ecosystem with its nutrient-poor sandy soil that creates a unique forest landscape dominated by pine trees. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level with a climate that features hot, humid summers and mild winters. Campgrounds in the area are typically open from April through October, though some state park options remain accessible year-round for primitive camping.
What to do
River activities on Wading River: The Wading River flows through multiple campgrounds, providing excellent kayaking and tubing opportunities. At Wading Pines Camping Resort, one camper shared, "The river is right there to go tubing or kayaking. You can tube down the river from one end of camp to the other." For a longer adventure, experienced paddlers can arrange multi-day trips with local outfitters.
Hiking and biking trails: The Pine Barrens offer extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. Brendan Byrne State Forest features well-maintained pathways through distinctive pine forest ecosystems. A visitor noted, "Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones." The sandy terrain creates relatively flat trails suitable for most fitness levels.
Swimming and beach access: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas in lakes or pools as alternatives to ocean beaches. At Turkey Swamp Park, campers appreciate the lake for swimming during summer months. One visitor commented, "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming." Most campgrounds are within a 20-30 minute drive of Long Beach Island beaches.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds in this region feature well-spaced sites with natural forest surroundings. A camper at Atsion Family Camp shared, "Very spacious and open - which is good in some ways but I had to account for shade as well as a place to rig a ridgeline for my tarp." Sites typically include fire rings and space for multiple tents.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds organize regular scheduled events, especially during summer and holiday weekends. According to a visitor at Sea Pirate Campground, "We rented a golf cart and did some of the activities like painting and playing bingo. We took a hayride around the park, which was fun." Halloween-themed weekends are particularly popular at several campgrounds, featuring decorations and trick-or-treating.
Proximity to beaches without beachfront prices: Staying at campgrounds provides more affordable accommodations compared to beachfront rentals while maintaining reasonable access to shore points. A camper at Atlantic Shore Pines Campground noted, "This place is very close to Bass River State Park with lots of hiking and outdoor activities. This campground is about 20 minutes from LBI, and 35 minutes from Ocean City."
What you should know
Insects can be intense: The Pine Barrens ecosystem supports significant insect populations, especially during warm months. One visitor to 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." Thorough tick checks and appropriate repellents are essential.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell coverage due to their location in forested areas. Some campgrounds like Timberline Lake Camping Resort have this challenge, with one reviewer noting, "Horrible wifi, zero cell service... Not my preferred camping getaway but aside from horrible internet and zero cell service, it's a nicely run campground."
Seasonal flooding and sandy soil: Pine Barrens campgrounds frequently have sandy soil that can create challenges during rainy periods. At Hawkins Bridge, a camper observed, "The path down to it is steep and a little slippery, so use caution." Water management at campsites requires preparation, particularly during spring and after heavy rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Book glamping options for first-time campers: Families new to camping might prefer glamping accommodations that provide greater comfort. Multiple campgrounds near Long Beach Island offer glamping structures ranging from basic to luxurious. While tent camping works for experienced families, glamping provides a gentler introduction with amenities like real beds and electricity.
Schedule around seasonal events: Many campgrounds organize family-focused activities during peak season. A visitor to Sea Pirate Campground shared, "Halloween fun was really good. Many kids grade school and elementary level enjoyed the dance. The sites were decorated and they had trick or treating." Call ahead to learn about scheduled events that align with your visit.
Consider weekday visits during peak season: Weekend crowds can significantly impact the camping experience. Wading Pines Camping Resort can get particularly busy according to one camper who noted, "The campground is PACKED! Very busy with kids and golf carts-even kids driving golf carts." Midweek stays often provide quieter experiences with better site availability.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for sandy campsites: The natural sandy soil in Pine Barrens campgrounds can create housekeeping challenges for RVers. One visitor to Sea Pirate Campground observed, "A less significant issue is that the sites are sandy dirt— no gravel or concrete. This makes things extremely dirty whether it's dry or raining." Bring outdoor mats and additional cleaning supplies.
Check water pressure before setting up: Water systems at some campgrounds experience pressure fluctuations, particularly during peak usage. An RVer at Sea Pirate Campground reported, "We had a problem with our site: extremely low water pressure, often below 20 PSI. It was so low at times, that we couldn't take showers or flush the toilet." Filling your freshwater tank before arrival provides backup supply.
Request level sites when booking: Many campgrounds feature variable site grades that can challenge leveling systems. At Long Beach RV Resort, sites are generally well-maintained but requesting specific site numbers known to be level can improve the experience. Most campgrounds will accommodate specific site requests when made in advance.
