Free Camping in New Jersey
Discover 11 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Climate
Humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters
Terrain
Pine Barrens, Coastline
Free Spots
11 locations
Camping Spots (11)
Wharton SF – Quaker Bridge
"Free dispersed camping around Wharton SF New Jersey. Sugar sand roads and cedar waterways with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Batona/Mullica. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Soft sand; air down Arrive early to claim a legal
Atsion - Wharton State Forest
Atsion - Wharton State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 2.4 miles S of Shamong. It has approximately 50 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms.
Bass River State Forest
Bass River State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 5.2 miles W of Tuckerton. It has approximately 175 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms.
Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 1.8 miles W of Woodbine. It has approximately 170 campsites. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms.
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Brendan Byrne State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 12.7 miles E of Vincentown. It has approximately 72 campsites. Reported amenities include max length 50 ft, fishing, drinking water, showers, restrooms.
Godfrey Bridge - Wharton State Forest
Godfrey Bridge - Wharton State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 8.8 miles S of Chatsworth. It has approximately 50 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms.
Jenny Jump State Forest
Jenny Jump State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 5.1 miles SE of Blairstown. It has approximately 20 campsites. Reported amenities include drinking water, showers, restrooms.
Ocquittunk - Stokes State Forest
Ocquittunk - Stokes State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 5.6 miles N of Branchville. It has approximately 25 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms.
Shotwell - Stokes State Forest
Shotwell - Stokes State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 1.2 miles SE of Sandyston. It has approximately 25 campsites. Reported amenities include restrooms.
Worthington State Forest
Worthington State Forest is a state forest campground in New Jersey, about 5.5 miles N of Columbia. It has approximately 70 campsites. Reported amenities include drinking water, showers, restrooms.
Sandy Hook - Gateway National Rec Area
Sandy Hook - Gateway National Rec Area is a national park campground in New Jersey, about 3.2 miles N of Highlands. It has approximately 20 campsites. Reported amenities include fishing, drinking water, restrooms. Notes: ferry during peak season - tents only - no showers.
Popular Camping Areas
- Wharton State Forest
- Bass River State Forest
- Belleplain State Forest
Important Regulations
- Permits required
- Fire restrictions common
- Seasonal availability
Permits: Permits required for most camping
Complete Guide to Free Camping in New Jersey
New Jersey provides unique Pine Barrens camping with sandy trails, coastal camping opportunities, and distinctive ecosystem experiences.
Best Free Camping Areas in New Jersey
New Jersey offers diverse free camping opportunities across pine barrens, coastline, forests, wetlands. The most popular areas include Wharton State Forest, Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit New Jersey for Camping
The best times for free camping in New Jersey are during spring, summer, fall. The state's humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
New Jersey Camping Regulations
Before camping in New Jersey, it's important to understand local regulations. Permits required for most campingMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in New Jersey typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore pine barrens, coastline, forests, wetlands at your own pace.