Best Campgrounds near West Long Branch, NJ

Camping options near West Long Branch, New Jersey include several established campgrounds within a 25-mile radius. Notable locations include Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area, Allaire State Park, and Turkey Swamp Park, offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. The eastern portion of the region provides coastal camping experiences, while inland areas offer more wooded settings with greater privacy. Most campgrounds in this area are developed facilities rather than dispersed camping, with amenities ranging from basic to full-service.

Access to most campgrounds near West Long Branch requires advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many campgrounds close during winter months, with operating seasons typically running from April through October or November. "Sites are spacious, but bathrooms are filthy. They say they clean them daily, but the showers never looked remotely clean," noted one camper at Allaire State Park, highlighting the variable maintenance across facilities. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and potential coastal storms, especially during hurricane season. Most campgrounds offer some form of shade, though proximity to highways can create noise issues at certain locations.

Campers frequently mention the convenient location of these campgrounds in relation to New Jersey beaches as a major advantage. Several visitors appreciate the proximity to shore towns like Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Manasquan, making these campgrounds good base camps for beach activities. Turkey Swamp Park receives consistently high ratings for its well-maintained facilities and fishing opportunities. Military-affiliated campgrounds like NWS Earle RV Park and Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center provide more exclusive options with full hookups at reasonable rates. Reviews suggest that campgrounds closer to the Garden State Parkway tend to have more road noise but offer easier access to conveniences, while those further inland provide a more traditional camping experience with greater natural surroundings.

Best Camping Sites Near West Long Branch, New Jersey (36)

    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. Turkey Swamp Park

    29 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    16 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"

    3. Allaire State Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    18 Reviews
    Allenwood, NJ
    11 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."

    4. Cheesequake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Matawan, NJ
    16 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
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (732) 462-2230

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

    6. Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    19 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."

    7. Butterfly Camping Resort

    10 Reviews
    Toms River, NJ
    20 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! "

    8. NWS Earle RV Park

    1 Review
    Colts Neck, NJ
    8 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."

    9. Pleasant Valley Lavender

    1 Review
    Aberdeen, NJ
    12 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"

    10. Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center RV Sites

    1 Review
    Wall, NJ
    11 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."

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Recent Reviews near West Long Branch, NJ

294 Reviews of 36 West 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Get Your Hard-Core Hiking In To Enjoy This CG

    Located just south of I78 and near the small hamlets of Clinton and Lebanon, what I love most about Round Valley SP is the fact that it has its very own eponymous fresh water reservoir, which spanning some 2,350 acres and is 180 feed deep in the middle, this body of water provides a solid amount of upside for anyone wanting to kayak, canoe or swim. One of the greatest assets at this particular SP CG are the wonderful rangers who keep this place in such tip-top condition year-round. From the North Picnic Area, Bray’s Hill Preserve and Round Valley Beachhead to the East Picnic Area, Round Valley Farm on the eastern side of the reservoir as well as Round Valley Rec Area, there’s a lot to explore at this SP.

    One interesting fact about this place– believe it or not– it is the only NJ SP that actually offers up true wilderness camping(a.k.a. primitive), which can only be accessed by hiking 3 to 6 miles– or if you come with your own boat, you can access by water– and can be found on the SE corner of the reservoir. There is a second area nearby called Spruce Run Recreation Area that can be accessed by driving to this location, which is on the other side of I78 NW of Round Valley SP. That said, if you’re looking to camp here at Round Valley, I highly recommend you boat in as the hiking path is incredibly difficult to manage without hauling all of your camping gear, so coming in with a ton of gear is even more difficult/ prohibitive.

    When you finally do arrive to this primitive CG immersed in NJ’s thick wild foliage, you’ll experience waterfront bliss with a crystalline bevy of trout-infused reservoir water, and you won’t get much in the way of amenities, apart from a few random water pumps and some rocks piled in a circle that, um, I guess makes up a fire ring. While there are backwoods-style bathroom pits, these are very ill-managed and you’ll come across the‘stank’ well before actually even arriving here, so we just didn’t use them. There’s picnic tables, but the one we had was in pretty rough condition. The thing I found odd about the place is that after hiking so far in to get to this location, you’re not allowed to swim in the reservoir, which kind of defeats the entire point IMHO. That said, the views are amazing and because there’s nothing else in these parts, you will experience true peace in nature.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) Whether hiking or kayaking to this CG, you will want to bring as little with you as possible– packing too much to come here just isn’t worth the work;(2) We found parking in the Southern Lot to be perfectly fine and while we were initially worried about leaving our vehicle parked there for a few nights, we were reassured by the park rangers who patrol the lot constantly;(3) While the water in the reservoir may look crystal clear, it is not crystal clean and I would STRONGLY encourage anyone who thinks that it is OK to drink from the reservoir to at least use a Life Straw to ensure they don’t get sick;(4) I have hiked throughout the entire US and consider myself somewhere between a moderate to skilled hiker and I found these trails challenging and uneven, so while the hike we made was only 3 miles, it was not easy and I would be worried about someone breaking an ankle getting to this CG– so at a minimum, ensure you are wearing proper hiking boots. Seriously, for what this SP puts you through to access this CG one really needs to question why they’re being charged anything at all in the first place.

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.


Guide to West Long Branch

Camping near West Long Branch, 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 weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Round Valley State Park Campground. One camper 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 fish in the lake or rent a boat. A visitor shared, "The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors."
  • Exploring Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical sites like the old iron and glass community at Batsto Village, just a short drive from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. One reviewer said, "The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run."
  • Privacy: Many sites at Mountainview Campground offer a sense of seclusion. A happy camper noted, "You didn’t even know that there were people around you."
  • Friendly Staff: Visitors often mention the helpful staff at Turkey Swamp Park. One guest said, "The ranger was really nice."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, have basic facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms are the typical old NJ state park set up - it does the job but it’s seen better days."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Bass River State Forest noted some road noise. One camper said, "You could hear car traffic from the nearby road."
  • Bug Awareness: During summer, bugs can be a nuisance. 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 Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Turkey Swamp Park has a playground, making it great for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "There’s a nice playground in the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes to explore the trails at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. One camper said, "There are some nice trails around the campground."
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds like Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "Bring everything you need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: At Mountainview Campground, ensure your RV fits the site. One camper shared, "Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27."
  • Be Prepared for Dirt Roads: Some campgrounds, like Brendan Byrne State Forest, have sandy roads. A reviewer mentioned, "Navigation can be a bit tricky the first time around."
  • Use Long Cables: If you're at Mountainview Campground, bring long cables for electric and water hookups. A visitor noted, "Good thing we had long cables/hoses."

Camping near West Long Branch, New Jersey, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near West Long Branch, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, West Long Branch, NJ offers a wide range of camping options, with 36 campgrounds and RV parks near West Long Branch, NJ and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near West Long Branch, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Long Branch, NJ is Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Long Branch, NJ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near West Long Branch, NJ.