Best Campgrounds in New Jersey

The Garden State might be famous for its dense population centers, industrial corridors, and proximity to New York City, but venture beyond the turnpike and you’ll discover a surprising diversity of natural landscapes perfect for camping adventures. From the rolling hills of the northwest to the pristine pine forests of the Pinelands, from the sandy shores of the Atlantic coast to the serene Delaware River valley, New Jersey offers outdoor enthusiasts an impressive array of camping experiences. These natural retreats provide welcome escapes from urban life, often just a short drive from major metropolitan areas. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly campgrounds with modern amenities or more rustic experiences in wilder settings, New Jersey’s camping options provide something for every outdoor preference. Join us as we explore the best places to sleep under the stars in a state that keeps its natural treasures somewhat hidden from the casual observer.

Worthington State Forest

Number of Campsites: 69
Reservation Website: reserveamerica.com/explore/worthington-state-forest/NJ/670000
Address: Old Mine Road, Columbia, NJ 07832

Nestled along the eastern bank of the Delaware River in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap, Worthington State Forest offers one of New Jersey’s most scenic camping experiences. The campground sits at the base of Mount Tammany, where the river has carved a dramatic gap through the Kittatinny Ridge—a landscape so striking it seems to belong in more mountainous states further west.

The campsites are arranged in several loops, some hugging the riverbank while others nestle into the forest a short walk from the water. River sites reward campers with expansive views across the Delaware to Pennsylvania’s tree-covered slopes and the sound of gently flowing water that continues day and night. Forest sites provide greater shade and privacy among tall oak, maple, and hemlock trees that create a cathedral-like canopy overhead.

Mornings along the river bring a special magic as mist rises from the water’s surface, gradually burning off as sunlight filters through the trees. Great blue herons often stalk the shallows, while bald eagles soar overhead, having made a remarkable comeback in this protected corridor. The forest comes alive with the sounds of wood thrushes, whose flute-like songs echo through the trees from late spring through summer.

The campground provides direct access to some of New Jersey’s finest hiking opportunities. The red-blazed Mount Tammany Trail—challenging but rewarding—climbs 1,200 feet to a summit overlooking the entire Water Gap, with views extending for miles in both directions along the river valley. The white-blazed Appalachian Trail runs through the property, offering day-hike options ranging from easy river walks to moderate ridge traverses.

For water enthusiasts, the Delaware River beckons with calm sections perfect for paddling, swimming, and fishing. Canoe and kayak launching is available within the campground, while anglers cast for smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish from the shoreline or wading the shallows. Eagles and ospreys often put on fishing demonstrations of their own, diving into the river to emerge with wriggling catches.

Facilities include flush toilets and hot showers during the main season (vault toilets during early spring and late fall), with potable water available throughout the campground. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. No hookups are available, maintaining the natural character of this special place.

The camping season runs from April through October, with peak foliage usually occurring in mid-October when the surrounding hardwood forest transforms into a breathtaking display of red, orange, and gold. Reservations are essential during summer and fall weekends, with midweek visits offering the best chance for last-minute availability.

Wharton State Forest – Atsion Family Campground

Number of Campsites: 50
Reservation Website: reserveamerica.com/explore/wharton-state-forest/NJ/670000
Address: 744 US-206, Shamong, NJ 08088

In the heart of New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve—the country’s first National Reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—lies Wharton State Forest, protecting over 122,000 acres of this unique ecosystem. The Atsion Family Campground provides an ideal base for exploring this distinctive landscape, where the sandy soil nurtures a specialized community of plants and animals found nowhere else in the region.

The campground sits beside the tea-colored Mullica River, where cedar trees line the banks and cast their reflection on the still water. Sites are arranged in a single loop through a forest dominated by pitch pine and various oak species, with a understory of blueberry bushes and ferns. The sandy soil absorbs sound, creating a profound silence broken only by the whisper of wind through pine needles and the distinctive calls of whip-poor-wills at dusk.

This is a landscape that reveals its treasures gradually to those who look closely. The seemingly monotonous pine forest actually hosts remarkable biodiversity, including rare orchids, carnivorous plants, and the endangered Pine Barrens tree frog—whose distinctive “quonk-quonk” call can be heard on spring evenings near wetland areas. The night sky here is among the darkest in the state, allowing impressive stargazing when clouds permit.

Recreation opportunities abound, with the adjacent Atsion Lake offering a sandy beach for swimming during summer months. Numerous hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, including the Batona Trail—a 50-mile path traversing the heart of the Pinelands. For paddling enthusiasts, the Mullica River and Batsto River provide picturesque water trails through the heart of the Pinelands. The tannin-stained waters flow lazily between banks lined with Atlantic white cedar and swamp maple, creating perfect conditions for novice paddlers. Multi-day canoe camping trips are possible for the more adventurous, with primitive riverside sites available by permit.

History buffs will appreciate the nearby Atsion Mansion and abandoned village sites scattered throughout the forest—remnants of the area’s industrial past when iron furnaces, paper mills, and glass factories operated among these seemingly remote woods. The well-preserved Batsto Village offers living history demonstrations during summer months, providing context for understanding the human history of this unique region.

The campground offers drinking water and clean vault toilets but maintains its rustic character with no hookups or shower facilities. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables arranged with enough space between neighbors to provide a sense of privacy. The sandy soil makes for easy tent staking but can become hot during summer days—another reason why the shaded sites are particularly valued.

Wharton State Forest is open for camping year-round, one of the few New Jersey state facilities to offer winter camping. Each season brings its own character: spring features the emergence of warbler migrations and pine barrens wildflowers; summer offers relief in the cool, tea-colored swimming holes; fall brings subtle color changes as blueberry bushes turn crimson; and winter creates a stark, open landscape as deciduous understory plants lose their leaves while the pines maintain their green canopy.

Cape May KOA

Number of Campsites: 150
Reservation Website: koa.com/campgrounds/cape-may
Address: 669 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204

Just minutes from some of New Jersey’s most beautiful beaches and the charming Victorian town of Cape May, this well-appointed campground offers the perfect blend of natural setting and modern convenience. Situated amid 60 acres of wooded grounds in the southernmost region of the state, Cape May KOA provides an ideal base for exploring this renowned coastal area while enjoying comfortable camping amenities.

The campground features a diverse range of sites arranged throughout a mixed pine and oak forest, with options ranging from tent sites to full-hookup RV locations to glamping cabins. The grounds maintain enough natural vegetation between sites to provide privacy while still fostering the community atmosphere that KOA campgrounds are known for. The air carries the mingled scents of pine, salt marsh, and occasionally distant ocean breeze, creating a distinctive coastal woodland fragrance.

Morning reveals a campground gradually coming to life, with the aroma of campfire coffee mingling with the calls of ospreys and gulls overhead. The pine needles and sandy soil create soft walking paths between sites, while rabbits and eastern bluebirds are frequent visitors around dawn and dusk. String lights draped between trees create a festive atmosphere in the evenings as families gather around campfires to share stories of the day’s adventures.

While the campground itself offers numerous amenities—including a swimming pool, game room, playground, and scheduled activities—its location provides easy access to Cape May’s world-renowned attractions. Just a short drive away, the beaches offer some of the finest swimming, sunbathing, and dolphin-watching opportunities on the Atlantic coast. The charming town of Cape May, with its preserved Victorian architecture and excellent dining options, provides a perfect day trip from the campground.

For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Cape May Bird Observatory sits at one of North America’s most important migration flyways, where hundreds of bird species can be spotted during spring and fall migrations. Cape May Point State Park combines beach access with nature trails through maritime forest and freshwater wetlands, all centered around the iconic lighthouse that has guided mariners since 1859.

The campground offers modern bathhouses with hot showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, and Wi-Fi throughout the property. Sites range from rustic tent areas to premium locations with patios and outdoor furniture. The friendly staff organize regular activities ranging from crafts to outdoor movies, making this an especially good option for families with children.

The camping season runs from April through October, with shoulder seasons offering less crowded conditions while still providing comfortable temperatures. Summer weekends book months in advance, particularly around holidays, so early reservations are essential during peak periods.

Allaire State Park

Number of Campsites: 45
Reservation Website: reserveamerica.com/explore/allaire-state-park/NJ/670000
Address: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727

In the gently rolling hills of central New Jersey lies Allaire State Park, where history and nature intertwine to create a distinctive camping experience. The park preserves both natural ecosystems and the historic Allaire Village—a 19th-century iron-making town now restored as a living history museum. The family campground offers a peaceful retreat within easy reach of both the Shore region’s beaches and the New York metropolitan area.

The campground sits nestled in a mature hardwood forest dominated by oak, maple, beech, and tulip poplar trees that create a dense canopy overhead. Sites are arranged along several loops with enough space and vegetation between neighbors to provide a sense of privacy. The forest floor features a mix of native understory plants including mountain laurel, which produces spectacular blooms in late spring.

Dawn in the campground brings a chorus of songbirds, with wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and numerous warbler species making their presence known during the warmer months. White-tailed deer often browse at forest edges during early morning and evening hours, while raccoons and opossums make occasional appearances after dark (secure food storage is essential).

The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities beyond camping. Over 20 miles of multi-use trails wind through the forest, ranging from easy walks to more challenging mountain biking routes. The Manasquan River flows through the property, offering fishing for bass, sunfish, and catfish, as well as paddling opportunities during periods of sufficient water flow.

The historic Allaire Village stands as the park’s cultural centerpiece—a restored 19th-century iron-making community featuring original and reconstructed buildings. Weekend living history demonstrations bring this industrial heritage to life through blacksmithing, carpentry, and domestic skills presentations. The village also hosts seasonal events including a popular Christmas celebration.

For train enthusiasts, the Pine Creek Railroad operates narrow-gauge train rides on weekends during the main season. The short excursion passes through woodland scenery aboard historic or replica equipment maintained by dedicated volunteers.

The campground provides drinking water and clean bathhouses with hot showers, while each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. No hookups are available, maintaining the natural character of the camping experience. A centrally located playground offers additional entertainment for younger campers.

The camping season extends from April through October, with spring bringing spectacular wildflower displays and fall offering colorful foliage as the hardwood forest transitions to its autumn palette. The park’s central location places it within an hour’s drive of numerous attractions, including the beaches of the Jersey Shore and Six Flags Great Adventure theme park.

High Point State Park

Number of Campsites: 50
Reservation Website: reserveamerica.com/explore/high-point-state-park/NJ/670000
Address: 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461

At the northernmost corner of New Jersey, where the state meets New York and Pennsylvania, rises High Point State Park—home to the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. This mountain landscape feels worlds away from the coastal plains and urban centers that define much of the state’s image, offering a camping experience more reminiscent of northern New England than the Garden State.

The campground occupies a series of terraced loops set into the mountainside, surrounded by a northern hardwood forest of maple, beech, birch, and oak, with scattered hemlock groves adding evergreen contrast. Most sites enjoy partial shade, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy during summer months. The mountain air carries a distinctive crispness, particularly in early morning and evening hours when temperatures often drop significantly compared to lower elevations.

Dawn breaks with a symphony of birdsong echoing through the forest, while evenings bring the distinctive calls of barred owls with their characteristic “who-cooks-for-you” hooting pattern. Black bears inhabit these mountains, requiring diligent food storage (metal storage lockers are provided), though sightings near the developed campground remain relatively uncommon.

The park’s crown jewel stands at the summit of High Point Mountain, where a 220-foot obelisk monument offers panoramic views extending across three states. On exceptionally clear days, observers can glimpse the distant skyline of Manhattan some 60 miles away. The monument area provides a perfect sunset-watching location, as the surrounding valleys gradually fill with shadow while the monument itself remains illuminated by the day’s last golden light.

More than 50 miles of trails crisscross the park, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail that traverses the ridge with spectacular views. Lake Marcia offers swimming opportunities during summer months, with its beach nestled in a mountain setting unusual for New Jersey waters. For anglers, several park lakes and streams are stocked with trout, offering productive fishing particularly during spring and fall.

The campground provides drinking water and modern bathhouses with hot showers during the main season. Each site includes the standard fire ring and picnic table arrangement. While no hookups are available, the campground does accommodate RVs up to 40 feet on selected sites. A small playground provides entertainment for younger campers when not exploring the surrounding natural features.

The camping season typically runs from late April through late October, weather permitting. The park’s higher elevation means temperatures average 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands—a welcome feature during summer heat waves but requiring extra preparation during spring and fall when overnight temperatures can approach freezing.

The fall foliage display ranks among New Jersey’s most spectacular, with the hardwood forest transforming into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold usually peaking in mid-October. This period brings the year’s heaviest visitation, making advance reservations essential for weekend stays during the colorful autumn season.

Island Beach State Park

Number of Campsites: 18 (primitive camping only)
Reservation Website: reserveamerica.com/explore/island-beach-state-park/NJ/670000
Address: Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Along New Jersey’s central coastline stretches a remarkable natural treasure—one of the last significant stretches of undeveloped barrier island ecosystem on the north Atlantic coast. Island Beach State Park preserves over ten miles of pristine coastal landscape, where rolling sand dunes, maritime forests, and tidal marshes create a dynamic environment teeming with specialized plant and animal life. The park’s limited primitive camping program offers one of the most unique overnight experiences available in the state.

Unlike most campgrounds, Island Beach’s camping areas operate on a permit system for organized groups only, with sites located in the southern natural area of the park. These primitive camping areas sit nestled among the primary dunes and maritime forest, where Atlantic white cedar, pitch pine, and bayberry create a surprisingly diverse plant community adapted to the harsh coastal conditions. The sites offer no amenities beyond a designated area to pitch tents—campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

What these sites lack in conveniences, they more than make up for in extraordinary setting. Falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, with stars shining brilliantly above the dark Atlantic, creates an experience impossible to replicate in more developed campgrounds. Morning reveals the intricate patterns of wind-sculpted sand, animal tracks recording the night’s activities, and shorebirds probing the water’s edge for breakfast.

During daylight hours, the park offers unparalleled opportunities to explore a coastal ecosystem in its natural state. Miles of hiking trails wind through various habitat zones, from the beach and primary dunes to the sheltered maritime forest and finally to the bay shore with its extensive salt marshes. Interpretive signs help visitors understand the specialized adaptations that allow plants and animals to thrive in this challenging environment.

The Barnegat Bay side of the island provides ideal conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with calm waters and numerous small coves to explore. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with ospreys nesting on platforms throughout the marshlands, herons stalking the shallows, and northern diamondback terrapins occasionally spotted swimming in the bay waters.

For beach lovers, the park’s swimming beaches rank among the cleanest and least crowded on the Jersey Shore, particularly in areas away from the main pavilion. Surf fishing is permitted throughout most of the park, with striped bass, bluefish, and fluke among the common catches depending on season.

The primitive camping program typically operates from April through October by reservation only, with specific dates varying annually. Permits are limited and highly sought after, requiring application well in advance. For those seeking a more accessible experience of this special place, day-use visitation offers many of the same natural attributes without the overnight commitment or permit requirements.

Final Thoughts About Camping in New Jersey

New Jersey’s diverse campgrounds reveal a state with far more natural variety than its popular image might suggest. From the mountain ridges of High Point and the Delaware Water Gap to the mysterious pine forests of the Pinelands, from the Victorian charm of Cape May to the pristine barrier island ecosystem of Island Beach, these camping destinations showcase environments that surprise and delight visitors from both within and beyond the Garden State.

What makes these experiences special is their accessibility—most of these natural treasures lie within a two-hour drive of major population centers, creating perfect weekend escape opportunities for urban and suburban dwellers seeking connection with nature. The contrast between New Jersey’s densely developed regions and these protected natural areas makes the experience all the more valuable, offering necessary balance to modern life.

The prime camping season runs from May through October, with each season offering its own character and appeal. Spring brings wildflower displays and migrating birds, summer offers swimming and longer days for exploration, and fall transforms many landscapes with colorful foliage displays. Even winter camping is available at select locations for those properly prepared for colder conditions.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly facilities with modern amenities or more rustic experiences in less developed settings, New Jersey’s campgrounds provide gateways to natural experiences that can change perspectives about this multifaceted state. In these special places, beneath starlit skies and surrounded by the sounds of nature, visitors discover the less-known but equally authentic Garden State—the one that truly earns its nickname through natural beauty rather than suburban lawns.