New Jersey offers a range of camping experiences, from scenic mountains and lush forests to beautiful shorelines and lakes. Here are the top 10 campsites in New Jersey, perfect for enjoying nature and outdoor recreation:
1. Wharton State Forest
Location: Hammonton, NJ (Pine Barrens)
Highlights: Pine Barrens wilderness, Batsto River, and historic Batsto Village.
Best For: Nature lovers, paddlers, and history enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great: As the largest state forest in New Jersey, Wharton offers a peaceful retreat in the Pine Barrens. You can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Batsto River, hike along miles of scenic trails, and explore the historic Batsto Village.
2. Stokes State Forest
Location: Branchville, NJ (Kittatinny Mountains)
Highlights: Sunrise Mountain, Appalachian Trail access, and forested campsites.
Best For: Hikers, nature lovers, and families.
Why It’s Great: With access to the Appalachian Trail and beautiful views from Sunrise Mountain, Stokes State Forest is perfect for those who love hiking. The park also offers fishing, camping by lakes, and access to the Delaware Water Gap.
3. Bass River State Forest
Location: Tuckerton, NJ (Pine Barrens)
Highlights: Lake Absegami, forested campsites, and nature trails.
Best For: Families, nature lovers, and paddlers.
Why It’s Great: Bass River offers peaceful camping by Lake Absegami, where you can swim, fish, or paddle. The park is ideal for families looking for a relaxing getaway in the Pine Barrens, with plenty of forest trails to explore.
4. Worthington State Forest
Location: Columbia, NJ (Delaware Water Gap)
Highlights: Scenic views, hiking along the Delaware River, and waterfalls.
Best For: Hikers, paddlers, and campers seeking riverside adventures.
Why It’s Great: Located along the Delaware Water Gap, this park offers stunning views, access to the Appalachian Trail, and great paddling opportunities. The hike to Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake, is a highlight for nature lovers.
5. Cheesequake State Park
Location: Matawan, NJ
Highlights: Saltwater and freshwater marshes, forested areas, and hiking trails.
Best For: Families and nature enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great: Cheesequake offers a unique blend of coastal salt marsh and upland forest, with great hiking trails, a freshwater lake for swimming, and nature programs. Its close proximity to urban areas makes it a convenient weekend camping spot.
6. High Point State Park
Location: Sussex, NJ
Highlights: Highest point in New Jersey, stunning mountain views, and lakes.
Best For: Hikers, campers seeking scenic views, and wildlife watchers.
Why It’s Great: The park’s summit, at 1,803 feet, provides breathtaking views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The campsites are near beautiful lakes, offering a great mix of swimming, hiking, and wildlife observation.
7. Belleplain State Forest
Location: Woodbine, NJ
Highlights: Lake Nummy, pine and oak forests, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Best For: Families, paddlers, and campers seeking tranquility.
Why It’s Great: Belleplain is known for its serene atmosphere and recreational opportunities. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, while the forest offers numerous trails for hiking and biking.
8. Jenny Jump State Forest
Location: Hope, NJ
Highlights: Forested campsites, scenic ridges, and stargazing at the observatory.
Best For: Hikers and astronomy enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great: With beautiful wooded campsites and stunning views from the ridge trail, Jenny Jump is a quiet, scenic retreat. The nearby observatory is perfect for stargazing, offering public programs and telescope viewing.
9. Wawayanda State Park
Location: Hewitt, NJ
Highlights: Wawayanda Lake, Appalachian Trail access, and forested campsites.
Best For: Hikers, paddlers, and campers seeking lakeside fun.
Why It’s Great: Wawayanda offers a beautiful lake for paddling, swimming, and fishing, along with miles of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. The park’s forested campsites provide a peaceful, nature-filled getaway.
10. Round Valley Recreation Area
Location: Lebanon, NJ
Highlights: Reservoir camping, fishing, and boating.
Best For: Paddlers, anglers, and campers seeking remote camping.
Why It’s Great: Round Valley’s remote, hike-in or boat-in campsites offer a unique experience on the reservoir. The park is perfect for those who want to fish, kayak, or camp along the shoreline, with incredible views of the water.
Bonus Campsite:
Ocean View Resort Campground: Located near Cape May, this private campground offers family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, and easy access to nearby beaches.
These campsites highlight the diversity of New Jersey’s landscapes, from its coastal regions and scenic lakes to its rugged mountains and dense forests. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an active outdoor adventure, New Jersey has plenty of camping spots to explore.
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