Best Campgrounds in New Jersey
For many, camping in New Jersey means packing up their car or RV and heading to the nearest campground located in the Jersey Shore area, but that doesn’t apply to all! Speaking of which the Jersey Shore is a sandy coastline that stretches over 130-miles till Cape May, a town known for its whaling operations back in the day.
Due to it scenic coastlines and mostly undisturbed wilderness, the state is not ideal if you are looking for some alone time in the woods! The boardwalks and fishing piers of New Jersey has been entertaining its residents since the onset of the 19th century.
New Jersey is called the Garden State which is appropriate since more than 45% of the land mass is covered in thick vegetation and undisturbed natural beauty. It is excellent news since it means that there are countless state parks and national forest reserves here in the state for all the adventurists and nature lovers out there! Given below are 15 of the best campgrounds that New Jersey has to offer to the weary traveler.
- Worthington State Forest Campground
The Worthington State Forest is indeed WORTH the drive and time! When we speak of the state forest, it spans over 1600 acres of lush, thick vegetation coupled with several naturally occurring water bodies. It holds the number one spot among the best camping in New Jersey and a position in the top 10 campgrounds in New Jersey list.
It can be considered as the water-loving backpacker’s paradise since the namesake campground sports two separate camping sites each located near water bodies! The campgrounds in New Jersey State should take some time out and learn a thing or two from the administrators of the state park! These features surely make it worthy to be one of the top rated campgrounds in New Jersey!
Don’t forget to pack an extra spool along with your fishing tackle when you head over to any of the 78 camping sites Worthington Campground hosts. The state authorities administer the campground with accommodations available for tent, vehicle and RV campers.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Climbing 8. Snow sports 9. Swimming 10. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Fire Pits 5. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
Old Mine Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA
Phone: +1 908-841-9575
- Round Valley Recreation Area Campground
Looking for some outdoor fun with your gang or your family!? Love the natural ruggedness of nature!? If it’s a yes, head over to the Round Valley Recreation Area and all your wish will be granted even before you say please! Bear this in mind that this is one of the best family campgrounds in New Jersey.
The recreation area is safely tucked amidst the wilderness of Round Valley and is home to several challenging, windy and steep hiking trails, ideal only for the committed trekker kinds.
The campground is home to 85 camping sites with accommodations available for tent campers only. There are two sets of camping areas to choose from that includes right beside the waters or well shaded, beneath the tree kind!
Campers are spoiled with plenty of camping activities that includes mountain biking, fishing, boating, etc. the state authorities administer the campground, and the campsites are available on first-come, first-serve basis.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Wind sports 8. Snow sports 9. Swimming 10. Whitewater paddling 11. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Picnic table 3. Fire Pits 4. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833, USA
Phone: +1 908-236-6355
- High Point State Park (Sawmill Campground)
The Sawmill campground is safely nestled within the High point state Park and is a great way of paying homage to the veterans! The state park sits on an elevation of 1803 feet above the sea level which is great for panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and farms. It is one among the many campgrounds in New Jersey with cabins and lodging facilities.
The campground pays homage to the war heroes of New Jersey which makes the campground all the more appealing to the masses. It is a tribute to New Jersey’s war heroes and is one of the standout features of the park.
Apart from these, the campground is also home to a natural, freshwater lake that spans over 20-acres and is stocked to the brim with game fish species-great news for the angling spirit in you!
It is a state-administered campground that is home to 55 camping sites with accommodations available for tent vehicle and RV campers. Luxurious lodges and fully furnished camping cabins are also available to the guests given they made advanced reservations for the same.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Fire Pits 5. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461, USA
Phone: +1 973-875-4800
- Jenny Jump State Forest Campground
Rocky outcroppings, panoramic vistas and mountains these are the three distinct things that strike one’s mind whenever they think about spending their next weekend at Jenny Jump State Forest Campground. It is one of those designations that offers the best car camping in New Jersey. It is among those handful campsites in New Jersey that allow alcohol.
Campers can camp for a day or two or even for the whole summer season if they want to! The campground is home to more than 11 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails along with plenty other opportunities that includes paddling, swimming and obviously fishing sessions.
The state-administered campground is home to 24 camping site with accommodations available for tent vehicle and RV camping.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Paddling |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Access to potable water 5. Fire Pits |
Location Details:
330 State Park Rd, Hope, NJ 07844, USA
Phone: +1 908-459-4366
- Stokes State Forest (Shotwell Campground)
The Shotwell Campground is safely nestled within the Stokes State Forest and is home to 38 camping sites. The state-administered campground is available for tent, vehicle and RV Campers. Campers can get all excited with the fact that the camping sites are located a stone’s throw away from the bubbling waters of the Shotwell Pond.
All the camping sites are located within untouched natural beauty that offers a rugged view of Mother Nature at her best. The campground is home to miles of hiking and ATV trails, ready to be explored by the thrill seekers.
Camping cabins and luxurious lodging facilities are also available to the guests given they made advanced reservations for the same.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. OHV 8. Climbing 9. Snow sports 10. Swimming 11. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Fire Pits 5. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
Stokes State Forest, Sandyston, NJ 07826, USA
Phone: 973-948-3820
- Allaire State Park Campground
The campground is popular among the backpackers in New Jersey for the plethora of camping options available here to the guests that include yurts, camping cabins and lodging facilities. It is also one of the best rv campgrounds in New Jersey.
Modern amenities like flush toilets, showers are available in all the 55 sites hosted by the state-administered campground. Accommodations are available for tent, vehicle and RV campers.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Fire Pits 6. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727, USA
Phone: +1 732-938-2371
- Bass River State Forest (North Shore Campground)
The Bass River State Forest was the first chunk of land that was reclaimed from the colonial clutches of the British Empire by the American Forces. So, in other words, we can easily conclude that the campground is littered with places of historical importance.
The campground is situated on the northern shores of Lake Absegami and sports several primitive camping sites among its 93 camping sites.
At first glance, the North Shore campground might appear to be lacking any form of modern amenity, but that is not the case. Drinking water facilities and shower rooms are there conveniently located near the camping sites.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming 9. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Fire Pits 6. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
Phone: +1 609-296-1114
- Bass River State Forest (South Shore Campground)
The South Shore campground is also located on the southern stretch of the 67-acre Lake Absegami. The Bass River State Forest can be considered as a hidden gem among the plethora of state parks and reserved forest areas of New Jersey. The campground boasts of a well-maintained fishing pier and a boat ramp which when coupled with the fact that the Absegami lake is home to plenty of game fish species, it becomes an angler’s paradise! It is one of the few campgrounds that allow camping in New Jersey with dogs.
The campground is home to 92 camping sites with accommodations available for tent, vehicle and RV campers.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming 9. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Fire Pits 6. Access to potable water 7. Pet-friendly camping sites |
Location Details:
Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
Phone: +1 609-296-1114
- Bass River State Forest Group Area
The Bass River State Forest also sports a group camping site which is ideal for big families and groups of friends. The campground is conveniently located near several hiking and mountain biking trails that are sure to bring out the fitness enthusiasts in you.
The campground and all of its six camping sites offer accommodation not only to the tent and car campers but also to the RV campers as well.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming 9. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Fire Pits 6. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA
Phone: +1 609-296-1114
- Belleplain State Forest (South Shore Campground)
The South Shore Campground is located within the lush greens of the Belleplain State Forest that spans over 21,000 acres of pure natural land. Campers are welcomed with fresh air and the sights of Mother Nature at her best. The campground is considered to be one of the best state campgrounds in New Jersey and is also one of the best tent camping in New Jersey.
The campground is home to 107 camping sites with accommodations available for tent, car and RV campers. The campground also hosts plenty of primitive camping sites which appeals to most of the thrill seekers and purist campers out there.
If you are looking for some extra privacy, feel free to make advanced reservations for the luxurious camping cabins and lodging facilities available in the campground.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Access to potable water 6. Fire Pits 7. Pet-friendly camping sites |
Location Details:
1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA
Phone: +1 609-861-2404
- Belleplain State Forest (North Shore Campground)
Bordered by thick vegetation that largely comprises of Atlantic White Cedars, pine and oak trees, the north shore campground is safely nestled in the heart of the Belleplain State Forest. The 26-acre naturally formed, Lake nunny is the star of the show here on the campground. Various water-based camping activities are allowed on the lake given you don’t use a motor on your boat. Amateur anglers can have a blast when they would hook their first catch here on the lake.
The shores of the lake are serviced by lifeguards who are available in their posts round the clock in the summer months! The campground is also home to more than 50-miles of well-maintained trails meant for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking.
The state-administered campground is home to 83 camping site with accommodations available for tent vehicle and RV camping. Guests can also opt for fully stocked camping cabins and luxurious lodging facilities available through advanced reservations.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Access to potable water 6. Pet-friendly camping sites 7. Fire Pits |
Location Details:
1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA
Phone: +1 609-861-2404
- Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Campground
Ever smelled the aroma of falling pine needles!? Well, you don’t need to go to some remote part of the world to do that, all you need to do is to head over to the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Campground!
The campground is home to 91 camping sites with accommodations available for tent, car and RV campers. Camping cabins and lodging facilities are also made available to anyone who has made advanced reservations for the same.
These grounds are also home to several miles of foliage covered trails ideal for some ATV and hiking fun!
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Fishing 3. Hiking 4. Horseback riding 5. Snow sports |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Access to potable water 6. Pet-friendly camping sites 7. Fir pits |
Location Details:
Highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
Phone: +1 609-726-1191
- Cheesequake State Park Campground
Even if the campground is located pretty close to the NYC Metropolitan Area, it still consists of a vibrant ecosystem which flaunts wide open fields, fresh and saltwater marshes along with cedar swamps and over 6-acres of swimming and soaking opportunities waiting to be conquered by the curious young minds! It is one of the best campgrounds in New Jersey close to NYC.
The campground is home to 59 semi-private, cozy camping sites where the sounds of the city disappear as soon as one settles in for the night or two or more if they please! The state-administered campground is available for tent, car and RV campers. It is undoubtedly one of the best campgrounds in New Jersey near NYC metropolitan area!
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Snow sports 8. Swimming |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. RV sanitation 5. Access to potable water 6. Fire Pits |
Location Details:
300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747, USA
Phone: +1 732-566-2161
- Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground
The sweltering heat of the summer season is beating you down!? Head over with your friends and family to the Kittatinny Valley State Park Campground which is the home of the deepest natural freshwater lake in the state of New Jersey.
Group camping sites are available right on the water of the lake, and if that doesn’t sound appealing to you then you have over 1400 acres of woods that is just waiting to be explored by you and your friends!
The campground is also home to several miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, crisscrossing throughout the campground’s terrain. The state-administered campground is home to 3 camping sites that cater to tent, vehicle and RV campers. Guests are also welcome to try out the luxurious camping cabins and lodging facilities made available through advanced reservations.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Climbing 8. Snow sports 9. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Fire Pits 5. Access to potable water 6. Pet-friendly camping sites |
Location Details:
Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Phone: +1 973-786-6445
- Stephens State Park Campground
The Stephens State Park Campground is located alongside the Musconetcong River and is home to 39 camping sites with accommodations made available for tent, car and RV campers.
It also boasts the rock climbing facility that is situated just a few mile away from the camping area. It is also home to the famous Saxton Falls area.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Boating 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Horseback riding 6. Paddling 7. Climbing 8. Snow sports 9. Wildlife watching |
1. Toilets
2. Showers 3. Picnic table 4. Fire Pits 5. Access to potable water |
Location Details:
800 Willow Grove St, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA
Phone: +1 908-852-3790
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