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Best Campgrounds near Long Branch, NJ

253 Reviews

Campgrounds near Long Branch, New Jersey include a mix of developed facilities and rustic tent sites concentrated primarily along the coastline and inland wooded areas. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area offers walk-in tent camping with ocean views, situated just north of Long Branch on a peninsula with beaches and historic military sites. Within 20 miles of Long Branch, several established campgrounds provide a range of accommodation types, including Turkey Swamp Park with tent, RV, and cabin options, and Allaire State Park (temporarily closed) which typically offers similar amenities. Cheesequake State Park Campground lies approximately 25 miles northwest with primitive tent sites and limited RV spaces. The area features both public recreation areas and private camping resorts that accommodate various camping styles.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping options in the region, with most facilities operating between April and October. Sandy Hook requires all camping gear to be carried to sites, and fire restrictions apply with outside firewood prohibited. Several campgrounds, including Turkey Swamp Park, close during winter months, while others like Cheesequake State Park operate from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when shore destinations experience peak visitation. Military facilities like NWS Earle RV Park and Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites require proper identification and have restricted access. According to one visitor, "Sandy Hook has all the necessities you need, bathroom, shower, and the occasional food truck. There is even a trail that runs parallel to the beach making it a scenic ride."

The shoreline and beach proximity represent significant draws for campers visiting the Long Branch area. Campers frequently mention Sandy Hook's unique position offering both bay and ocean access, with bicycle-friendly paths connecting campgrounds to beaches. Reviews highlight the historical elements available at several campgrounds, including lighthouse tours and military history exhibits. Campground amenities vary considerably, with some locations offering full hookups while others maintain more primitive facilities. A review noted, "Activities abound: hit the beaches for water sports or sunbathing, learn about the military history of the area on an NPS tour, visit the oldest working lighthouse in the US, walk or bike the multi-use trails." Wildlife encounters receive mixed mentions, with several Sandy Hook reviews noting issues with raccoons and insects that require proper food storage. Private camping resorts in the region typically offer more amenities than public campgrounds but at higher nightly rates.

Map showing campgrounds near Long Branch, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Long Branch, New Jersey (34)

    1. Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Atlantic Highlands, NJ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (347) 630-1124

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Once you are there, you can walk right across the street to a bayside inlet and sandy shore that is not highly trafficked because no one can park there except those using the campground."

    "Rangers at the entrance regulate admittance thus, providing a safe environment within the confines of the base."

    2. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    12 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."

    3. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    18 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"

    4. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 566-2161

    $200 / night

    "I stayed at Cheesequake at the beginning of August and had a very positive experience."

    "This park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations."

    5. Pine Cone Resort

    7 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing. 50 per night"

    6. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 866-2448

    "Small campground W/ 8 spaces in the main area and 7 in an adjacent area. All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio."

    7. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    20 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. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    21 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! "

    9. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites

    1 Review
    Wall, NJ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 974-4500

    $45 / night

    "In our opinion this is the best site because you have an unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."

    10. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 740-4832

    $35 - $50 / night

    "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods with. Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ"

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Recent Camping Photos near Long Branch, NJ

90 Photos of 34 Long Branch Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Long Branch, NJ

253 Reviews of 34 Long Branch Campgrounds

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Sea Pirate Campground

    Lots to do

    The park was great. Very close to local sites like Tuckerton Seaport. Lots of activities on site including fishing, a heated pool, hot tub, and a couple of playgrounds. Bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had several activities and sent text reminders of what was going on

  • S
    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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Functional with excellent access to the City

    Very plain & functional, no frills but right on the harbor & on the very edge of Jersey City, close to a ferry & the train that takes u across to New York City. Shopping & restraunts are right next door. We brought scooters & had a great stay! Plus you can see the Statue of Liberty from there!

  • 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!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    friendly staff at the office

    Gave us a welcome folder with lots of helpful info, can walk to get food up the street, short drive to Liberty Park where we got out and walked at night to admire the city skyline and Statue of Liberty at night. They have hook ups and big laundry room.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Howard P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    Beautiful and family oriented

    My wife and I, residing near the Commodore Barry, sought a brief respite. Our thirteen-year-old son was unable to join us, so we proceeded without him. We secured site 53, a deluxe site offering ample space for our 29VBUD and Ram. The site was level and meticulously maintained, as were the dirt roads. The atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Numerous children and abundant activities kept them engaged. Our son truly missed a delightful experience. We departed on Sunday, but the serene ambiance almost prompted us to extend our stay. The sounds of families creating memories enhanced our enjoyment. We certainly plan to return when our grandson is older.

Guide to Long Branch

Camping sites near Long Branch, New Jersey offer accessible options within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at sea level with sandy soil conditions and frequent coastal humidity, making site selection important for tent campers. The camping season typically extends from April through October, with most coastal locations experiencing summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months.

What to do

Kayaking and fishing opportunities: Turkey Swamp Park features a pond for fishing and boating activities with reasonable rental rates for different watercraft. "There's a pond to fish, trails to walk/bike, basketball, sand volleyball, the list goes on and on," notes Caitlin F. in her Turkey Swamp Park review.

Hiking trail exploration: Cheesequake State Park has multiple trail systems ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "The park is on the list of 50 top NJ Hikes, and it has a few great trails. The trails range from easy to moderate with quite a few lookout locations," according to a Cheesequake State Park Campground reviewer.

Military history exhibits: The Sandy Hook area contains historical military sites worth exploring. "The history housed on this base, with a hanger were full of old planes where dedicated veterans worked diligently to restore them, provided us up close inspection of multiple planes, including a mini-sized glider which we were granted personal access to get into," shares Susan B. who visited Sandy Hook.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Several campgrounds offer well-separated sites despite their proximity to urban areas. At Butterfly Camping Resort, a camper noted, "The sites had good tree coverage and we didn't feel like we were right on top of the next site," highlighting the natural buffers between camping spaces.

Clean facilities: Butterfly Camping Resort receives consistent praise for maintenance. One reviewer mentioned, "The gated campground was clean and well-maintained. The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear," while another specifically pointed out the "clean bathrooms."

Proximity to beaches: The National Guard Training Center's RV sites provide direct beach access. "Free beach just a few moments' walk down the road. Close to shore towns & many restaurants," writes Jessica D. about the Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites, which offers an "unobstructed view of Stockton Lake & the horizon over the ocean."

What you should know

Car-free camping requirements: Some locations prohibit vehicles at campsites. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends!" warns a camper about Sandy Hook, where all equipment must be carried in.

Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. At Allaire State Park, the seasonal options vary by accommodation type. One visitor noted, "I have stayed in all the spots they offer, yurt, cabin and the pull up sites... Getting a cabin in the winter and going for a snowy hike is wonderful there."

Traffic noise considerations: Several campgrounds near major roads experience noise issues. A Cheesequake visitor reported, "The parkway runs through/over the park, you will be able to hear traffic noises," while another noted it was "located between two busy roads."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Pleasant Valley Lavender offers a unique camping experience during bloom season. "So pleasant to sleep near the blooming fields. Campsite is tucked in the woods... Tent camping in peace and quiet with easy access to major roads and highways to explore central NJ," notes Ellen K.

Child-friendly campgrounds: Multiple family-oriented facilities exist with dedicated recreation areas. One parent shared about Butterfly Camping Resort: "Large playground and lots of activities for the kids. Site was large, and had trees and shrubs separating the sites."

Wildlife awareness: Some campsites have active wildlife populations requiring proper food storage. Sandy Hook campers mention "metal storage units for locking up foodstuffs to protect them from being pilfered by the numerous and bold raccoons."

Tips from RVers

Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility placement when setting up. At the Military Park sites, one camper noted, "Only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains."

Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, specific site numbers matter. At Tip Tam Camping Resort, a reviewer advised, "I am a little concerned about moving to the site they want me to move to in the Spring the corners around the campground seem tight with trees."

Surface considerations: Many sites have sandy surfaces that require preparation. A camper at Butterfly noted, "The site was sandy. The whole place is sandy. This is messy, especially after a bit of rain, and makes it a constant challenge to keep the sand out of the RV."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Long Branch, NJ?

Several quality campgrounds serve the Long Branch area. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold offers a scenic public camping experience on 2,283 acres with a 17-acre lake and hiking trails. The park features spacious sites and is conveniently located near Revolutionary War battlefields. Baker's Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor provides level back-in sites with full hookups that can accommodate larger rigs. For those seeking additional options, Pine Cone Resort near Freehold and Tip Tam Camping Resort near Jackson are also within reasonable driving distance from Long Branch.

What are the best camping options for visitors to Long Branch?

For visitors to Long Branch, Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson offers excellent family-friendly camping with large sites separated by trees and shrubs. The resort features a fishing lake, playground, and numerous activities for kids. Another great option is Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, which provides level sites with full hookups including 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities and have friendly staff to enhance your camping experience, making them ideal choices for a Long Branch area getaway.

Are there any lakefront camping areas near Long Branch?

Yes, there are lakefront camping options near Long Branch. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines) in Elmer features premium sites with water access, though availability varies by season. The most notable lakefront option is Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, which centers around a 17-acre lake perfect for fishing and non-motorized boating. Many campsites are positioned to take advantage of the lake views, and the park's extensive trail system offers additional water views. For the best lakefront experience, book well in advance as these water-adjacent sites tend to fill quickly, especially during summer months.

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