Want to wake up steps from the beach without leaving New Jersey? New Jersey shore camping blends ocean breezes, boardwalk fun, and peaceful seaside nights for a perfect coastal escape.
Highlights:
Unique Camping Ideas
1. Atlantic Shore Pines Campground - 1 hour from Philadelphia
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Tuckerton, NJ
Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, RV travelers, summer vacationers, and outdoor-loving kids.
What I Love: ♥ "You get the best of both worlds—peaceful forested camping just 15 minutes from the shore. Add in mini-golf, theme nights, and free beach passes? It’s a no-brainer for a family getaway."
- Camp in spacious sites with full or partial hookups, perfect for RVs or tents.
- Play at the on-site mini-golf course, basketball court, games room, and refreshing pool.
- Relax in rental cabins or lodges with air conditioning, heat, and easy access to amenities.
Cost: Varies by site type, season, and accommodation—check the campground's website for current rates.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for beach access, warm-weather events, and campground activities.
Local tips: Book summer weekends early—cabins and campsites fill fast. Don’t miss the weekend theme nights for family fun.
Distance: Just 15 minutes from Long Beach Island; about 1 hour from Atlantic City or Philadelphia suburbs.
How to Get to Atlantic Shore Pines Campground: Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 58, follow Route 539 south, then turn onto Ishmael Road. The campground is clearly marked.
Address: 450 Ishmael Rd, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Phone: 609-296-9163
2. Bass River State Forest - 1 hour from Atlantic City
Location: Tuckerton, NJ
Recommended For: Campers, hikers, paddlers, nature lovers, and families seeking a forest escape.
What I Love: ♥ "A massive 23,000-acre playground tucked in Ocean County—complete with lakeside trails, rustic cabins, and peaceful paddling routes. It’s Jersey’s wild side at its best."
- Hike eight scenic trails ranging from lakeside loops to wooded treks through pine forests.
- Paddle across Lake Absegami or cast a line in the river for a relaxing day on the water.
- Stay at one of 176 campsites or choose a cozy cabin, lean-to, or lakeside shelter with fireplaces.
Cost: Park entry is free for NJ residents; campsite and cabin fees vary by type and season.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for full access to trails, paddling, and camping; summer for lake activities.
Local tips: Book cabins early—especially lakeside shelters with fireplaces. Bring bug spray in warmer months.
Distance: About 30 minutes from Long Beach Island; 1 hour from Atlantic City; 1.5 hours from Philadelphia.
How to Get to Bass River State Forest: From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 52 toward Stage Road. Follow signs into the park entrance and Visitor Center.
Address: 762 Stage Rd, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Phone: 609-296-1114
3. Beachcomber Camping Resort - Just 10 minutes from downtown Cape May
Location: Cape May, NJ
Recommended For: Families, seasonal campers, lake swimmers, active kids, and summer event lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "Since 1975, this 100-acre forest hideaway has mixed lakeside calm with endless summer fun—pools, theme nights, fishing, teepees, and even arcade battles. Classic Cape May camping, redefined."
- Camp on tent or trailer sites, or rent trailers, cabins, or teepees for a more unique stay.
- Swim in one of six pools or enjoy catch-and-release fishing in two scenic lakes.
- Play volleyball, basketball, or arcade games—and join special summer activities and spring/fall theme nights.
Cost: Rates vary by accommodation type and season—see official site for current pricing and packages.
Best time to visit: Summer for daily events and full pool access; spring/fall for weekend theme activities.
Local tips: Reserve early for cabins and teepees—they fill up fast for holiday weekends and summer vacations.
Distance: Just 10 minutes from downtown Cape May; about 1 hour from Atlantic City.
How to Get to Beachcomber Camping Resort: From Garden State Parkway, take Exit 0 and follow Seashore Road north. The resort is well-marked on the left side.
Address: 462 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-886-6035
Romantic Camping Ideas
4. Big Timber Lake RV Camping Resort
Location: Cape May Court House, NJ
Recommended For: Families, RV travelers, lake lovers, adventure seekers, and campers who want modern comforts.
What I Love: ♥ "Fishing on the lake, ziplining overhead, and streaming a movie at the lounge all in one day? Big Timber Lake nails that sweet spot between rustic charm and resort-level amenities."
- Play in the lake with fishing, kayaking, and swimming—or cool off in the large on-site pool.
- Adventure with a high ropes course and zipline, or challenge friends to mini golf.
- Relax with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, computer lounge, and laundry facilities to keep things easy.
Cost: Prices vary based on campsite or rental unit—check the resort’s website or call for seasonal rates.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full access to lake activities, pool, and adventure course.
Local tips: Kayak rentals and ropes course spots are limited—reserve early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Distance: Around 10 minutes from downtown Cape May; about 1 hour from Atlantic City.
How to Get to Big Timber Lake RV Camping Resort: From Garden State Parkway, take Exit 13. Follow Route 9 North to Swainton Goshen Road and look for signage to the resort entrance.
Address: 116 Swainton Goshen Rd, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: 609-465-4456
5. Butterfly Camping Resort
Location: Jackson, NJ
Recommended For: Families, Six Flags visitors, RV travelers, and anyone who loves classic camping with comfort.
What I Love: ♥ "Shady campsites, friendly staff, and being just minutes from Six Flags? Butterfly is the kind of place where you roast s'mores one night and ride roller coasters the next."
- Camp on spacious sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and hookups—some even include sewer connections.
- Play mini-golf, swim in the pool, or enjoy the playground and volleyball court with the whole family.
- Connect with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and discounted Six Flags tickets sold right at the campground.
Cost: Rates vary by site type and season—call or visit the campground’s website for details.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best weather and full access to Six Flags events and campground amenities.
Local tips: Book well ahead during peak summer and holiday weekends—especially if you plan to visit Six Flags.
Distance: Just 5 minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure; about 30 minutes from the Jersey Shore.
How to Get to Butterfly Camping Resort: From I-195, take Exit 22 and follow signs toward Butterfly Road. The resort is well-marked and easy to find from the highway.
Address: 360 Butterfly Rd, Jackson, NJ 08527
Phone: 732-928-2107
6. Adventure Bound Camping Resorts - Cape May
Location: Cape May Court House, NJ
Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, RV campers, cabin vacationers, and water-loving kids.
What I Love: ♥ "From splashy fun zones to cozy cabins, Adventure Bound blends classic camping with beach-town excitement—just minutes from boardwalks and sand. It’s a Cape May family favorite for a reason."
- Stay in rustic or deluxe cabins (4–6 people), RV rentals, or traditional campsites—flexible for any camping style.
- Play in the pool, zoom down the water slide, or explore the playground and fun zone with the kids.
- Relax knowing bathhouses, shaded sites, and nearby beaches keep the camping experience easy and refreshing.
Cost: Rates depend on accommodation type and season—check the website or call for current pricing.
Best time to visit: Summer for full access to the fun zone and nearby beaches; spring and fall offer quieter stays.
Local tips: Deluxe cabins book quickly—reserve early if you want kitchen and bath amenities. Bring bikes for easy beach access.
Distance: 10–15 minutes from Cape May beaches and boardwalks; about 1 hour from Atlantic City.
How to Get to Adventure Bound – Cape May: Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 6. Follow W Shell Bay Avenue to the campground entrance.
Address: 240 W Shell Bay Ave, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Phone: 609-465-4440
Family Camping Ideas
7. High Point State Park - 2 hours from NYC
Location: Sussex, NJ
Recommended For: Tent campers, nature lovers, hikers, fall foliage seekers, and quiet weekenders.
What I Love: ♥ "With tent sites tucked beside Sawmill Lake and cabins by Steenykill, High Point offers peaceful nights, forest views, and that fresh-mountain-air feeling—all just steps from New Jersey’s highest point."
- Camp in one of 50 rustic lakeside tent sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby flush toilets.
- Stay in one of two furnished cabins for added comfort right on Steenykill Lake.
- Explore over 15,000 acres of forest and farmland, rolling hills, and trails with sweeping scenic vistas.
Cost: Campsites and cabins vary by season—check the official website for current rates and availability.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for camping and hiking; October for unbeatable fall colors.
Local tips: Sawmill Lake is ideal for sunrise views. Bring your own firewood—collection in the park is not permitted.
Distance: About 2 hours from New York City; 1.5 hours from the Delaware Water Gap area.
How to Get to High Point State Park: Take NJ-23 north through Sussex; the park entrance is clearly marked and leads to both camping and day-use areas.
Address: 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
Phone: 973-875-4800
8. Holly Shores Camping Resort
Location: Cape May, NJ
Recommended For: Families, glampers, beach lovers, RV travelers, and campers seeking full-service fun.
What I Love: ♥ "Just minutes from Cape May’s beaches, Holly Shores blends forested serenity with resort energy—think glamping tents, ceramics by the pool, and live music under the stars."
- Stay in one of 300 large sites, deluxe cabins, tiny houses, or stylish glamping tents—there’s room for every kind of camper.
- Play at the pool, hot tub, playground, or games room—or rent a bike, kayak, or golf cart to explore in style.
- Join daily summer activities like ceramics, theme weekends, and live music near the poolside stage.
Cost: Rates vary by accommodation type and season—check the official site for details and booking.
Best time to visit: Summer for daily events and peak resort energy; spring and fall for quieter, scenic getaways.
Local tips: Glamping tents and tiny houses are popular—reserve early. Don’t miss ceramics night by the pool.
Distance: About 10 minutes from Cape May beaches; just over 1 hour from Atlantic City.
How to Get to Holly Shores Camping Resort: Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 4B. Follow U.S. Route 9 north—resort entrance is well-marked on the left.
Address: 491 U.S. 9, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609-886-1234
Plan Your Trip