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Best Campgrounds near Toms River, NJ

385 Reviews

Campgrounds near Toms River, New Jersey provide a mix of public and private camping facilities within an hour's drive of the Atlantic coast. Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township and Butterfly Camping Resort in Jackson offer cabin accommodations along with traditional tent and RV camping options. The Brendan Byrne State Forest, located southwest of Toms River, provides more rustic camping experiences in a wooded setting. Most developed campgrounds in this region operate within 30 miles of Toms River, creating convenient access to both shore areas and inland recreation.

Seasonal availability varies significantly among the area's campgrounds, with many private resorts operating from April through October. Public facilities like Allaire State Park (temporarily closed for renovations) and Brendan Byrne State Forest typically remain open year-round, though winter camping requires additional preparation. Campground amenities range from basic facilities with vault toilets to full-service resorts with electric hookups, water connections, and modern bathhouses. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when proximity to Jersey Shore beaches drives high demand. According to one visitor, "The campground was clean and well-maintained. The swimming pool was large and the water crystal clear. The store was stocked with typical essentials like supplies, fire wood, and snacks."

Several campgrounds in the area feature family-oriented amenities and organized activities. Butterfly Camping Resort receives positive reviews for its recreational facilities, with one camper noting it "offers many things we were looking for: proximity to Six Flags, cleanliness, access to nature and entertainment for the kids with quiet and relaxation." Tip Tam Camping Resort similarly earns praise for family-friendly features including pedal cars, playgrounds, and swimming pools. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide a balance of wooded sites with moderate privacy and open areas for recreation. Sandy soil conditions are common throughout the area's campgrounds, particularly in the Pine Barrens region, which can create challenges during wet weather but provides good drainage during summer thunderstorms.

Map showing campgrounds near Toms River, New JerseyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Toms River, New Jersey (64)

    1. Turkey Swamp Park

    28 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    15 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"

    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. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    9 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! "

    4. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    8 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."

    5. Brendan Byrne State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Chatsworth, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (609) 726-1191

    $3 - $60 / night

    "Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"

    "First off, I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed!"

    6. Timberland Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0500

    "They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"

    "As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time.

    Very close to 6 flags great adventure."

    7. Pine Cone Resort

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

    "No hiking trails. No pond or lake for fishing.

    $50 per night"

    8. Indian Rock RV Resort and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cream Ridge, NJ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 928-0034

    $78 - $98 / night

    "We had a bad luck of the draw being next to a very loud, inebriated family with unruly dogs but luckily they only were there the one night."

    "Unfortunately, the bathhouse near our site had no hot water, but they were working on it, so I’m sure it won’t be for long. Well stocked store. It was our very first camping day."

    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. Adventure Bound Camping (Tall Pines)

    3 Reviews
    Roosevelt, NJ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Toms River, NJ

150 Photos of 64 Toms River Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Toms River, NJ

385 Reviews of 64 Toms River Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • 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!

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Bass River State Forest

    Fantastic Experience

    My first time solo camping and it couldn’t have gone better. The staff there are top notch. Clean site. So much to do. Couldn’t recommend enough.

  • M
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Holly Acres RV Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are on the smallish side, but the staff is super nice and the facilities are maintained and clean

  • 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.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake

    VERY FRIENDLY AND ACCOMMODATING STAFF

    Very helpful staff and wonderful atmosphere. We were made to feel very welcome and well taken care of. Couldn’t ask for any better. The showers are basic but far from the worst I’ve experienced, clean and stocked. Limited store supply selection but Wawa is a 15 minute drive and Walmart is roughly the same so that’s good enough for me. Pool is well taken care of and the lake is nice. Mosquitoes are bad but that’s to be expected being near water of any kind so can’t complain too much it is what it is. Overall a nice spot to stop for some time away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Guide to Toms River

Camping near Toms River, New Jersey, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike in was a tough one! Weather was 95 and sunny... Lots of breaks recommended!"
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or rent a boat at Turkey Swamp Park. A camper shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake."
  • Historical Sites: Visit the historical village at Allaire State Park for a glimpse into the past. One reviewer noted, "In addition to their tent sites and group gathering areas, we enjoy all the activities!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms at Brendan Byrne State Forest. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms nearby were immaculately clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the amenities at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. One camper said, "There was so much to do there: a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow, and even more."
  • Secluded Campsites: Campers at Bass River State Forest appreciate the spaciousness. A reviewer mentioned, "Sites are spacious and not on top of each other."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for low cell service at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest. One camper noted, "There is little to no signal inside the park."
  • Noise from Nearby Roads: Some campgrounds, like Wading Pines Camping Resort, can have noise from roads. A visitor mentioned, "You could hear car traffic from the nearby road."
  • Check-in Confusion: At Wharton State Forest, check-in can be tricky. One camper said, "Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds like Turkey Swamp Park that offer playgrounds and trails. A reviewer said, "They have a nice playground in the campground."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Make sure to bring enough food and drinks, especially if you're camping at places like Cheesequake State Park, where amenities may be limited. One camper noted, "Bathrooms could be cleaner but many other pros."
  • Choose a Shady Spot: Look for campsites with trees for shade, especially during hot summer days. A visitor at Round Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "The water was beautiful and clean."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at Bass River State Forest. A reviewer said, "The individual sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to campgrounds like Wading Pines Camping Resort, as some may not have stores nearby. One camper noted, "The store was fully stocked with anything you could possibly want or need."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose quieter sites if you're sensitive to noise. A visitor at Brendan Byrne State Forest mentioned, "There was some occasional road noise, but nothing that kept me up at night."

Camping around Toms River, NJ, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are campgrounds from downtown Toms River, NJ?

Most quality campgrounds are within a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Toms River. Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek is approximately 25 minutes south of Toms River and offers level sites with full hookups including 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and cable. For those willing to drive a bit further, Baker's Acres Campground in Little Egg Harbor is about 30 minutes away and provides level back-in sites with full amenities. These campgrounds are close enough for easy access to Toms River's shopping, dining, and attractions while still providing a peaceful camping experience away from urban congestion.

What are the best campgrounds in Toms River, NJ?

Toms River offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Butterfly Camping Resort in nearby Jackson is highly rated for its large playground, numerous activities for children, spacious sites with privacy trees, friendly staff, and clean bathrooms. The resort also features a fishing lake where campers regularly catch fish. Another top option is Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, which spans 2,283 acres and includes a 17-acre lake. This county park offers hiking trails and well-maintained campsites, plus it's conveniently located near Revolutionary War battlefields, making it a great choice for history enthusiasts who want to combine outdoor recreation with historical exploration.

Is there free dispersed camping available near Toms River, NJ?

True free dispersed camping is extremely limited in New Jersey due to strict regulations and high population density. The closest option to Toms River would be Lower Forge Camp in Wharton State Forest, about 35-40 minutes west. While not free (permits required), it offers a more primitive camping experience that you must backpack into, accessible from either Atsion (5+ miles) or Batsto (7 miles). Another option is Atsion Family Camp in Wharton State Forest, located off US 206. This is a developed campground with tent and trailer sites at reasonable rates, though not free. Both locations require camping permits purchased in advance.

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