Top Tent Camping in New Jersey

Looking for an adventure where you can explore New Jersey and then fall asleep in your tent? It's easy to find a New Jersey campground for tent camping with the Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your New Jersey tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites in New Jersey (38)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    2.

    Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    46 Photos
    222 Saves
    Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

    Overview

    Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping, swimming, and biking. Sandy Hook is known for its beautiful beaches, the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark, and the country's oldest continuing working lighthouse.

    Recreation

    Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

    Facilities

    Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at five ocean beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in. Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches except when lifeguards are on duty. Fishing beach and "M" lot are prime spots. Please stick to the posted signs for closures, as they do occur throughout the summer months for endangered shorebird nesting. For a great way to see Sandy Hook by bicycle, the seven-mile long multi-use path starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bike rentals are also available throughout the summer. Hiking trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season closes some areas. Sandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. Non-motorized, car-top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on beach with a motorized boat is prohibited. Surfing is allowed on beaches B and C. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available at C beach throughout the summer. Enjoy a blanket picnic on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling outside of the campground is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock. The Visitor Center is now located in the Keeper's Quarters adjacent to the lighthouse and is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The lighthouse tours with a ranger occur every 30 minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily. Climbers must be at least 48 inches tall to climb. For seasonal programs both ranger-led and partner-led, visit www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/index.htm for more information. Please visit www.nps.gov/gate for more information about any of the above.

    Natural Features

    Gateway National Recreation Area exists within one of the most urbanized areas of the country, covering 26,000 acres of New Jersey and three New York City boroughs. Among the urban environment, the park boasts grasslands, woodlands, sand dunes, beaches, ponds, salt marshes and forests.

    Nearby Attractions

    Twin Lights New Jersey Historic Site - Situated 200 feet above sea level atop the Navesink Highlands, Twin Lights has stood as a sentinel over the treacherous coastal waters of northern New Jersey since 1828. Named Navesink Lightstation, it became known as the "Twin Lights of Highlands" to those who used its mighty beacons to navigate. The lighthouse tower, museum, gift shop, and other buildings are open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., September through May. Mount Mitchill Monmouth County Scenic Overlook - At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. Hartshorne Woods Mounmouth County Park - A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Holmdel Monmouth County Park - Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Monmouth County Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565-acre site yearly. This park features a historic farm, an arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic facilities and playgrounds.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Recreation.gov refund and cancellation policy:__ Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.__ Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.__ Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.__ No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest

    3.

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    14 Reviews
    61 Photos
    141 Saves
    Johnsonburg, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Batona — Wharton State Forest

    4.

    Batona — Wharton State Forest

    11 Reviews
    33 Photos
    18 Saves
    Chatsworth, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Tip Tam Camping Resort

    6.

    Tip Tam Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves
    Toms River, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    7.

    Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

    8 Reviews
    3 Photos
    60 Saves
    Titusville, New Jersey

    STARTING FEB 2024 - CLOSED TEMPORARILY FOR IMPROVEMENTS. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

    Washington Crossing State Park is the site of General George Washington’s historic 1776 Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River. For almost ten hours, boats and ferries moved continuously back and forth carrying men, horses and cannon to the Jersey side. By midnight a strong storm had developed, hurling sleet, hail and snow at the rebel army. Landing at Johnson’s Ferry, the Continental Army still faced an arduous nine mile march to Trenton as the storm continued with a vengeance. Reaching Trenton in the early morning of December 26th, the American Army surrounded, defeated and captured over 900 Hessian mercenaries and secured a morale boosting victory of immeasurable proportions.

    Group campsites: Four group campsites are located in the Phillips Farm area of the park. Each site contains picnic tables, fire rings and a composting toilet. These are designated as primitive campsites with no water or electric utilities available on site. Total combined capacity of all four sites: 115. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to overestimate as refunds cannot be made.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $50 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell
    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell
    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell
    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell
    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell
    Camper-submitted photo from Shotwell

    9.

    Shotwell

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    32 Saves
    Layton, New Jersey
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In New Jersey

825 Reviews of 38 New Jersey Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
    September 12, 2024

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    Peaceful New Jersey

    I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself. Maybe that's why it was so peaceful, but every night after my cacophonous conference in Philadelphia, I couldn't wait to turn down Timberlane Road and see that little KOA sign glowing in the darkness. In addition to the peaceful vibe, the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack, and if you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheesequake State Park Campground
    September 1, 2024

    Cheesequake State Park Campground

    Not bad

    Was my very first time camping out, went with my pups and my sons and did the van camping. The spot I had was very well shaded and pretty quiet. The only thing I wasn't big on was how far the trails are, would have to actually drive to it and park in a limited parking area. Due to weather didn't take the risk so am unable to give an opinion on it, but something to remember for the next trip. Only 30-35 min off the parkway, so nice and convenient.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wading Pines Camping Resort
    August 31, 2024

    Wading Pines Camping Resort

    Close to home Campground

    The campground is very close to home, and a lot of people around our area (central jersey) go there yearly or have seasonal sites there, but for us, it was our first time at the campground. The campground was full of plenty of amenities like basketball, volleyball, cornhole, playground, pool, crafts, bands, a lake, and fishing. The place was clean, and there was no garbage around.

    The positives were there were plenty of things to do and they also have this great river that goes through the place so you can walk and throw your tube in and float to the other side of the park 30 mins later get out and do it again. They campground will also bring you up the river further and drop you off on a canoe trip. There is an added cost for rental. I like that they allow you to bring your own golf cart and/ or electric scooters or bikes. They had an old school playground which was better then any new one out there. The store was fully stocked with anything you could possibly want or need. They had a band which played Saturday night and people lined up golfcarts from all over and just lived for this concert.

    The negatives are for me campgrounds spots were right on top of one another but they were big spots they dont have tons of trees or shade which. They did have many seasonal sites, which sometimes turns me off and can make the place look a little trashy. The other negative was that the pool was freezing because they would pump water out every night. Someone told us there was an issue with the chemicals, and the pool looked greener every day. The bathrooms by the pool were older and always dirty.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Swamp Park
    August 30, 2024

    Turkey Swamp Park

    My favorite!

       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! They have 2283 acres. A 17 acre lake. Some hiking trails & a nice campground! The sites are all pullthrough. There's lots of vegetation for "privacy". We had a site on the perimeter, which are forest views. Only problem is none of the roads are paved. All are packed sand. We could tell it rained recently because of the muddy tracks. Fortunately it didn't rain while we were there!

      Shower/bathrooms are clean, but dated. They're checked regularly. The bath house is for the entire campground. 3 out of the 4 women's were working. There's a shared dressing area. 

    There's a laundry that doesn't take quarters. EPay. 

    There's a nice playground in the campground.

     They have 3 cabins for rent, with forest views.

     The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors. There's no swimming at the lake. Cell service was fair.. No WiFi. 

    They have an archery range. 

        This was my favorite campground on our trip! I really enjoyed camping here! There's a rustic retro quality to the place. I adored the campsites & I didn't see any really bad ones.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Great Divide Campground
    August 30, 2024

    Great Divide Campground

    Rock'in

     Our 4rth state in our 5 state trip is New Jersey! We wanted to see Delaware Water Gap NRA & I found a campground by Newton called The Great Divide. This is a private campground. Very scenic with a small lake, a pond & surrounded by woods. This is also the most expensive campground on our trip at $96.11 a night.

         Lots to do for families- they have kayaks for camper use. Horseshoes, tether ball, volleyball, a pool, a playground, a dog park. There's a swimming beach.

     One strange thing is there's a lot of tent sites & they seemed popular. For the amount of tent/popup sites they only have 1 shower per loop. They are very clean & checked often, but they're used heavily during the weekend. I had better luck Sunday evening. A bench outside the bathroom would have been nice to sit & wait. 

     The rv sites were all full hookup on our loop.

       We came in on a Friday & found out this campground ROCKS!!! They have live bands every Friday & Saturday night during the warm months. This might explain the higher rates. Party on!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Brendan Byrne State Forest
    August 28, 2024

    Brendan Byrne State Forest

    Nice spot in the pines

    We stayed on a mon/tues at the end of August and the campground was fairly empty and quiet except for a few generators running & air planes/ helicopters going over. There is an air force base in the area.

    Site 33 is the back corner so we did get a bit more traffic going past to get on the sand trails. There is also background noise from the road, but not too loud. There are not many RV sites in the 3 loops - just a handful which is a shame because many of the sites marked as tent only look like they could easily accommodate most RVs, especially smaller rigs.

    The dump station is locked so get the combo from the office if you want to use it. The ranger station is a bit of a drive from the camping area so if you don’t have cell service make sure you get it at check in.

    Go down to the pond and check out the carnivorous plants- one of the most unique things in this area!

    Several choices for hiking, but it’s the pine barrens so it is flat and sandy and ticks can be overwhelming at some times of the year.

    Overall this is one of the nicer & quieter options for pine barrens camping

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stokes State Forest
    August 23, 2024

    Stokes State Forest

    Campsites too close together and camping areas are greatly spaced out

    Stokes State Forest is a beautiful park with a lot of different trails to check out, though some of them are difficult to access due to parking. The camping areas are split between two different entrances. If you’re in Lake Ocquitunk, like I was, you don’t enter at the main entrance, you have to go past the main entrance about another mile on rt. 15 N. and enter by the YMCA. All the other camping areas are near the main entrance by the forest office. The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy. There is a day parking area which is only accessible going through the main entrance by the forest office— if you visit during the week park entrance is free, but on the weekend fees can be a bit steep. I wasn’t super happy with my campsite as I wasn’t able to physically have my car on the site like I thought. I had to park in a small lot above my campsite and carry my belongings down a short slope to the site. I like to car-camp so this was a bit of a let down having my car separate from my actual campsite.

    The bathrooms were nice and had flush toilets, but the showers were out of service during my time. Bathrooms are extremely spaced out so you will have to walk a far distance unless you strategically choose a site next to one. I drove through the other campsite and only saw 1 set of bathrooms that had toilets and showers per campground, not including the outhouses I saw for those in the small cabins.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
    August 23, 2024

    Worthington State Forest Campground — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Spotty/unreliable WiFi and rather busy

    If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go. Being it’s along the Delaware water gap it attracts a lot of people, especially in summer. During the day you can hear music, smell fires, see people tubing on the water, or pass by people doing day picnics near the forest office. I went in the middle of the week and all the campsite in my area were filled up. I’m normally used to having campgrounds to myself when I go since I do during off times so this was a bit of a surprise. WiFi is very spotty— I was essentially out of range the entirety of my stay. Trails are nice and well marked, and there is no fee to enter if you drive all the way down to the day area parking at the end of Old Mine Rd. Bathrooms were decently clean and had flush toilets. Showers had hot water and nice ventilation. Overall it was a nice campsite, but too busy for my liking.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
    August 21, 2024

    Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

    Ok camp spot- nice if you can get lakefront

    We did 2 weekday nights with our dog and 19’ RV in Aug ‘24.

    The dog friendly sites are limited & not the sites with lake access. It will also cost an extra $5/night.

    Check in was confusing as it is across the street & closes promptly at 4pm. (Not at the recreation area where we pulled in first)

    Site 34 was close to the road with regular traffic noise & car headlights even shined in the camper at night. There is also a fair amount of plane traffic from a small local airport…and several other campers were running generators so it was not exactly quite camping.

    Bathrooms are the typical old nj state park set up- it does the job but it’s seen better days. Dump station works well with trash & recycling drop off next to it. The roads are soft sand and can get rough after a rain storm.

    If you are looking to kayak or canoe on the lake it has a ramp to drop in. That is the main attraction here & there is a beach on the other side of the lake.

    Overall- nothing too special It’s not a site I would return to unless we could get water front, but dogs are not allowed there - so we won’t be rushing back because of that & the proximity to the road .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    August 19, 2024

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    BE AWARE OF UPDATED ROUTE! HIKING ISN'T WORTH IT, BOAT IN

    Doing this review because a lot of them feel extremely outdated, so here we go. 

    Access: There are two ways to get to your campsite, boating and the great 3 mile trek. Starting with the hike, the path is not the best, filled with a ton of rocks placed by the lands-men. It makes the hike extremely difficult which could have been avoided. Moreover, theres a few points on the trail where you’re walking side by side from a highway, crossing driveways, passing construction zones, and past fencing. Extremely awkward and takes you out of the hiking experience immediately. Not ideal especially since you have to pay to camp on the site. I was extremely dissatisfied. Boating may be more worth it to avoid these downfalls and get your moneys worth. 

    Amenities: There are two water pumps. One at the beginning of the camp site and one at the end. They tend to get far if you plan on camping further into the campsite so I would plan ahead. The primitive restrooms aren’t maintained at all but if you’re there more for the"outdoorsy" experienced not a huge downfall. Most of the campsites have access to a picnic table and fire ring which is a huge plus. 

    Overall: For starters, the water is beautiful and clean, although there is no swimming, swim at your own risk and don’t get caught? I had a wonderful time at this location, the sites were big enough for play and privacy. The water was clean and provided a lovely view in the morning and it was quiet and dark as expected by sundown. But this site just missed with the awful trail of three miles. Although there were service roads throughout the campsite, visitors were not able to use them. The necessary carry in and out for 3 miles is a huge downfall. Moreover, the hike itself along highways, across roads, and down strategically places pebbles and rocks were a huge miss and made it extremely difficult and slippery. I highly recommend boating as hiking will probably make the experience a lot more sour than wanted. It shouldn’t be a"choose between the two" considering you’re paying but what can you do… pick boating if you really want to see it for yourself.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort
    August 12, 2024

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Use to be Good

    This was our 5th and final trip to this campground. This time campground seemed to have LOTS OF little things that needed upkeep.

    Positive - close to Cape May, nice pool

    Negative - lots of airplane noise all day (due to local airport), nightly sites are slowly being turned into permanent sites. Lake seemed filled with algae on sides. Store was nice but not stocked as previous trips.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kymers Camping Resort
    August 11, 2024

    Kymers Camping Resort

    Fun, friendly & nestled in the woods

    We stayed at Kymer's on a whim for a weekend, so we could be close to Mountain Creek for a Spartan Race. It truly exceeded our expectations in all aspects. This is a family friendly, camper-friendly place. Lots of seasonals- everyone waves, everyone stops to chat. This is what a campground should feel like. The sound of laughter and play sitting around the huge, clean pool was refreshing. Our site was Oak 10. It was level, good placement of electric water & sewer connects. Camp store has all the basics you might need. There is a brook that flows adjacent to the property. It's peaceful & magical. Pet friendly, although we didn't have our pup with us. We will be back again. I almost feel like I'm revealing a hidden gem with this post. 💎

  • Camper-submitted photo from Triple Brook Camping Resort
    August 1, 2024

    Triple Brook Camping Resort

    Not a bad place to sit and relax

    This might be my 3rd or 4th trip there. They advertise WiFi but the WiFi never works. No cable hookups. And cell service is at a minimum. Every time we go there, it’s a new excuse about the WiFi. Funny thing is, they take the time to show you your password lol.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Avalon
    July 24, 2024

    Sun Retreats Avalon

    Well Kept

    We stayed here for 4 nights.  We usually stay at a different campground but we unable to book there so we thought we'd try out SRA.  Upon arrival we were met by a pleasant man at the gatehouse who gave us our parking pass, gate key, and map.  Our site was easy to find and parking was easily maneuvered.  

    The grounds were well kept, the pool was clean, the bathhouse was clean AND air conditioned!!!!!  Loved the mini golf.  Every staff member we encountered was friendly.  This is a nice, flat campground so great for bike riding.  While there are MANY seasonal sites, we never felt unwelcome - quite the opposite!

    We were kind of annoyed by the loud music of other campers.  It was late (but not yet quiet hours), we were in our camper, with our air conditioner running and our TV on, and we could still hear their music.  This only happened one night but it went on for hours.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Jump State Forest
    July 13, 2024

    Jenny Jump State Forest

    Great place for a family or a solo camper!

    I’ve been here twice now and it is a beautiful campsite. Individual campsites are separate from cabin and group sites.

    Tent campsites have benches and a fire pit. Group campsites have large stove. The cabins seem clean and well maintained. All the sites are set up nearby the office where people are all day should you ever need anything. The workers are super friendly and regularly make rounds of the grounds.

    Bathrooms are spread out so it’s never a far walk from your site. They are super clean with a shower and two stalls. There is a water fountain outside of them. One of the bathrooms has a playground next to it for people with kids. Hiking trails are also spread out among the campsites as well.

    I solo camp and have always felt safe at these campgrounds. Not to mention the hiking and scenery are absolutely breathtaking.

    The non camper public area has benches and a parking lot for visitors of campers or people doing day hikes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
    July 8, 2024

    Bass River State Forest

    Close to restaurants and Walmart. Lots of bugs during summer.

    I went there in late June and it was my first time camping. The campsite was clean overall. Staff were friendly and helpful.

    There was no platform, so you need to set up the tent on the ground. Most of the sites were not on grass but just dirt ground.

    Going camping in a forecast during summer time might not be the best idea. There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.

    The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison. One of the restroom has broken lights.

    There is little to no signal inside the park. But once you drive out, you will have some signal. The campsite is close to a Walmart and a few other restaurants, which is good.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Run Recreation Area
    July 5, 2024

    Spruce Run Recreation Area

    Mid week (July 4th) 2024

    My first time camping trip in a few decades... So can't compare to others (yet).

    My campsite was 34W, right next the reservoir. Nice location however the website said it was full shade. The picnic table was in shade. The spot for the RV was full sun.

    Pros:

    Reasonable cost from NJ state website. I paid $41 for 2 days.

    Campsites well spaced apart.

    Staff friendly.

    Boats/Kayaks can be rented.

    Cons:

    Showers were cold water only and very cold at that.

    Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Round Valley State Park Campground
    June 29, 2024

    Round Valley State Park Campground

    Good

    The hike to get to the campground is a bit long (4 miles; we did it in ~2h). Since there were 95 degrees, it was challenging. The campsite was really nice, even if the pic nic table was almost completely broke

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park South Jersey
    June 17, 2024

    Jellystone Park South Jersey

    Relaxing Father's Day Weekend

    We stayed in Site 122, a Red Carpet Pull-Thru RV site, at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort South Jersey for Father’s Day weekend. This was our third stay at this campground, but the first since new owners took over and converted it to a Jellystone. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    1. Everything, including our site, was in great condition, clean, and good working order 

    2. Our site was directly across from the Pavilion which was great for Saturday night’s live band 

    3. Our site included a nice concrete pad big enough to park our 45’ motorhome+ toad 

    4. Our site was roomy with plenty of mature shade trees 

    5. The pool and surrounding amenities are nice and clean including lake, snack bar, and ice cream 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a nice place for a few days of downtime.

  • Camper-submitted photo from High Point State Park Campground
    June 10, 2024

    High Point State Park Campground

    Discrimination and Discomfort: Our Unfortunate Camping Experience at High Point State Park

    I recently had a camping experience at High Point that unfortunately did not go as planned. My family, friends and I rented a camping site and a cabin for a two-night stay, looking forward to a relaxing weekend in nature. However, our trip took an unexpected turn that left us feeling frustrated and disappointed.

    On the first night, we received complaints about the volume of our music and karaoke around 7 pm. While we promptly lowered the volume, we later found ourselves facing further complaints about noise levels, despite our efforts to be considerate of other campers, especially since we had children with us and we were a group of about 28 people. The following day, we were taken aback when the police arrived at our cabin and informed us that we were being evicted from the site due to noise complaints and the placement of our tents in the cabin's backyard.

    Feeling discriminated against and confused by the sudden eviction, we tried to explain our side of the story. We had moved some of our belongings to the cabin due to a marathon event taking place in front of our campsite, which was causing significant noise early in the morning “since 5 AM”. Additionally, there was confusion regarding the use of motorcycles on the premises, which further added to the misunderstandings that led to our eviction.

    Despite our attempts to follow the rules and seek clarification, our family weekend was disrupted, and some members even opted to leave the site. The entire experience left us feeling uncomfortable and frustrated, especially considering the efforts we made to comply with the park's regulations.

    While I appreciate the police officer's effort to provide us with another chance to rectify the situation, the manner in which the eviction was carried out and the lack of communication from the park management was disappointing. I believe that incidents like these should be reported to ensure that future campers do not have to go through similar challenges.

    1. As returning campers, I meticulously reviewed all the rules, particularly regarding noise levels, knowing that moderate noise was permissible until 10 PM.
    2. I made two calls to the park office to clarify the rules regarding the use of motorcycles for the youth children. While there was a misunderstanding, I made a genuine effort to adhere to the regulations and have documentation of both calls for verification.
    3. Despite visiting the park office for check-in around 9:30 AM on Saturday, I was not informed about the unfolding situation. However, approximately three hours later, police officers arrived at our site and requested us to vacate immediately.
    4. The marathon event generated significant noise, with a large number of participants being loud, some started to prepare on Friday and starting their activities as early as 5 AM on Saturday.
    5. The decision to place our tents in the cabin site rather than campsite "A" seemed logical, given the disruptive nature of the ongoing marathon. The lack of prior notification about the marathon and the subsequent request to relocate the tents to campsite "A" or immediate evictions was perceived as inconsiderate and is definitely discriminatory, especially considering the inconvenience of dismantling and setting up the tents again and the ongoing marathon event causing noise disturbances, without considering the circumstances or providing adequate notice.

    Moving forward, I hope that similar situations will be addressed more effectively to avoid inconveniences and unease for fellow campers. It is my hope that park staff will thoroughly investigate complaints, ensuring accuracy by confirming the exact site before taking action.

    In summary, the manner in which the incidents were handled, the lack of transparency and fair treatment, and the impact on our camping experience all point towards potential discrimination. It is essential to address and report such instances to ensure that all campers are treated fairly and respectfully in the future

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bass River State Forest
    June 3, 2024

    Bass River State Forest

    Great spot

    The campground was clean and well maintained.  It's very close to civilization but you get the camping experience.  There were a lot of ticks when we stayed in May so keep that in mind.



Guide to New Jersey

Camping in New Jersey offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Round Valley State Park Campground, have trails that lead to stunning views. 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: Campgrounds such as Turkey Swamp Park offer lakes for fishing and boat rentals. A reviewer said, “The lake has fishing & boat rentals. No gas motors.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One visitor at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest noted, “The grounds were lovely and a majority of the sites were generously sized.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation stated, “The campground is clean, paved nicely and well run.”
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One camper at Mountainview Campground said, “Sites are huge and very private. You didn’t even know that there were people around you.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campgrounds like Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA are known for their helpful staff. A visitor shared, “Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bass River State Forest, may have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “The bathroom (shower room?) was reasonably clean, but I have only been to this camp site, so there is no comparison.”
  • Bugs in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Bass River noted, “There were many bugs and many of them got in my tent as I forgot to zip the door after setting it up.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to noise. A review from Cheesequake State Park Campground mentioned, “While the campsite is fairly well protected from highway noise, you're still going to hear it at least a little.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Parks like Turkey Swamp Park have playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer said, “There’s a nice playground in the campground.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. One family at Sandy Hook — Gateway National Recreation Area enjoyed biking, stating, “We used the bikes we brought to ride the well-kept trail.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation mentioned, “The sites are spaced well and have a nice bonus of large fire rings.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Mountainview Campground noted, “Electric and water hookups were a little far apart at site 27.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest mentioned, “There was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us.”
  • Bring Long Cables: If your site has distant hookups, long cables can save the day. One RV owner at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA appreciated the setup, saying, “The sites are large enough for large RVs.”

Camping in New Jersey can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!