Best Dog-Friendly Camping in New Jersey

New Jersey may get a bad rap for its highways and a reality show shot on its famous shore, but there’s a reason it’s been dubbed The Garden State. About 22% of its land area is covered in pristine wilderness – in fact, it’s Pineland National Reserve was named an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations back in 1983. The tiny state, which is the most densely populated in the United States, has more than 50 protected areas spread throughout its mostly water-carved borders. So throw on your bathing suit or hiking boots and get ready to find the best camping in New Jersey.

The state’s gentle sand dunes have been attracting beach-goers for well over a century: one of the top destinations is Cape May, the oldest seaside resort in the entire country. Visiting nature-lovers head to Cape May Point State Park to hike the rambling trails and watch wildlife from the Hawk Watch platform. Those seeking some cardio climb the 199 steps to the top of fully restored 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, which offers prime views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

Although there is no coastal camping in New Jersey’s Cape May County, the area is home to nearly 50 campgrounds – more per square mile than other resort destination in the state – tucked away in the forests of the mainland areas.

For those who want to escape the often crowded campgrounds near the beach, Belleplain State Forest in the northern part of Cape May County offers some of the most stunning camping in New Jersey. It features idyllic sites set among the young pines, oak and Atlantic white cedar trees that are spread throughout the 21,000-acre preserve, a top pick for hikers, kayakers and swimmers, who prefer to get off the beaten tourist path. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in New Jersey, from the southern beaches to the northeastern Palisades.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in New Jersey (119)

    1. Stokes State Forest

    27 Reviews
    Layton, NJ
    Website

    $7 - $55 / night

    "It was a solid choice: private but close to the toilet and water. Some sites located around the opposite side of the ring back up to a babbling brook. The rushing water will soothe you to sleep."

    "* Water and dumpsters are within walking distance, or if you are not up to walking you can just take a short drive to fill up and dispose of your trash

    • There are outhouses scattered around, or if"

    2. Turkey Swamp Park

    27 Reviews
    Freehold, NJ
    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. Sun Outdoors Cape May

    26 Reviews
    Tabernacle, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 886-1234

    "This campground is also very pet friendly ❤️. We come back as often as possible."

    "Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."

    4. Round Valley State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Lebanon, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 236-6355

    "The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."

    "Once you get to the campground trail it’s pretty easy going on asphalt surface."

    5. Camp Taylor Campground

    24 Reviews
    Pahaquarry, NJ
    Website
    +1 (908) 496-4333

    $33 - $42 / night

    "Positives: sites are decent sized with fire pits and picnic tables. easy access to hiking, convenient to a beautiful vineyard, peaceful region, and the most amazing wolf preserve is right next to you.  "

    "They were knowledgeable about the surrounding towns, their campground, and basically everything nature related. This was our very first night camping in an RV (we were renters at the time)."

    6. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    23 Reviews
    Hammonton, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 268-0444

    "Atsion Family Campground

    Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground."

    "This was a nice large site in the“pet-friendly” section(sites 26-34) of the campground. Site 34 is close to Atsion Road, so there was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."

    7. High Point State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Matamoras, NJ
    Website
    +1 (973) 875-4800

    $5 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful park with in the skylands region of New Jersey. Great campsites on a lake, with lots of hiking and biking trails right from your site."

    "There are about 40 to 50 sites around Sawmill Lake. Many of these sites , like ours, are walk in sites (about a 50 yard walk) that sit lakeside."

    8. Belleplain State Forest

    20 Reviews
    Woodbine, NJ
    Website
    +1 (609) 861-2404

    "They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for."

    "Pets are also allowed with no size restrictions with vaccination records and a leash!

    They have kayaks available to rent to row across the peaceful Nummy Lake."

    9. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

    "Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival."

    10. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

    18 Reviews
    Jefferson, NJ
    Website
    +1 (973) 697-3140

    "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large."

    "Police patrolled, and dog friendly."

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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in New Jersey

929 Reviews of 119 New Jersey Campgrounds



Guide to New Jersey

New Jersey offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From spacious sites to engaging activities, these campgrounds cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near New Jersey

  • Many campers at Turkey Swamp Park appreciate the large, wooded areas that provide plenty of space for dogs to explore and play.
  • At Camp Taylor Campground, pet owners enjoy the creek where their dogs can splash around and cool off during warm days.
  • Holly Shores Camping Resort features spacious sites that allow for easy maneuvering with larger pets, making it a comfortable choice for families.

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

  • Stokes State Forest offers numerous hiking trails that are perfect for adventurous dogs and their owners to explore together.
  • At Bass River State Forest, visitors can enjoy fishing and kayaking, with pets welcome to join on the shore.
  • Panther Lake Camping Resort features a beautiful lake ideal for swimming and fishing, providing a fun environment for pets and their owners.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities provided