Whether you’re gazing at the stars in a sleeping bag beside a peaceful lake seeking solitude or in the sheltered walls of a cabin in the woods, New Jersey’s natural, picturesque landscapes offer some of the most exciting camping experiences in the Northeast.
Camping means many things to many people. Some think of a resort campground where they can park their RV, while others picture a remote site where they can drop their backpack and pitch a tent. Still, others imagine a sporting camp where they can enjoy a week by the lake in a rustic cabin.
In New Jersey, you can find the best of all these worlds. Adventure seekers will discover that seemingly endless possibilities abound. From swimming pools to lakes for kayaking, canoeing or fishing, rivers for tubing, mini-golf, bingo, bocce, horseshoes, shuffleboard, game rooms and playgrounds, there are activities for every member of your family to enjoy!
Step off the beaten path and explore the rough and rugged 20 miles of Appalachian Trail at Wawayanda State Park, raft down the Delaware Water Gap or pitch your tent at a wooded campground in the Pinelands.
Many campgrounds are a short drive from some of the state’s premium attractions, cultural events, world-class museums and sandy beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts agree there’s something for everyone to enjoy when you camp in New Jersey!
Sites await visitors in every region of the state, in all shapes and sizes, accommodating every tent, cabin or fully equipped RV. Here’s a few highlights courtesy of the NJ Department of Tourism that showcase New Jersey’s diverse offerings:
Turkey Swamp Park
For RV, tent or cabin style camping, families turn to Turkey Swamp Park for their outdoor leisure days. Open April to mid-November, the campground has access to boating and fishing on a 17-acre lake, 8 miles of wooded trails, play fields and 4 playgrounds.
Ponderosa Campground
Ponderosa Campground offers the best prices and accommodations in a pet-friendly campground with a perfect location for family camping at the Jersey Shore. Ponderosa Campground is just minutes from the beautiful Avalon, Stone Harbor, The Wildwoods, Cape May, Sea Isle City, and Ocean City beaches. The same goes for all of the area attractions, from the famous boardwalks to a grand selection of dining and golfing, you have so much to choose from.
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts, Tall Pines
In Elmer sits a family camping paradise. Cool off in the swimming pool or splash park, and partake in kid-friendly activities and themed events. RV and cabin rentals are available, as well as tent camping. (Check out their location in Cape May Court House, too.)
Great Divide Campground
This Sussex County gem is nestled into a natural setting in Newton, not far from New York City. With 270 pet-friendly campsites and cabins for those who prefer “kinda camping,” this campground has something for everyone. (You can even stay in a covered wagon, Oregon Trail–style.) The campground offers meticulously maintained grounds, excellent services, and a truly family-friendly environment. A private lake for boating and fishing, playground, golf cart rentals and heated swimming pool are some of the amenities that make this such a special place.
Beachcomber Camping Resort
Take your pick of accommodations at this Cape May camping resort, from tee-pees and lakefront cabins to tent and RV sites. (Bonus: many of their accommodations are pet-friendly.) Water lovers will be happy—Beachcomber has two freshwater lakes with sandy beaches, along with three pools.
For more information on one of New Jersey’s campsites, contact the New Jersey Campground Owners Association at 609-545-0145. For State Parks camping information visit the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
READ MORE: Spend a day at New Jersey’s national and state parks
