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.
Shore Camping Packing List
Shelter
- • Tent (sand stakes)
- • Sleeping bags
- • Sleeping pads
- • Tarps
Beach Gear
- • Sunscreen
- • Beach chairs
- • Umbrella/shade
- • Cooler
Protection
- • Bug spray
- • Flashlights
- • First aid kit
- • Rain gear
Cooking
- • Camp stove
- • Cookware
- • Utensils
- • Water containers