Jessica Norton 
From Sandy Hook to Cape May, the Jersey Shore is full of places to go camping close to sand, surf, and sunsets. Whether a traditional tent camper, an RV traveler, or looking for a glamping experience, the Shore has options for every vibe. Campgrounds range from oceanfront sites with easy beach access to wooded retreats tucked into state parks, with many offering modern amenities like hot showers, picnic areas, and fire pits as well as opportunities to unplug. From family-friendly extras such as playgrounds, nature trails, and organized activities, to quieter escapes with morning walks along the beach and evening campfires under the stars, there’s a camping experience for every pace and every kind of getaway. Read on to learn more about where to go camping at the Jersey Shore.
Allaire State Park | 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Wall
Camping at Allaire State Park in Wall Township means spending the night on more than 3,000 acres of forest just about 15 minutes from the beaches of Belmar and Spring Lake. The campground sits in a wooded area near the Manasquan River and includes 45 tent and trailer sites, each outfitted with a fire ring and picnic table, along with flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station. At $20 a night, it’s an affordable way to unplug while still having access to the basics and not having to be too far from the beach. Beyond the campsites, nearly 20 miles of hiking and multi-use trails wind through the park, and the day-use area features picnic tables, grills, and weekend train rides on the Pine Creek Railroad (which is open from April through October). The restored Allaire Museum & Village, with its seven 19th-century iron-making buildings and transportation museum, adds a layer of history that makes this camping trip feel like both a nature escape and a step back in time. Campsite reservations can be made online.
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Avalon Campground | 1917 US-9, Cape May Court House
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Avalon Campground in Cape May Court House has been family-owned and operated since 1967 and offers 80 acres of classic, analog fun. Just minutes from Atlantic City’s Steel Pier, historic Cape May, and the Wildwood Boardwalk, it’s a great home base for beaches, boating, fishing, dining, and local history. On-site, guests can enjoy two swimming pools, mini golf, pickleball, and games like volleyball, basketball, cornhole, horseshoes, and softball. Additional amenities include a laundry room, bathhouses, an arcade, and a recreation hall, plus weekly events. The campground is open from April 3rd to November 1st.
Campsites and rates can be found on the Avalon Campground website.
Camp Gateway Sandy Hook | 26 Hudson Road, Highlands
For a beach camping escape at the Jersey Shore, Sandy Hook delivers scenery and substance. Set between sweeping ocean beaches and historic Fort Hancock, home to the country’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, this tent-only campground keeps things intentionally simple. Camp sites are a short walk (up to a quarter-mile) from the parking lot, with no cars, pets, showers, outlets, or WiFi. Each site includes a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and food storage. Flush toilets and running water are available, but there are no showers and no electric outlets in the campsite or in the bathrooms. Days are best spent biking the seven-mile path, kayaking, hiking, or swimming at guarded beaches in season before settling in for a quiet night under the stars.
Campsite reservations can be made online.
Holly Acres Campground | 218 Frankfurt Avenue, Egg Harbor City
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Holly Acres Campground, located in Egg Harbor City, is a family-friendly destination set in a peaceful, wooded environment. The campground features 100 RV sites with full hookups, pull-through options, sewer connections, and a dump station. It is also pet-friendly. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, pond, mini golf, playground, tetherball, and triple shoot, with themed events on weekends. Its location makes it convenient for exploring the Jersey Shore, including Atlantic City’s beaches and bayside attractions.
Reservations can be made online.
Pomona RV Park | 536 South Pomona Road, Pomona
Just a short drive from Atlantic City’s beaches and boardwalk, Pomona RV Park & Campground offers a relaxed spot to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to the Jersey Shore. The campground has pull‑in sites for RVs and spaces for tents, many with hookups, plus a few amenities like a pool, playground, and small store that make life at camp more convenient. For those who want a little more comfort than a tent, there are yurts and cottages with glamping vibes. Beyond the campground, visitors can easily explore local beaches, go fishing, check out nearby restaurants, or just take in the natural surroundings, making Pomona a solid option for both longer vacations and quick weekend escapes.
Camping rates can be found on Pomona RV Park’s website.
Sea Pirate Campground | 148 Main Street, West Creek
Sea Pirate Campground is conveniently located just minutes from Long Beach Island. Whether looking to relax by a campfire, explore LBI’s boardwalks, or spend the day outdoors, it offers a variety of accommodations and activities for families and groups of all sizes. The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including cottages, cabins, seasonal sites, RV spots, and space for tents. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, and fishing to swimming, kayaking, and organized games that run from morning until night. Amenities include a large heated pool, game room, sports courts, open fields, and direct access to the bay for kayaking.
Reservations can be made by calling (609) 296-7400 or visiting the Sea Pirate Campground website.
Sun Outdoors | 491 US-9, Cape May
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Just minutes from Cape May’s beaches, Sun Outdoors Cape May (formerly Holly Shores Camping Resort) is a family-friendly getaway set among 38 acres of shady trees and scenic trails. Whether you’re staying in a cozy cottage, a glamping tent, or an RV site, there’s truly a space suitable for everyone. Enjoy free WiFi, a heated swimming pool, playgrounds, a jumping pillow, and daily themed activities for all ages. Rent a kayak to explore the nearby lakes, cruise around the resort in an electric golf cart, or hit the volleyball and basketball courts. With a brand-new campstore, off-site trails and fishing, and a pet-friendly environment, this gated resort offers a fun and relaxing Jersey Shore escape from April through November.
Timberline Lake Camping Resort | 365 Rt 679, New Gretna
Timberline Lake Camping Resort is nestled in the heart of the Pine Barrens and offers families a serene escape into nature just 25 minutes from Atlantic City. With 185 shaded campsites and access to over 650,000 acres of wilderness, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to swim, fish, hike, or canoe. The camping resort provides a welcoming environment for campers of all ages and experience levels and has amenities like a swimming pool, lake, dog park, game room, recreation fields, sports courts, canoe rentals, and more.
Campsite and cabin rental information can be found on the Timberline Lake Camping Resort website.
Turkey Swamp Park | 200 Georgia Road, Freehold
Camping at Turkey Swamp Park offers a peaceful Pine Barrens retreat just minutes away from Jersey Shore beachtowns. The campground is open April through November and features 64 pull-through sites with water and electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms with hot showers. Three ADA-accessible cabins sleep up to six, and they have heating, A/C, and outdoor fire pits. Their 17-acre lake allows fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegills, or paddling in canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or paddleboats. Rentals and bait are available on-site seasonally. There are also over nine miles of trails winding through oak and pitch pine forests for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Plus, playgrounds, picnic areas, open fields, and a year-round archery range.
Reservations are available online or by calling the Campground office at 732-462-7286.
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