The Garden State isn't known for great camping options! But if you know where to look, you'll find some gems.
There is no dispersed camping in the state of New Jersey. Your best options are the primitive campsites in the Wharton State Forest. The Lower Forge and Batona campgrounds are the most remote.
Camping in New Jersey presents some unique challenges. Read on to learn the best times to go and what you'll need.
I've yet to find a free campground, but prices are surprisingly affordable! Primitive campsites in the Wharton State Forest start at $3 per person, per night for residents (plus a $5 reservation fee), and $5 per person per night for non-residents.
Firewood will cost you $7 per bundle, and usually comes in a plastic bag with a firestarter. You'll need to gather kindling or split your own; the logs it comes with tend to be large.
You'll need to check in at one of the two offices to pick up your permit. The Batsto office is open year round from 9a-4pm, and the Atsion office is open seasonally. You have to check in the same day you're camping, which is tough if you planned to arrive after 4pm. I've had to do this a few times - I called the office and they said to have a copy of my confirmation email at the campsite.
The Hidden Pastures Luxury Fiber Farm is not your average campsite. For $55/night, you can camp... with alpacas. Yes, you read that right. You can pitch a tent and spend the night in the same field as the alpacas, which are apparently dog friendly too!
I like to call Mosquitos the official state bird of New Jersey. Bug spray and bug netting are absolutely mandatory for any outdoor trip between May and October (sometimes into November).
Look for wetlands near your camping area before making a decision about where to spend the night. The mosquitoes breed in marshy wetlands.
Want to camp right by the ocean? Seaside Heights has yearly camping events, where you can buy a ticket to camp on the beach. They've been posting the events to their Eventbrite Page, so keep an eye out there if you're interested.
Heads up: these events get packed and sell out fast. Expect less than 2 feet of space between tents.