Tent camping near Belmar offers access to both coastal and wooded environments within an hour's drive. The New Jersey Pinelands, which contain several campgrounds southwest of Belmar, feature sandy soil and pine-cedar forests with elevations rarely exceeding 200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience milder 55-75°F conditions.
What to do
Explore historical sites: At Washington Crossing State Park, campers can experience Revolutionary War history alongside nature. "It was VERY cold the year I went. To warm up, there is a small visitor's center where they have a reproduction of the famous painting commemorating the moment," notes one Washington Crossing State Park visitor about the annual Delaware River crossing reenactment.
Hiking through pine forests: The Batona Trail runs directly through several campgrounds in Wharton State Forest. "Best part of this campground is trailheads begin directly from campsites. Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," explains a visitor at Batona — Wharton State Forest.
Kayaking on forest waterways: The Pine Barrens offer multiple waterways for paddling adventures. "We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient. It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming," reports a camper at Goshen Pond.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Some Pine Barrens campgrounds offer genuine seclusion despite proximity to urban areas. "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!" shares an enthusiast at Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest.
Unique landscapes: The contrast between urban proximity and natural settings surprises many campers. "Great visit to this Brooklyn Campsite! The site was clean and accommodating. Great way to escape the city for a night if you can't make it upstate!" notes a visitor to Staten Island Gateway.
Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds within driving distance of Belmar offer extensive recreation options. "We have been here several times and our daughter loves it. Great place for kids and tons of activities. Campground is very clean and staff goes above and beyond," reports a family who stayed at Tip Tam Camping Resort.
What you should know
Military-only options exist: Active duty and retired military personnel have exclusive camping options. "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," explains a visitor to NWS Earle RV Park, noting it's "only an hour from Manhattan & 20 more minutes from the shore."
Early risers dominate some campgrounds: Be prepared for morning activity at family-oriented campgrounds. "The only downside I saw was people here are up way to 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," cautions a camper at Tip Tam.
Sandy terrain challenges: The Pine Barrens feature predominantly sandy soil. "The road into the campground is about 1 mile of loose sand. It can be accessed by a standard vehicle," notes a visitor to Batona Campground about access conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "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 a visitor to Tip Tam about amenities that entertain younger campers.
Educational opportunities: History-focused parks provide learning experiences. "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," explains a visitor to Washington Crossing State Park.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water recreation. "Ocean is close with lifeguards. Good fishing and pleasant people," notes a camper at Sandy Hook, highlighting the supervised beach areas that families appreciate.
Tips from RVers
Limited hook-up options: Full-service RV sites are scarce near Belmar. "Tip Tam Campground is close to central Jersey shore and Great Adventure. While mostly a seasonal campground there are several transiat sites with full hookup," shares an RV camper at Tip Tam Camping Resort.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds near Belmar have size restrictions. "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," warns a Batona Campground visitor about access limitations.
Consider the off-season: Camping during shoulder seasons offers more space. "During the off season is in and during the week, it's very peaceful and awesome place to be. During the weekend it's very populated and tends to be pretty noisy," advises a visitor to Bodine Field — Wharton State Forest about timing RV visits.
