16 Best Family Campgrounds in New Jersey
If warmer temps have you looking for ways to get the kids off-line and immersed in nature, it might be time to plan a camping trip. Camping with little ones isn't always easy, but these 16 campgrounds in New Jersey make the experience comfortable and fun for even the youngest family members. The state's many campground options range from rustic spots where you can pitch a tent to fully appointed cabins.
For other ideas about how New Jersey families can enjoy the great outdoors, check out our guide to the state's many scenic parks or our rundown of NJ's shade-drenched playgrounds. We also have info on New Jersey's easiest hiking trails and where to make a splash in family-friendly lakes.
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Family-Friendly RV Resorts and Private Campgrounds in New Jersey
1. Sun Retreats Pleasant Acres Farm – Sussex
Located on a real working farm, Sun Retreats Pleasant Acres Farm Campground offers an animal petting area, game rooms, an arcade, a swimming pool, a miniature golf course, sports fields, and a fishing lake. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. Families can stay in the campground's full-size, air-conditioned cabins, which feature bathrooms, full kitchens, large outdoor decks, and flat-screen TVs. There are also pet-friendly cottages with similar amenities, as well as tent and RV campsites. The season opened in mid-April.
2. The Great Divide – Sussex
The Great Divide prides itself on its beautifully maintained facilities, accommodating service, and fun, family-friendly activities. In addition to campsites (some with water, electric, sewer, and cable TV hookups), there are cabin trailer rentals that feature full kitchens, home theater systems, flat-screen TVs, electronic fireplaces, and central air conditioning. Amenities include an Olympic-sized pool, a private lake for fishing and boating, a basketball court, a game room, a playground, music concerts, dancing, and more. Campers can look forward to creative, themed weekend activities, too. The season begins in April.
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The heated pool and kiddie pool at the Delaware River Family Campground will keep the whole family cool.
3. Delaware River Family Campground – Columbia
Nestled alongside the Delaware River, the Delaware River Family Campground is a relaxing family retreat. Open from the beginning of April, this campground in New Jersey offers a variety of campsites and rustic and modern cabin rentals. Amenities include a heated swimming pool and kiddie pool, game room, boat and tubing rentals, mini-golf, and basketball courts. There are also scheduled activities on offer, including arts and crafts, music, clowns, and family movie nights.
Enjoy paddleboats, fishing, and swimming at Harmony Ridge Campground.
4. Harmony Ridge Campground – Branchville
Located in the heart of the Kittatinny Mountains, Harmony Ridge is a 160-acre campground that is open year-round. Family-owned since 1963, this great camping retreat offers both cabin rentals and scenic campsites. There are also plenty of amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, basketball court, paddleboats, a new hockey rink, and a gaga ball pit. There is also a snack bar that serves breakfast daily.
5. Sea Pirate Campground – West Creek
Just minutes from Long Beach Island, this campground on the Jersey Shore provides plenty of water-related recreational activities, including crabbing, fresh and saltwater fishing, and canoe and kayak rentals. There's also a swimming pool, playgrounds, sports fields, and a full schedule of family activities. The campground offers sites for tent camping and a variety of cabins and cottages that come with all the comforts of home. The season began at the end of April.
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Spend a weekend or a week in nature at Kymer's Camping Resort.
6. Kymer's Camping Resort – Branchville
There's no excuse for boredom at this North Jersey camping resort, which features a full slate of daily and weekly entertainment. Families can enjoy friendly competition by taking advantage of the dedicated facilities for basketball, foosball, miniature golf, ping pong, tennis, or volleyball. Prefer to relax? Take a dip in the swimming pool, paddle a kayak, or make a craft. Nighttime brings outdoor movies, DJ dance parties, campfires with marshmallow roasting, paint-and-sip parties for parents, and other fun. Kymer's is also close to the New Jersey State Fair, High Point State Park, Wild West City, the Land of Make Believe, golf courses, and flea markets. The season began in late April.
Butterfly Camping Resort hosts lots of fun activities.
7. Butterfly Camping Resort – Jackson
For more than 20 years, the owners of Jackson's Butterfly Camping Resort have been dedicated to providing great hospitality and clean facilities to campers. Seasonal fun includes pony and wagon rides, outdoor movie nights, bingo, and arts and crafts. The grounds feature a large swimming pool, miniature golf course, sports fields, playgrounds, and an arcade. Additionally, the resort is located right on the cranberry bogs and has a great pond where kids can go fishing. The camp offers regular campsites and a variety of comfortable cabins and cottages. Bonus: Butterfly Camping Resort is located just minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari.
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Set up at the lake at the Four Seasons Family Campground. Photo courtesy of the campground
8. Four Seasons Family Campground – Pilesgrove
Open all year, Four Seasons Family Campground is located in the Delaware River Region of southern New Jersey. The popular destination recently unveiled a new swimming pool with a 10-inch-deep children's area. Other recreation areas include a sandy beach, a fully equipped game room, playgrounds, and sports fields. Visitors can enjoy themed weekends during the summer. This pet-friendly destination also has an off-leash dog park. Both rustic and deluxe cabins are available, as well as tent and RV camping.
Ocean View Resort Campground offers a splash pad, swimming pool, mini-golf, and lots more.
9. Ocean View Resort Campground – Ocean View
Just 3 miles from Sea Isle City, Ocean View Resort is New Jersey's largest privately owned campground. Kids can keep busy with a splash pad, swimming pool, stocked fishing pond, freshwater lake for swimming and boating, three playgrounds, two arcades, a miniature golf course, and ball fields. A campground store sells food along with fishing and camping supplies. In addition, a cafe and lake pavilion sell sandwiches, pizza, treats, and more. Rent a campsite for tent camping or a fully appointed cabin or trailer. Open from mid-April through mid-October.
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Enjoy the comforts of home in the great outdoors at Adventure Bound Campgrounds at Tall Pines.
10. Adventure Bound Campgrounds at Tall Pines – Elmer
Situated in southwestern New Jersey on 113 wooded acres, Adventure Bound Campgrounds at Tall Pines is a family-oriented camping resort that offers the adventure of the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. The campground, open from April through October, has a pool, splash pad, event-themed weekends, and kid-friendly activities. Visitors can reserve sites for tent camping, as well as a variety of cabins and RVs. The campground is pet-friendly.
Family-Friendly Camping in New Jersey State and County Parks
11. Turkey Swamp Park – Freehold
The Monmouth County Park System developed this beautiful wooded park with campers in mind. The park is home to a 17-acre lake used for fishing, boating, and ice-skating. The park also features an archery range, playgrounds, and miles of trails. The family campground features wooded campsites for tent camping and travel trailers, with fire rings and picnic tables. Three basic cabins come with both heating and air conditioning.
12. Allaire State Park – Howell
Between its historic 19th-century iron-making village and the Pine Creek Railroad, which has a working antique steam train, Allaire State Park is the perfect site for a family camping trip in New Jersey. The park is home to plenty of easy hiking trails as well as access to the Manasquan Reservoir, which provides fishing and boating opportunities. Allaire's camping facilities include 45 tent campsites and 10 cabin-like shelters that include beds and a wood stove for heat. Each site also includes a fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within easy walking distance. The campground is opened seasonally from April through December. Make reservations on the website.
13. High Point State Park – Sussex
The park's camping facilities include 50 tent sites along Sawmill lake, six-person cabins that include fully functioning kitchens and bathrooms, and a large-group cabin that can accommodate up to 28 people. Families can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, lake swimming during the summer, and cross-country skiing in winter. The park is home to the High Point Cross Country Ski Center, where skis and other winter sports equipment are available to rent. The camping season begins in mid-May.
14. Belleplain State Forest – Woodbine
Located in the Cape May area, this state park is home to Lake Nummy, which has swimming areas with lifeguards. You'll also find a playground, showers, and a concession stand that's open in the warmer months. There are also a bunch of trails for families who want to explore the area on foot. Belleplain State Forest has 169 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. A handful of cabins is also available for rent.
15. Swartswood State Park – Swartswood
Swartswood has the distinction of being the first state park in New Jersey, and today it is known for its beautiful lake. There's a beach near the campground, as well as playgrounds, bathrooms with showers, and a snack bar. Boat and canoe rentals are available in the park on a seasonal basis. The park has 73 tent and trailer sites, and some cabins.
16. Cheesequake State Park – Matawan
Located in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, this lovely park is home to well-marked nature trails and a lake. Cheesequake allows swimming in Hooks Creek Lake when lifeguards are on duty. The beach complex has a changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station, and a concession stand offering refreshments, novelties, and beach supplies. Fishing is permitted, and boating and canoeing are allowed in the off-season.
Photos courtesy of the campgrounds
Places featured in this article:
The Great Divide Campground
Cheesequake State Park