New Jersey is an ideal destination for beach camping. Not only is the state home to over 70 miles of pristine beaches, many of which allow for private camping. Aside from its obvious water appeal, New Jersey is close enough to NYC to provide a “country” experience while allowing you to drive into town when you’re ready for some culture.
Visit the official site of BeachComber.com, which offers detailed maps of all the New Jersey regions in which beach camping is possible. Other information available at the site includes addresses for RV campgrounds and cabins located just a few meters away from the beach.
Travel to the Shore Region if you are looking to stay away from the crowds, or are looking for private beaches and unspoiled locations. The area is famous for its many amusement parks and land attractions, including hiking and historical lighthouses, so expect to be surrounded by families. Singles or young people looking to interact with others their own age should head somewhere else.
Make sure you have all the right equipment. Beach camping requires specially adapted poles and tent anchors to make sure the tent itself will stay put despite the ocean breeze. You will also need extra towels and garbage bags to clean the tent floor as you move in and out of it.
Find out in advance if your desired destination has limitations regarding weather or season. Some areas won’t allow beach camping during days of unusually-high tide, for example, or when strong storms have been announced. You should always have a second option in mind in case your first choice is suddenly unavailable.
You should camp near the Delaware River if you’re planning on visiting water. Famous for its many whitewater rafting destinations, this area of New Jersey often gets rather crowded during the summer season. Lake Kandle Campground and Old Man's Creek Campground are especially popular in the area because they offer year-round camping and are situated near popular destinations.
