The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Long Branch, NJ

247 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 - $150 / 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

    28 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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Long Branch Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Long Branch, NJ

90 Photos of 34 Long Branch Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Long Branch, NJ

247 Reviews of 34 Long Branch Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Military Park Fort Dix Range 14 Camp

    Park & go

    We stayed here in November-December to do some exploring around Jersey. Not a lot going on at the fam camp. Clean and gravel. Lots of military training nearby but overall a quiet stay. On the beaten path but a bit further into the trees so you’re not hearing so much road noise.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Turkey Swamp State Park Campground

    Great campground! Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest. There are tent and RV sites and you are allowed to have a tent on the site with an RV at no extra charge. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. There is pretty lake with good fishing and they sell bait at the Ranger office. There are lots of trails and the packed dirt roads are nice for bike riding. There are playgrounds and picnic areas as well. This is a lovely campground.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Lowe's - W Windsor

    Upscale Parking Paradise @ This Home Fixer Upper

    Granted, you’re in Princeton, yeah, that place known for that one certain university, so of course the expectations are going to be high, right? So, no doubt that this Lowes is pretty awesome, well, insofar as parking lots go that is. While there’s a variety of different sized Lowes that you’ll come across, this particular big blue box retailer serves up a fairly decent sized parking patio here for your overnight paved parking pleasure. Despite being conveniently located right off US1  and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there’s no doubt traffic, it’s all manageable. Despite being located right off US1, this Lowes sits back by about 80 yards so the locale doesn’t pick up all of the highway passerby traffic noise.

    Before arriving here, we called Customer Service and spoke with a very friendly lady called Jai-isha, who connected us with the store manager, Amanda, who confirmed it was OK for us to spend the night at this particular Lowes location. So while I don’t think anyone would have any problems just rocking up here for a quick overnighter, you might want to call ahead or stop in first.

    While there was definitely an abundance of parked cars as you enter from the west side, this is the least populated area of this parking corral, as well as the southern perimeter, which is a dash bit slower, less populated and therefor quieter. If that somewhat frequently trafficked retail arena doesn’t dissuade you from parking here at this home fixer upper, then you’ll be treated to a small smattering of additional retail options such as Mattress Firm (just in case you needed a new one for your RV), Trader Joes if you need to stock up on groceries, Starbucks to get jacked up on caffeine for that road trip you’re about to take as well The Container Store in the event that you need any kind of packing materials. While these stores add to the traffic pool, you’ll discover its altogether not terribly congested.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be RVing with your four-legged friends with you, then you’ll be in luck as just due north of here you’ll discover a nice patch of nature called Institute Woods (seems ironic, right?) that offers 589 acres of nicely manicured woods, farmland, wetlands and paths for you and your pet to stretch your legs – but be sure to check out the wooden bridge that spans the stream; (2) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the remains of what is in your onboard mini-fridge or you just want to try out some local fare, then just across the street you’ll find The Princetonian Diner otherwise there’s some fast food joints like Wendy’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs or further down US1 in either direction you have comfort casual chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and P.F. Changs; (3) If you have a canoe or kayak and want to dip the beak of your vessel into some fresh water, then head due northeast to Carnegie Lake where you can not only get some decent oaring in, but drop a line or two as well to grab a nice dinner of blue gill; and (4) Looking for a fun diversion for the kiddos? Then head on over to Stumpy’s Hatchet House for some really great axe-wielding competitions!

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 5 

    Quality: 5 

    Peace & Quiet: 4 

    Amenities: 4 

    Overall, I scored this location a 5. 

    Happy Overnighting!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Turkey Swamp Park

    Beautiful park but tons of ticks

    I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it’s really beautiful. But 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. I have been RVing for 2-3 years and this is the first time this many ticks ambushed us. I could not enjoy myself after having 3 biting me at one time. My husband had just come out of the shower and found 2 on him( not yet attached). Also the bathroom s don’t have shelves and the showers are not very convenient. You have to come out practically naked to get your towel. And since none of the sites have sewers you have to use them.

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    All around decent site

    Camped here many of times. Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have. Showers and bathrooms are ok, kept pretty clean. Lots of good hiking trails, most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones.

  • Joe R.
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Liberty Harbor RV Park

    Worth it

    This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8.

    Staff is average, as this is not meant to be high end. They are nice but a bit rough. We had some issues with our converter and they wanted to extort a 20% commission to allow our repair man in. A bit of logical conversation put that idea to sleep. Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump. The bath house was above average and heated. The laundry was helpful and was acceptable. Having a view of Lady Liberty out your window is priceless.

    Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze.

Guide to Long Branch

Camping near Long Branch, NJ, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny on the hike in, which didn't make it any easier."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Turkey Swamp Park, you can enjoy fishing and rent boats on the 17-acre lake. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
  • Wildlife Watching: Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest is a great spot for spotting local wildlife. One camper noted, "The grounds were lovely and a majority of the sites were generously sized."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mountainview Campground. One happy camper said, "Bathrooms/showers are always very clean as well as the grounds."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Brendan Byrne State Forest mentioned, "The campgrounds are clean and simple... In the larger loop, one site easily blends into another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff. A visitor at Turkey Swamp Park said, "The ranger were really nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park set up- it does the job but it’s seen better days."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or air traffic. One camper at Brendan Byrne State Forest mentioned, "There was some low flying air traffic going in to the joint base nearby."
  • Bugs in Summer: If you're camping in the warmer months, be ready for bugs. A visitor at Bass River State Forest warned, "There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Turkey Swamp Park, which has a playground. A reviewer said, "There’s a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is large and has wonderful sites that have privacy."
  • Pack Extra Supplies: Be prepared for limited stores nearby. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "There are no amenities or extras here, just really pleasant camping in the woods."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground said, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27."
  • Be Ready for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads. A camper at Bass River State Forest mentioned, "The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up."
  • Know Your Neighbors: RVers often share sites with others. A visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest noted, "Just like any other organized camp ground part of your experience is who is near you."

Camping near Long Branch, NJ, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful retreat.

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.

Keep Exploring