Best Campgrounds in NJ: Top Family-Friendly Sites

Readers, are you planning a family camping trip and looking for the perfect spot in the Garden State? Camping in New Jersey offers a unique blend of nature and convenience. It’s easy to find a campground that fits your needs, whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a campground with amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best family-friendly campgrounds in New Jersey, providing insights into what makes these sites stand out.

I’ve been an avid camper for years and have explored countless campgrounds across the state. Through my experience and extensive research, I’ve carefully curated this list of the top campsites that are ideal for families. Get ready to immerse yourselves in the beauty of New Jersey’s diverse landscapes while creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Choosing the Right Campground for Your Family

Choosing the perfect campground for your family is key to a successful camping trip. To help you narrow down your choices, let’s consider some key factors to keep in mind.

Location and Accessibility

Location is paramount when choosing a campground. Consider how far you’re willing to travel and the proximity to attractions or activities you want to explore. Factors like easy access to major highways, public transportation, or proximity to towns with amenities are all crucial aspects to consider. A well-located campground offers convenience and allows you to make the most of your time.

Campground Amenities

Campground amenities play a significant role in making your stay enjoyable, especially for families. Modern campgrounds offer features like:

Swimming Pools: Enjoy a refreshing dip on hot days.
Playgrounds: Keep the kids entertained with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
Recreation Areas: Engage in activities like basketball, volleyball, or horseshoe pits.
Camp Store: Stock up on essentials, snacks, and souvenirs.
Laundry Facilities: Maintain clean clothes throughout your stay.
Restrooms and Showers: Modern and well-maintained facilities are essential for comfort.
Fire Pits: Gather around the fire in the evenings for storytelling and roasting marshmallows.

These amenities enhance the overall camping experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable for families.

Types of Campsites

Campgrounds offer a variety of campsite options to accommodate different preferences and needs. Some common types of campsites include:

Tent Sites: Traditional campsites perfect for tents and smaller trailers.
RV Sites: Spacious sites designed for RVs with hookups for electricity, water, and sewer.
Cabins: Cozy and comfortable cabins provide a comfortable alternative to camping in a tent or RV.
Yurts: Unique, circular tent-like structures offering a blend of traditional and modern camping.

Choosing the right campsite type ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for your family.

Activities and Attractions

Campgrounds often provide opportunities for activities and attractions that enhance the camping experience. Some common features include:

Hiking Trails: Explore scenic trails and immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature.
Fishing Spots: Cast a line and catch some fish in nearby lakes or streams.
Nature Programs: Learn about local wildlife and ecology through guided tours or presentations.
Bike Trails: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through scenic routes.
Boat Rentals: Explore the waterways and create lasting memories on the water.

Campgrounds located near major attractions offer convenience and add an extra layer of enjoyment to your family camping trip.

Top Family-Friendly Campgrounds in NJ

Now, let’s dive into the best family-friendly campgrounds in New Jersey, each offering unique attractions and amenities.

1. Sunrise Campground, Warren Grove

Sunrise Campground is a haven for families seeking a peaceful and fun-filled camping experience. Located in Warren Grove, the campground offers a wide range of amenities, including:

Two Swimming Pools
A Playground
A Game Room
A Camp Store
Free Wi-Fi
A Variety of Campsites

Sunrise Campground also offers a fantastic location near the beautiful beaches of Long Beach Island, making it a perfect choice for families who want to enjoy both the beach and the campground. The campground features a friendly atmosphere and offers plenty of activities for all ages, including:

Horseback Riding
Mini Golf
Arts and Crafts
Nature Trails

Sunrise Campground is a top choice for families seeking a memorable camping experience in New Jersey.

2. Lazy River Family Campground, Mullica Hill

Lazy River Family Campground is a premier destination for families looking for a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience. Located in Mullica Hill, the campground features a unique lazy river that meanders through the property, providing hours of fun for all ages. Lazy River also offers a wide range of amenities, including:

A Swimming Pool
A Playground
A Recreation Room
A Camp Store
Free Wi-Fi

The campground boasts a variety of campsites, accommodating tents, pop-up campers, and RVs. Lazy River is known for its friendly atmosphere and family-oriented activities, including:

Hayrides
Movie Nights
Game Nights
Nature Walks

Lazy River provides a memorable camping experience for families seeking relaxation and fun.

3. Hunterdon Hills Family Campground, Milford

Hunterdon Hills Family Campground is an excellent choice for families seeking a campground with a variety of activities and attractions. Located in Milford, the campground boasts a beautiful setting with rolling hills and scenic views. Hunterdon Hills features an impressive list of amenities, including:

A Swimming Pool
A Playground
A Recreation Hall
A Camp Store
Free Wi-Fi

The campground offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Hunterdon Hills also features a wide array of activities for families to enjoy, including:

Mini Golf
Horse Shoe Pits
Basketball Courts
Hiking Trails

Hunterdon Hills Family Campground provides an unforgettable experience for families seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

4. Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park

Island Beach State Park is a gem for families seeking a camping experience with direct access to the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore. Located in Seaside Park, the park offers a variety of campsites, both with and without hookups. Island Beach State Park features:

A Swimming Beach
Hiking Trails
Fishing Piers
Birdwatching Opportunities

The park is known for its pristine coastline, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. Island Beach State Park provides a unique camping experience, allowing families to enjoy the tranquility of nature and the excitement of the beach.

5. Bass River State Forest, New Gretna

Bass River State Forest is a vast and scenic natural area offering a wide variety of camping experiences for families. Located in New Gretna, the forest features numerous campgrounds, each with its own unique character. Bass River State Forest provides opportunities for:

Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Wildlife Viewing

The forest boasts a diverse ecosystem, providing a chance to encounter local wildlife and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. Bass River State Forest is a perfect choice for families seeking a secluded and adventurous camping trip.

6. Voorhees State Park, Lebanon

Voorhees State Park is a popular destination for families seeking a campground with a variety of amenities and activities. Located in Lebanon, the park offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Voorhees State Park features:

A Swimming Pool
A Playground
A Recreation Hall
Hiking Trails
Fishing Lakes

The park boasts a scenic setting with rolling hills and dense forests. Voorhees State Park provides an unforgettable camping experience, allowing families to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of activities.

7. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill, PA

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a vast and scenic park offering a variety of camping experiences for families. Located in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, the park offers a unique setting with the Delaware River as its centerpiece. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides opportunities for:

Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Rock Climbing
Wildlife Viewing

The park boasts a diverse ecosystem, showcasing forests, waterfalls, and river views. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a perfect choice for families seeking an adventurous camping trip in a scenic setting.

8. Wharton State Forest, Tabernacle

Wharton State Forest is a vast and diverse natural area offering a wide variety of camping experiences for families. Located in Tabernacle, the forest boasts a variety of campgrounds, each with its unique setting and amenities. Wharton State Forest provides opportunities for:

Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Wildlife Viewing

The forest features a variety of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and lakes. Wharton State Forest is an excellent choice for families seeking a secluded and adventurous camping trip.

9. Stokes State Forest, Branchville

Stokes State Forest is a scenic and tranquil natural area offering a tranquil camping experience for families. Located in Branchville, the forest features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Stokes State Forest provides opportunities for:

Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Wildlife Viewing

The forest boasts a diverse ecosystem, featuring forests, lakes, and streams. Stokes State Forest is a perfect choice for families seeking a relaxed and peaceful camping trip.

10. Swartswood State Park, Newton

Swartswood State Park is a beautiful and scenic park offering a variety of camping experiences for families. Located in Newton, the park features a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Swartswood State Park provides:

A Swimming Beach
Hiking Trails
Fishing Opportunities
Boat Rentals

The park boasts a scenic setting with a large lake as its centerpiece. Swartswood State Park is an excellent choice for families seeking a relaxing camping trip with access to water activities.

Table Breakdown of Top Campgrounds

Campground Name	Location	Amenities	Activities
Sunrise Campground	Warren Grove	Two Swimming Pools, Playground, Game Room, Camp Store, Free Wi-Fi	Horseback Riding, Mini Golf, Arts and Crafts, Nature Trails
Lazy River Family Campground	Mullica Hill	Swimming Pool, Playground, Recreation Room, Camp Store, Free Wi-Fi	Hayrides, Movie Nights, Game Nights, Nature Walks
Hunterdon Hills Family Campground	Milford	Swimming Pool, Playground, Recreation Hall, Camp Store, Free Wi-Fi	Mini Golf, Horse Shoe Pits, Basketball Courts, Hiking Trails
Island Beach State Park	Seaside Park	Swimming Beach, Hiking Trails, Fishing Piers, Birdwatching Opportunities	Swimming, Sunbathing, Surfing, Fishing
Bass River State Forest	New Gretna	Various Campgrounds with Unique Settings	Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing
Voorhees State Park	Lebanon	Swimming Pool, Playground, Recreation Hall, Hiking Trails, Fishing Lakes	Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area	Bushkill, PA	Various Campgrounds with Unique Settings	Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Rock Climbing, Wildlife Viewing
Wharton State Forest	Tabernacle	Various Campgrounds with Unique Settings	Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing
Stokes State Forest	Branchville	Various Campgrounds with Unique Settings	Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing
Swartswood State Park	Newton	Swimming Beach, Hiking Trails, Fishing Opportunities, Boat Rentals	Swimming, Fishing, Boating

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Campgrounds in NJ

What are the best campgrounds in New Jersey for families?

The best campgrounds in NJ for families offer a mix of amenities, activities, and scenic settings. Some popular choices include: Sunrise Campground, Lazy River Family Campground, Hunterdon Hills Family Campground, Island Beach State Park, and Bass River State Forest. Each of these campgrounds provides a unique experience, catering to different preferences and needs.

What amenities should I look for in a family-friendly campground?

When choosing a family-friendly campground, look for amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, recreation areas, camp stores, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, and fire pits. These amenities enhance the overall camping experience, making it more enjoyable for families.

What are some popular activities for families at campgrounds in NJ?

Popular activities for families at campgrounds in New Jersey include hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, biking, nature walks, birdwatching, and enjoying campfire gatherings. The availability of these activities depends on the specific campground and its location.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect campground for your family is essential for a memorable camping experience in New Jersey. Whether you’re seeking a secluded spot in the woods, a campground with amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds, or a destination near the Jersey Shore, this guide has highlighted some of the best options. Remember to factor in your family’s preferences, budget, and desired activities when making your decision. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a fun-filled camping adventure in the Garden State!

If you’re looking for more information about camping in New Jersey, be sure to check out our other articles on our website. We provide comprehensive guides on everything from choosing the perfect campsite to packing tips and safety advice! Happy camping!

With its diverse landscape ranging from serene lakes to dense forests, New Jersey offers a plethora of options for a memorable camping experience. From the stunning shores of the Atlantic to the tranquil beauty of the Pine Barrens, the state provides a perfect escape for families seeking outdoor adventures and quality time together. Whether you crave a rustic setting or prefer modern amenities, these top family-friendly campgrounds ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for everyone. Make sure to book your campsite in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Pack accordingly, keeping in mind the weather forecast and activities planned.

As you explore the campgrounds on this list, remember to prioritize safety. Teach children about potential hazards, such as wildlife encounters, water safety, and fire prevention. Always supervise children near water bodies and adhere to camp rules and regulations. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. Share stories, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Most importantly, remember to pack your sense of adventure and let the beauty of New Jersey’s natural surroundings captivate you.

We hope this comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly campgrounds in New Jersey has inspired your next outdoor getaway. Whether you are seeking a weekend escape or a longer vacation, these destinations offer a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and family fun. Remember to respect the environment, leave no trace, and contribute to the preservation of these natural wonders for generations to come. So gather your family, pack your gear, and embark on an unforgettable camping adventure in the Garden State.

Planning a family camping trip in NJ? Discover the best family-friendly campgrounds with stunning scenery, kid-friendly activities, and unforgettable memories.