There are 19 state parks in New Jersey that allow camping. These parks are located throughout the state. Parks with camping facilities include Allaire; Bass River; Worthington; Wharton; Belleplain; Bull's Island; Wawayanda; Washington Crossing; Byrne; Cheesequake; Voorhees; Swartswood; High Point; Jenny Jump; Stokes; Stephens; Parvin; Round Valley; and Spruce Run.
Lodging types vary by each park. Sixteen of the parks include tent or RV sites. No RV hookups are available. If there are seven or more in your camping party, you'll need to rent a group campsite, which several of the parks offer. Some parks offer cabins that include furnished rooms, kitchens, electricity and running water. Others offer shelters, which are small cabins without electricity or facilities. Lean-tos also can be found at three of the parks. For a more primitive camping experience, Round Valley and Wharton State Park have campsites that are only accessible by hiking, boating or horseback riding.
Alcohol is prohibited in all state parks, so if you're looking for a weekend drinking beer by the fire, plan to camp elsewhere. Fires only are allowed in stoves, fireplaces and fire pits. Only two cars are permitted to park at each campsite. The maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive nights. In order to rent a campsite, you must be 18 or older. If supervising a group of children, there must be one adult for every nine campers who are under 18.
If you wish to include your pet in your camping adventure, only three state parks--Byrne, Parvin and Wharton--allow pets. There is no extra fee at these parks for bringing your animal. Firewood is not provided at any of the campsites, so be sure to bring your own.
As of 2010, there is not much variation between state parks when it comes to campsite costs. Regular campsites are $20 per night at all parks. Group campsites vary anywhere from $25 per night to $75 per night. Cabins and other shelters range from $30 per night to $155 per night. Weekly rates are available for cabins.
