Best Camping in New Jersey

Camping in New Jersey

By Alex Murphy

Just about everyone has a preconceived opinion about New Jersey. However, many are unaware of everything the state has to offer, whether that's the Jersey Shore, the Pine Barrens, easy access to major cities, or the fact it actually deserves the name "The Garden State."

Here's a closer look at what visitors can see while camping in New Jersey.

See a map of all camping in NJ.

New Jersey State Parks

NJ State Parks offer more than 50 distinct areas to choose from, including access to mountains and the coast. It's important to note that only some New Jersey State Parks offer overnight usage, while many, especially those on the beach, are just for day use.

However, some parks do get you close to the coast, like Belleplain State Forest in the southern part and near the end of the Pine Barrens. Campers can enjoy fishing, hunting and hiking, and visit other nearby parks like Cape May Point State Park to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

On the opposite end of the state is High Point State Park, which is located in the Kittatinny Mountains, and as the name implies, has the highest point in the state.

There are even some campgrounds in NJ with proximity to NYC, like Cheesequake State Park, just south of the city and not far from the coast.

National Parks in New Jersey

Federal land in New Jersey is split between beautiful areas near the Appalachian Mountains and historical landmarks.

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the Delaware River as it carves through mountains. The Appalachian Trail also cuts through this park.
• Morristown National Historical Park recognizes the spot where General Washington and his army camped through a historically cold winter during the American Revolution.
• New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve protects the land and history of the Pine Barrens, an area with thick pine forest and farmland.
• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park highlights the waterfalls of the Passaic River through what was the country's first industrial planned city, Paterson, NJ.
• Thomas Edison National Historical Park is the home and laboratory of famed inventor Thomas Edison. A museum shows a lot of his creations and early prototypes for devices we still use today.

RV Parks in New Jersey

RV Parks in NJ let visitors stay within major metro areas with easy access to places like New York City and Philadelphia.

Liberty Harbor RV Park is a marina on the Hudson River, and campers can ferry across the water to Manhattan. You can find similar access to Philly with the Philadelphia South-Clarksboro KOA.

Cape May KOA and other nearby RV resorts give you some of the closest things you can get to an ocean view campground in the popular Cape May area. And finally, anyone looking for a more mountain outdoor feel can look towards sites like Triple Brook Camping Resort which is in the Delaware River Region and has quick access to the river and outdoor sports like white water rafting.

Free Camping in New Jersey

Unfortunately, free camping in NJ is difficult to come by. Anyone looking for no-cost camping can find free campsites in places like Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.

National Forests in New Jersey

The National Forest Service does not manage any land in New Jersey.