Summer is an amazing time to explore the great outdoors, and its in ample supply in New Jersey's state parks - as are lots of tourists! During the summer, it often feels like state parks are a little more like theme parks. That can be a lot of fun, but when I need to beat the heat and the crowds, I find it's the perfect time to visit one of New Jersey's state forests. These are often bigger and more rural than the state parks, with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation far away from the crowds. The best state forest in New Jersey, as well as the oldest and the third-largest, is Bass River State Forest near Tuckerton not too far from some popular beach towns. Spanning over 29,000 acres, this place is a natural paradise where it's possible to spend days just fishing, hiking, sunbathing, camping, and loving every minute of it.
Bass River State Forest is a massive recreation destination, with one of the highlights being the massive Lake Absegami, which features a charming sandy beach.
This is one of the best spots for hiking in the state, with fifteen trails to explore. The most famous are the Orange CCC Loop and the Yellow "Poppy Allen" Trail, which are both easy and come in at 4.6 and 3.3 miles respectively.
This is also an amazing spot for camping - there are 176 tent and trailer sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Six group campsites are also available.
Have you visited Bass River State Forest near Tuckerton? Do you think it's the best state forest in New Jersey? Let us know in the comments section, and make sure to visit the New Jersey Parks website for information about the many offerings and amenities at Bass River State Forest. You can also take a day trip to nearby Tuckerton, which is an amazing small town filled with sights and history to explore. If you're planning to do a lot of hiking at Bass River State Forest, consider subscribing to AllTrails + - this mobile app makes it easy to stay connected in even remote areas, with the app making sure you'll never go off course.
I love the northwestern part of New Jersey - if there's such a thing as true peace and quiet in the Garden State, it's found here in the rural, heavily wooded areas near the Pennsylvania border. That's where you'll find the most remote campground in New Jersey, if you're looking for a place that has all the amenities of a full campground while also not being a crowded spot even during the summer months. Camp Taylor Campground, located in Columbia, is a truly rustic place that has a little something for everyone, including some incredible views that make you feel a million miles away from the big city. It's even attached to one of the most fascinating attractions in all of New Jersey, but that doesn't take away from the peacefulness at all. No matter what your ideal camping trip looks like, you'll find everything you need at Camp Taylor Campground.
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Camp Taylor Campground is hidden near the Delaware Water Gap, far away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.
For those who want a little more comfort in their camping stay, both rustic and deluxe cabins are available. No spot here is over $200 a night, and the cabins are impressively roomy.
There are also some seasonal rates, for those who want to camp here for the long haul. A summer of cookouts and fun on the water - what could be better?
Speaking of fun on the water, the highlight here is the two-acre lake open for swimming. You can also bring kayaks or canoes onto the water, but no motorboats for safety reasons.
Have you stayed at Camp Taylor Campground in rural northwest Jersey? Let us know about your stay at this remote campground in New Jersey in the comments section! The Camp Taylor Campground website has all the information about the current availability, amenities, and rates, and the Facebook page of this remote campground in New Jersey has the latest seasonal updates. Make sure to bring sunscreen if you're looking forward to spending your summer camping trip on the water!
But as charmingly remote as this campsite is, it's not all that far from civilization - it's only a 12-minute drive to this iconic New Jersey diner!
The Garden State is a fantastic destination for camping lovers, with a wide range of scenic landscapes and outdoor activities to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, you're sure to find a campground that suits your needs. In this article, we've put a list together of 18 of the best campgrounds in New Jersey, including some top-rated hotspots and hidden gems that are guaranteed to make your next camping adventure unforgettable!
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Best State Park Campgrounds in New Jersey
New Jersey state parks are renowned for their stunning beauty and diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. With some of the best state park campgrounds, avid campers can enjoy scenic views, well-maintained facilities, and a variety of campsites to choose from for a memorable experience.
Park Info: Cabin, tent, and RV sites. Campfires allowed, toilets, showers, potable water available, and picnic tables. Pet-friendly campsites: Sawmill Lake Sites 1-4, 16-18, 24-27, 29-50.
Price: Resident: $20-$175, Non-Resident: $25-$185
High Point, the highest point in New Jersey, offers breathtaking views and is home to many rare plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, camping, and skiing. There are 50 family campsites, two group campsites, and cabins that can accommodate up to six people each. Additionally, there is a group cabin that can accommodate up to 28 people.
Park Info: Firewood can be purchased at the office during business hours. Black bears are present in the park. Keep all food in your vehicle's trunk and remove garbage from your campsite promptly.
Price: Resident: $20, Non-Resident: $25
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Stephens State Park is an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities. Visitors can fish in the trout-stocked waters of the Musconetcong River, enjoy scenic picnic areas with grills, and explore the designated trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Stephens State Park provides camping with 40 sites accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers. Though water, sewer, and electric hookups aren't available, each site does have a picnic table and a fire ring. The camping area also features a playground and a playing field. Flush toilets and showers are within walking distance.
Popularity: The peak season is from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Park Info: RVs entering the camping area must be under 11 feet tall due to a low bridge.
Price: Resident: $20-$50, Non-Resident: $25-$100
Cheesequake State Park is a unique destination that offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, swimming, picnicking, kayak tours, hunting, and mountain biking. It's the only park where the northern hardwood forest meets a southern pine barren ecosystem at sea level, showcasing a remarkable diversity of native flora and fauna in a healthy, natural environment. There are 50 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables, and the park has flush toilets and shower facilities within walking distance. Additionally, the park offers group campsites that can accommodate up to 25 campers each.
Park Info: Pet friendly, swimming beach, boat launch ramp, kayak rentals, playground, picnic tables, grills, ball fields, volleyball court, hiking trails, biking trails, and geocaching opportunities.
Price: Resident: $20-$70, Non-Resident: $40-$140
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Lake Wawayanda is a destination for hikers, campers, swimmers, and boaters who are drawn to its quiet charm. The park is surrounded by forested hills, which provide a tranquil backdrop for canoeists, boaters, and fishermen, while the steep mountains offer a challenge for both casual and serious hikers. Visitors can enjoy a 19-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the park, and the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers breathtaking views. With over 60 miles of trails marked in the park, visitors have plenty of options for exploring.
For those who want to stay overnight, the park has four group sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a composting restroom. These sites require a minimum of seven people, and visitors should note that water is not available at the campsites - it must be carried from the main office building. Additionally, there are no shower facilities available.
Best Beach Camping in New Jersey
Discover the best waterfront camping in New Jersey, where relaxation meets adventure. From swimming beaches to water activities like kayaking and fishing, these destinations offer a unique experience for every camper.
Park Info: Pet-friendly, picnic pavilions, hiking, biking, canoe rentals, hot showers, flush toilets, fresh water, coin-operated laundry machines, fire rings, and a swimming beach.
Price: Resident: $20-$175, Non-Resident: $25-$200
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Belleplain State Forest in New Jersey offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping, stargazing, and bird-watching. The forest has over 40 miles of trails and various habitats, making it a camper's paradise.
There are 169 tent and trailer sites, two group campsites, a group cabin, and 14 lean-tos available for camping. Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles, and two tents. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are available. The East Creek cabin can accommodate up to 30 people and has a furnished living room, full kitchen, two bunk rooms, bathrooms, showers, and outdoor campfire rings.
Popularity: Very popular, the summer months are the busiest.
Park Info: Swimming is only allowed in designated areas and only when lifeguards are present.
Price: Resident: $20-$50, Non-Resident: $25-$100
Bass River State Forest in New Jersey is the state's first state forest and a popular destination for public recreation, water conservation, wildlife, and timber management. It features a one-million-acre ecologically sensitive area called the Pinelands National Reserve. Visitors can explore over 12 miles of marked trails, including the Absegami Trail and the BATONA Trail.
The forest offers 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables, six group campsites, nine accessible lean-tos, six shelters, and six cabins along the north shore of Lake Absegami. All sites have toilet facilities, and some have access to electricity, running water, and shower facilities.
Park Info: Pet-friendly, ball field, bathhouse, bicycling, bird watching, boat concession, food concession, gift shop, hiking trails, horseback riding, picnicking, boat launch ramp, boating, canoeing, kayaking, canoe rental, docks, fishing, crabbing, swimming, firewood sales, first aid station, grills, RV/Trailer sanitary station, and a playground.
Price: Resident: $20-$50, Non-Resident: $25-$100
Parvin State Park is a hidden gem located just outside the Pine Barrens. The park offers history, plants, animals, campsites, cabins, trails, lakes for canoeing and kayaking, and a summer swimming beach. You can visit for the day or stay longer. In the springtime, enjoy bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea, and over 200 kinds of flowering plants. Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake, and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating.
Parvin State Park offers visitors 54 tent and trailer sites, four group campsites, and 18 cabins. The tent and trailer sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby playgrounds. The group campsites have flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, and one shelter. The cabins are fully furnished with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor amenities.
Park Info: Restrooms, showers, and a food stand (open Memorial Day to Labor Day). Picnic areas with grills are available throughout the park, and you can reserve a group picnic pavilion year-round. There are recreational facilities nearby, but use metal grills for charcoal fires; wood fires are prohibited.
Price: Resident: $20-$40, Non-Resident: $25-$60
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Escape to Swartswood Lake for a serene and natural retreat. This glacial lake, open to the public since 1914, remains a hidden gem despite its off-the-beaten-path location. You'll spot sailboats, canoes, and kayaks gracefully gliding on the tranquil waters. Nearby Little Swartswood Lake offers similar opportunities on a smaller scale, and keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles and other birds of prey overhead.
Choose from a range of campsites for your overnight stay at Swartswood Lake. Whether you prefer wooded or grassy sites, the park amenities are within walking distance. The group campsites are ideal for larger gatherings, while the rustic shelters offer a cabin-like experience with wood stoves for heat and cozy sleeping quarters. Whichever option you select, your stay at Swartswood Lake promises a fun experience.
Top Glamping in New Jersey
Check out the top glamping spots in New Jersey, including the urban chic vibe offered by Lokal Hotel to rustic cabins in Stokes State Forest and family-friendly luxury tents of Kymer's Camping Resort - each of these places promise a fantastic glamping experience.
Park Info: All come with a commercial kitchen, hot tub, Big Green Egg Grill, and fire pit.
Price: $425-$525/night
Lokal is a luxury hotel group with a focus on invisible service in and around Philadelphia. They offer apartment hotels in Philly and Cape May, New Jersey, as well as vacation homes in South Jersey. With easy online booking and self check-in, Lokal provides guests with a unique connection to each area without sacrificing comfort and care.
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Lokal Hotel offers three cabin options in South Jersey - the A-Frame Cabin, the Lokal Chalet, and the Lokal Triangle House. Each cabin features multiple bedrooms, baths, commercial-grade kitchens, premium hot tubs, fire pits, and other amenities. Enjoy the natural beauty and woodland views while you disconnect from screens and focus on quality time with your loved ones.
Park Info: Cabins 7 and 12 accommodate eight people. Facilities are the same as listed, except a shower and hot and cold running water are included. Cabin 7 has a fireplace, and cabin 12 has a wood stove.
Stokes State Forest offers visitors a chance to explore natural beauty with its 63 miles of trails, fishing in one of the best trout streams in New Jersey, and various outdoor activities like camping, skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting.
Stokes State Forest has ten furnished lakeside cabins that can accommodate up to four people. Each cabin has a wood stove, two single beds, one double-deck bunk, a kitchen with cold and hot running water, a refrigerator, and an electric stove. There's also a half-bath with a toilet, sink, and electric lights. As for the outside, each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill outside.
Popularity: Busy season is May 30th-June 28th and July 4th-August 30th.
Park Info: Olympic-size swimming pool, kiddy pool, hot tub, disc golf, courts, miniature golf, playground, cable TV, camp store, planned events, pavilion, and a stocked lake for fishing and kayaking.
Price: $119-$134/night
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Escape to Kymer's Camping Resort in northern New Jersey for an unforgettable family vacation. With 200 acres of scenic mountains, you can hike, kayak, swim, or simply relax. And with park models, cabins, and luxury tent rentals available, there's no need to bring your own camping gear.
Speaking of luxury tent rentals, they come with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay. These include two queen beds, a charcoal grill, a small refrigerator, an outside fire ring, a porch with chairs, an outside water faucet, a picnic table, and electricity. So, don't hesitate to book your stay at Kymer's Camping Resort and experience the great outdoors in style and comfort.
Best RV Camping Sites in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey's premier RV camping destinations, nestled in scenic forested locations to lakeside retreats. Offering spacious sites and a variety of amenities, these campgrounds are the ideal choice for your RV adventure.
Whether you have your own RV or decide to rent one through a service like RVShare, these RV campgrounds are sure to make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
Park Info: Swimming lake, hookups on every site, laundry facilities, convenience store, firewood, video arcade, snack bar, restrooms, hot showers, pavilion, paddle boat and canoe rentals, pet-friendly, swimming pool, playground, nature trail, fishing, basketball court, volleyball, horseshoes, and hayrides.
Price: Seasonal dates are April 15th-October 1st, $5675-$8710/season
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Are you looking for a great place to park your RV in New Jersey? Look no further than Belhaven Lake RV Resort! Located in Egg Harbor City, this southern New Jersey RV park offers seasonal camping in the beautiful Pine Barrens near Atlantic City, Batsto, Hammonton, Egg Harbor, and Wharton State Forest. With 300 wooded campsites surrounding a 30-acre lake, there's plenty of space for everyone to enjoy nature at its finest. The lake itself is a great spot for swimming and fishing, and there are paddle boats and canoes available for rental. Your family can relax and unwind while participating in any of the many planned activities, including walks on nature trails, hanging out by the pool, or fishing on the lake. And when the day is done, you can gather around the fire pit with your fellow campers.
Popularity: Busy season is April 14th-October 9th.
Park Info: Fresh water lake with white sandy beach, swimming pool, splash pad, stocked fishing pond, activities building, tram car, mini golf, playgrounds, arcade, boat rentals, courts, games, camp store, laundry facilities, cafe, pavilion, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, ATM, and boat storage.
Price: $51+/night (nightly and seasonal options)
Are you on the search for an affordable and fun-filled family vacation near the Jersey Shore beaches? Consider Ocean View Resort Campground, where happy campers have been camping since 1960. Enjoy modern facilities while still experiencing the great outdoors. You'll be near championship golf courses, delicious restaurants, exciting water activities like kayaking and fishing, and popular attractions like the Cape May Zoo and Wildwood's famous boardwalks.
Ocean View Resort Campground has 180 wooded acres and offers spacious and shaded campsites equipped with everything you need, including 20/30 amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV. Each site also has a fire ring and picnic table, making it easy to enjoy a cozy campfire or a family meal.
Popularity: Very popular, particularly during the summer months.
Park Info: Mainly serves seasonal campers and has a few cabins and RV campsites for short-term stays. Please be aware that they are not ideal for tent campers, especially in July and August when cabins and campsites are in high demand.
Pleasant Valley is an excellent choice for families looking to spend time in the peaceful Pinelands of New Jersey. The campground is nestled in a serene wooded environment and offers all the modern amenities you need. You can enjoy holiday celebrations, learn new crafts, play bingo, take swimming lessons, participate in a horseshoe tournament, and more. The campground is also conveniently located near various attractions, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. The spacious campsites and cozy cottage rentals will ensure that your trip to Pleasant Valley is one to remember.
15. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: South Jersey, NJ
Popularity: Popular amongst families. Peak season is June 16th-September 3rd.
Park Info: Swimming lake, obstacle course, activity pool, Olympic-sized pool, diving dock, jumping pillow, laser tag, arcade, gem, mining, fishing, beach, playground, ball pit, softball field, courts, and onsite dining.
Price: $70-$465/nightly
Look no further than Jellystone Park for a place where you and your family can have a fun-filled vacation. This award-winning New Jersey campground is just a short distance from Atlantic City and offers a unique camping experience. With so many activities to choose from, the whole family will have a blast swimming, bouncing, and gem mining. And when the day is done, you can relax at your premium campsite or cabin around a cozy fire. They offer a variety of RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire rings - highly recommended for any level of RV camper!
Best Primitive Tent Camping in New Jersey
Experience the true essence of nature with New Jersey's best primitive tent camping. These rustic sites, nestled in picturesque locations like the Delaware River and Kittatinny Mountains, offer a back-to-basics escape. Ideal for both seasoned campers and newcomers, they provide an authentic outdoor adventure.
Wharton State Forest in New Jersey offers a unique natural experience with a rich history in industry and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canoeing. Explore Batsto Village, swim in Atsion Lake, or observe wildlife in the forest's numerous lakes, ponds, and fields.
There are several primitive campsites available in the area, including Bodine Field, Hawkins Bridge, Batona, Mullica River, and Goshen Pond, which have hand pumps for water and pit toilets. If you're planning to camp at Buttonwood Hill or Lower Forge, you won't have access to water. Mullica River and Lower Forge offer a more secluded experience, only accessible by hiking, canoeing, or horseback. These campsites are a great way to enjoy the wilderness without the crowds and noise of a full-service campground.
Park Info: Bring your own canoe or kayak to access Ghost Lake for fishing and boating. Mountain Lake is great for shoreline fishing and swimming. Picnic in the shaded area with available tables and grills.
The climb to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain is breathtaking. Rolling terrain and rocky outcroppings await your ascent. You'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west and scenic views of the Great Meadows in the east. The narrow path leading to the top of the mountain is lined with rocky outcroppings and boulders, which are evidence of the great glaciers that once covered the land.
The campground is small and intimate, with only 22 tent sites, each nicely spaced out from the others. There are also secluded group campgrounds and small shelter-style cabins available for rent. The campsites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and the showers and toilets are easily accessible by foot.
Park Info: Worthington offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking along 26 miles of scenic trails, birdwatching, fishing, and river floats on the Delaware River. You can spot bald eagles, enjoy archery classes (for $5 per person), and rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards during the spring to early fall. Fishing is available year-round with various fish species, including Smallmouth Bass and Walleye.
Take a hike through the trails in northern New Jersey to experience some of the most rugged terrain and splendid views. With 22 miles of trails, you can discover various natural wonders, including Sunfish Pond – one of New Jersey’s Seven Natural Wonders. For an even more breathtaking experience, climb to the top of Mount Tammany and take in the spectacular 360-degree view.
To end your day, kick back and relax by the campfire at one of the many campsites located along the Delaware River and Kittatinny Mountains. The park has tent and trailer sites along the river, with picnic tables and fire rings. There are showers, toilets, and drinking water available. Tent camping is on sites 1-23, while sites 29-82 accommodate tents, trailers, and motorhomes. Three group sites are available for up to 35 people each, with water and restrooms but no showers.
Have you been to any of these camping spots in New Jersey? Think they're some of the best places to camp in New Jersey? Let us know what you think!
And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list if you plan on hitting the trails during your next great camping adventure!
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Looking for a little fun? Check out this tutorial on how to speak like a New Jersey local!
