Camping Near the Jersey Shore
Campgrounds and RV parks from $25/night. State park wilderness camping, family-friendly resorts, and glamping near the beach.
State Park Camping
$25-35/night
Basic sites in natural settings. Island Beach has oceanfront sites.
Best for: Nature lovers, budget camping, fishing
Private Campgrounds
$50-100/night
Full amenities including pools, activities, and full RV hookups.
Best for: Families, RV camping, amenity seekers
Glamping & Cabins
$100-200/night
Upscale camping with beds, AC, and comfort amenities.
Best for: Camping newbies, couples, comfort camping
Campgrounds Near the Shore
Island Beach State Park
State Park • 14 oceanfront sites • Near Island Beach (on-site)
Only oceanfront camping at the Jersey Shore. Extremely difficult to book.
Frontier Campground
Private • 300+ sites • Near Wildwood (10 min)
Family campground with pool and activities. Free shuttles to Wildwood.
Beachcomber Camping Resort
Private • 450+ sites • Near Cape May (15 min)
Full-service resort with pools, lake, and activities near Cape May.
Holly Shores Camping Resort
Private • 400+ sites • Near Ocean City (15 min)
Close to Ocean City boardwalk with pools and family activities.
Bass River State Forest
State Park • 176 sites • Near LBI (30 min)
Pine Barrens wilderness with Lake Absegami. Peaceful nature retreat.
Seashore Campsites
Private • 600+ sites • Near Cape May (10 min)
Large campground with excellent amenities near Cape May beaches.
Island Beach State Park: Oceanfront Camping
The only place to camp directly on the ocean at the Jersey Shore. Island Beach State Park has 14 primitive oceanfront sites available late spring through early fall. Reservations open 11 months in advance and sell out within hours.
14 Sites
Primitive camping
Oceanfront
Steps from the beach
Book 11 Mo Ahead
Sells out fast
Camping Tips
Book State Parks Early
Island Beach opens reservations 11 months ahead and sells out within hours.
Weekdays Are Easier
If you have flexibility, weekday camping is easier to book and less crowded.
Consider Shoulder Season
September camping offers great weather, lower prices, and better availability.
Check Beach Distance
Most campgrounds are 10-30 minutes from beaches. Factor in daily travel.
Bring Bug Spray
Pine Barrens and coastal areas can have mosquitoes, especially at dusk.
Research Amenities
State parks are basic; private campgrounds have pools, activities, and hookups.
🏕️ Tent, RV, or Glamping?
Tent Camping
$25-60
Pros
- ✓ Cheaper nightly rates
- ✓ Closer to nature
- ✓ More site options
- ✓ No vehicle restrictions
Cons
- ✗ Weather dependent
- ✗ Less comfort
- ✗ More gear to pack
- ✗ Setup/teardown time
Best for: Budget campers, nature lovers, adventurers
RV Camping
$50-120 (+ RV costs)
Pros
- ✓ Climate control
- ✓ Bathroom/kitchen
- ✓ Sleep in comfort
- ✓ Consistent setup
Cons
- ✗ Higher overall cost
- ✗ Site restrictions
- ✗ Need full hookups
- ✗ Less flexible
Best for: Families, extended stays, comfort seekers
Glamping/Cabins
$100-250
Pros
- ✓ No gear needed
- ✓ AC/heat included
- ✓ Beds provided
- ✓ Best of both worlds
Cons
- ✗ Most expensive
- ✗ Limited availability
- ✗ Less authentic
- ✗ Book far ahead
Best for: First-timers, couples, those without gear
📅 Best Time to Camp
Late Spring (May-June)
Moderate - busy weekendsWarm days (65-80°F), cool nights (50-60°F)
Pros
- + Pleasant temps
- + Longer days
- + Fewer bugs early
Cons
- - Rain showers common
- - Ocean still cold
💡 Best balance of weather and availability. Book state parks now for summer.
Summer (July-Aug)
Peak - book months aheadHot (80-90°F), humid nights (65-75°F)
Pros
- + Warm ocean water
- + All amenities open
- + Long beach days
Cons
- - Crowded
- - Expensive
- - Hot nights
- - Mosquitoes
💡 Bring fans and shade. Beach time is the priority - camp is for sleeping.
Early Fall (Sept)
Moderate - drops after Labor DayPerfect (70-80°F days, 55-65°F nights)
Pros
- + Best weather
- + Ocean still warm
- + Lower prices
- + Fewer crowds
Cons
- - Some amenities close
- - Shorter days
💡 The secret best time. September camping is underrated.
Late Fall (Oct-Nov)
Low - easy availabilityCool (50-65°F days, 40-50°F nights)
Pros
- + Very affordable
- + Peaceful
- + Fall foliage
Cons
- - Cold nights
- - Many campgrounds close
- - Ocean too cold
💡 Great for Pine Barrens camping. Bring warm gear.
🆕 First-Time Camper? Start Here
Start with a Private Campground
State parks are basic and unforgiving for beginners. Private campgrounds have staff, stores, and amenities if something goes wrong.
Do a Test Run Close to Home
Don't make your first camping trip a 2-hour drive. If things go wrong, you want an easy exit strategy.
Arrive in Daylight
Setting up a tent in the dark is miserable. Arrive at least 2 hours before sunset for your first trip.
Practice Your Tent Setup
Set up your tent in your backyard first. Learn how it works before you're tired and in the dark.
Overpack Food and Water
Bring more than you think you need. Running out of water or food ruins a trip fast.
Layer Your Clothing
Shore nights get cold, even in summer. Bring layers you can add/remove as temps change.
📍 How to Pick the Best Campsite
Shade vs Sun
Shaded sites stay cooler but dry slower after rain. Summer camping? Prioritize shade. Spring/fall? Sun helps.
Distance to Bathrooms
Close to bathrooms = convenience but more foot traffic. With kids? Stay close. Want peace? Go farther.
Neighbor Distance
Corner and end sites have fewer neighbors. Request these for privacy. Back-in sites often have more space.
Terrain
Look for flat, elevated ground. Avoid low spots that collect water. Check for rocks and roots before pitching.
Wind Direction
Position tent door away from prevailing winds. Near the ocean, wind comes from the east in morning, west in evening.
Water Access
Sites near water spigots are convenient for cooking and cleaning. RVs need hookups - check site details.
🔥 Easy Campfire Cooking
Easy Breakfast
- → Pre-made breakfast burritos (wrap in foil, heat on coals)
- → Oatmeal packets with hot water
- → Bagels with cream cheese (no cooking)
💡 Prep at home. Morning cooking is hard when you're groggy.
Quick Lunch
- → PB&J sandwiches
- → Wraps with deli meat
- → Pasta salad from cooler
💡 Beach lunch = no cooking. Pack a cooler and eat at the shore.
Campfire Dinner
- → Foil packet meals (meat + veggies + seasoning)
- → Hot dogs on sticks
- → Pre-marinated kabobs
💡 Prep ingredients at home in ziplock bags. Assemble at camp.
Campfire Dessert
- → S'mores (classic for a reason)
- → Banana boats (banana + chocolate chips in foil)
- → Roasted marshmallows
💡 Kids love participating in dessert. Let them help.
Shore Camping Packing List
Shelter
- • Coleman Beach Camping Tent($70-100)
- • Coleman Sleeping Bag (Summer)($35-50)
- • Sleeping pads
- • Tarps
Beach Gear
- • Sunscreen
- • Beach chairs
- • Umbrella/shade
- • Coleman Camping Cooler($60-80)
Protection
- • Bug spray
- •
- • First aid kit
- • Rain gear
Cooking
- • Camp stove
- • Cookware
- • Utensils
- • Water containers
Camping Gear Essentials
Quality camping gear to make your shore camping trip comfortable.
Beach Camping Tent
Durable tent with sand stakes. Look for good ventilation.
Sleeping Bag (Summer)
40-50°F rating ideal for NJ summer camping.
Portable Camp Stove
Compact propane stove for campsite cooking.
Camping Cooler
High-performance cooler for multi-day trips.
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