Tent camping near Seaside Park, New Jersey provides access to the Atlantic coastline and the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions around 65-75°F. Most camping areas feature flat, sandy terrain with minimal elevation change, creating natural drainage during frequent summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking on Wading River: Access the water directly behind Batona — Wharton State Forest for paddling through tannin-stained waters. "It is so easy to get lost in these woods and I LOVE IT! 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!" notes Alyssa D.
Explore historical sites: Visit the aviation hanger at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with restored vintage aircraft. "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," writes Susan B.
Family pedal cars: Children's activities at Tip Tam Camping Resort include pedal cars and mini-golf. "The place was fun.. they have peddle cars and playgrounds. They deliver wood to your site by the truck full! Nice little store and staff are all friendly," reports Jenn M.
What campers like
Beach proximity: From Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest, campers access both river swimming and nearby ocean beaches. "Very open basically sandy field with a handful of trees in the middle, group sites available. You're right next to the wading river/creek with that amazing cedar water. As well as a quick drive Harrisville Pond which mine as well be a lake," explains Dan M.
Privacy of walk-in sites: The tent sites at Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest require a short walk from parking. "I like campgrounds which have you park off and walk in to your site. There is more foot traffic, but you don't hear as many cars coming and going and driving past your site all the time," shares Elliott B.
Cleanliness and organization: Regular maintenance keeps facilities functional at most campgrounds. "The staff and campers are very friendly. Sites are nice and clean. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Over all a good place," states Bill V. about Tip Tam Camping Resort.
What you should know
Early morning noise: Some private campgrounds have early maintenance activity. "The only downside I saw was people here are up way too early. 7am place was already loud. 7:45am a propane truck pulled in the full the propane and was extremely loud. 8am people with leaf blowers and chopping wood. Don't expect to sleep past 7:30am," warns Bill V.
Tick precautions: The Pine Barrens ecosystem harbors ticks, especially in warmer months. "Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/trucks. Pretty good boating/fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks," advises Eldad K. from Goshen Pond.
Vehicle restrictions: At Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area, campers must carry gear to sites. "No cars are permitted in the campground, so you will have to lug your gear to your spot so choose wisely my friends! No outside wood is permitted - but you can buy some in the store (cash only)," cautions Christy K.
Tips for camping with families
RC track activities: Families find structured activities at some private campgrounds. "My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board," reports Dave B.
Wildlife education: Use the opportunity to teach children about the unique Pine Barrens ecosystem. "The boyfriend and I stayed for a weekend at one of the primitive tent sites. Our site was private and secluded. We had a great time," shares Ashley R. about her Goshen Pond experience, where the isolation allows for better wildlife viewing.
Security considerations: Military campgrounds provide enhanced security. "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. It's only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore. If you're planning a visit to either this campground is cheap, clean & quiet," notes Jeffrey about NWS Earle RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: RV pads vary significantly between private and public campgrounds. "All spaces are level concrete With fill hookups and attached concrete patio. Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," advises Jeffrey about the military campground.
Access road conditions: Some forest campgrounds have sandy approach roads. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle. Site are suitable for tents or small campers. The unpaved road into the site is narrow and tree lined. A larger RV would not fit," explains meghan G. about Batona Campground.
Limited sewage placement: Connection positioning can be problematic for longer RVs. "Power is at the far back & sewage is in the middle (left to right). A longer camper will be parked over the sewage connection," notes Jeffrey from NWS Earle RV Park.
