10 Campgrounds with Lakes in New Jersey
If you’re looking for a campground with a lake in New Jersey, you’re in the right place.
Lakefront campgrounds are wonderful places to go if you enjoy activities like swimming, boating, or fishing while you camp.
I’ve put together this list of campgrounds with lakes so you can spend less time researching and more time camping.
Whether you prefer a family-oriented RV resort or a quiet campground in a state forest, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Here are 10 campgrounds with lakes in New Jersey.
10 Campgrounds With Lakes in New Jersey
1. Panther Lake Camping Resort
Panther Lake Camping Resort is in northern New Jersey near Andover.
This RV resort is at the southern end of the 45-acre Panther Lake.
Panther Lake Camping Resort is a huge campground with 410 RV sites. The campground has a handful of campsites dedicated for tents as well.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are all allowed on Panther Lake. The campground rents out kayaks, pedal boats, and paddle boards so you can spend your camping trip out on the lake.
If you ever want a break from water activities, Panther Lake Camping Resort has plenty of other fun to offer. There is a playground for kids and areas to play games like tennis, basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard among other activities.
Click here to request a campsite reservation at Panther Lake Camping Resort.
2. Timberline Lake Camping Resort
Timberline Lake Camping Resort is a 30 minute drive north of Atlantic City in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
This RV resort has something for everyone in terms of camping style. Their campsites can host everything from tents to big rigs and can be rented on a daily or seasonal basis. There are 185 campsites including both lakefront and wooded sites.
Timberline Lake Camping Resort is on a lake with a designated swimming beach. Fishing and canoeing are also permitted activities. It’s easy to get out on the water using the campground’s boat launch and boat rentals.
Timberline Lake Camping Resort is also very pet-friendly. This campground has a designated swimming area for pets and a dog park so your pup doesn’t have to miss out on any of the fun.
There is plenty of fun to be had at Timberline Lake Camping Resort both on and off the lake. The campground offers themed weekends, games, a playground, and more.
Click here to request a campsite reservation at Timberline Lake Camping Resort.
3. Timberland Lake Campground
Not to be confused with Timberline Lake Camping Resort, Timberland Lake Campground is in central Jersey.
Timberland Lake Campground offers over 200 campsites. All kinds of camping equipment from tents to RVs are welcome here.
This family-friendly campground has its own 5-acre lake for campers to enjoy boating and fishing. Don’t have your own boat? Boat rentals are available at the campground.
Like New Jersey’s other private campgrounds on lakes, Timberland Lake Campground has fun for the whole family both on and off the water. The campground offers a variety of entertainment including horseshoes, mini-golf, themed weekends, and dance parties.
Call (732) 928-0500 to reserve a campsite at Timberland Lake Campground.
4. Egg Harbor Lake Campground
Egg Harbor Lake Campground is in Egg Harbor City in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
There are 60 campsites at Egg Harbor Lake Campground. The campsites are available for daily or seasonal stays and can accommodate both tents and RVs. So no matter what camping looks like to you, all kinds of stays are welcome!
This lakefront campground is a great place for swimming, fishing, and canoeing with the family. Gas-powered boats aren’t allowed out on Egg Harbor Lake.
Spend your camping trip at the lake using the beach area, paddle boats, and concession stand. After spending time at the lake, even more fun is in store with the campground’s playground, mini-golf, volleyball net, and game room for entertainment for all ages.
Click here to reserve a campsite at Egg Harbor Lake Campground.
5. Bass River State Forest
Bass River State Forest offers another campground in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
This state forest’s campground is on Lake Absegami, a man-made, 67-acre lake.
There are 176 campsites and 6 group sites for tents and trailers at Bass River State Forest. Note that the campsites do not have hookups.
The lake has pickerel, sunfish, and catfish for campers who are interested in fishing. Boating can also be done using the campground’s boat launch and boat rentals (only electric motor boats are allowed).
In addition to the lake, Bass River State Forest offers plenty of outdoor fun with its trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Bass River State Forest.
6. Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest is a large forest spanning 23,000 acres in southern New Jersey.
There are 169 campsites for tents and trailers at the Belleplain State Forest campground. Some of the sites have electric and water hookups and some sites are designated as pet-friendly campsites.
The campground in this state forest is along the 26-acre Lake Nummy. Take advantage of the campground’s canoe rentals and concession stand as you spend the day canoeing and swimming at the lake.
Belleplain State Forest has 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Between the lake and the trails, there is lots to do on a camping trip to this state forest.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Belleplain State Forest.
7. High Point State Park
The aptly-named High Point State Park is at the highest elevation in New Jersey in the northwest corner of the state.
The campground at High Point State Park has 50 campsites, which are primarily for tent camping but some campsites can accommodate trailers and pop-up campers. This is because many of the campsites are walk-in sites although some have parking available next to the campsite. The campground’s reservation webpage includes detailed descriptions of each campsite so you can identify the parking situation before you select a site.
This state park’s campground is on the 20-acre Sawmill Lake. Boat rentals are not available though boating is allowed on Sawmill Lake as well as Steenykill Lake.
There are many outdoor recreation opportunities at High Point State Park in addition to boating on Sawmill Lake. Over 50 miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, take visitors to scenic views and can be used for a variety of activities.
Several state parks and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are all within an hour drive of High Point State Park.
So whether you spend your camping trip hanging out on Sawmill Lake, exploring the park’s trails, or venturing out to other parks, there are lots of ways to stay busy when camping at High Point State Park.
Click here to reserve a campsite at High Point State Park.
8. Parvin State Park
Parvin State Park is on the western edge of the Pine Barrens in southwest New Jersey.
Parvin State Park is one of the smaller lakefront state parks but still has a comparable-sized campground to other parks. The campground has over 50 campsites for tents and trailers, which includes a section of pet-designated campsites.
This state park’s campground is on Parvin Lake.
There are a number of amenities to help you get out on Parvin Lake during your camping trip. Enjoy the lake’s swimming beach, canoe rentals, and concession stand. If you bring your own boat, note that only electric motors are permitted.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Click here to reserve a campsite at Parvin State Park.
9. Spruce Run Recreation Area
The Spruce Run Recreation Area is in Clinton, New Jersey.
This recreation area encompasses the Spruce Run Reservoir, which is one of the largest reservoirs in New Jersey. With 1,290 acres of water and 15 miles of shoreline, there is plenty to explore here on your camping trip.
The recreation area’s campground sits on a peninsula on the reservoir. One of the best things about this campground is that most of the campground’s 67 campsites are waterfront or have a view of the water. Tents and trailers can be used at these campsites.
Campers will have lots of fun on Spruce Run Reservoir. The reservoir offers a sandy swimming beach, a boat launch, boat rentals, and fishing for 29 species of fish.
Click here to reserve a campsite at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
10. Swartswood State Park
Swartswood State Park is New Jersey’s oldest state park. It’s located in northern New Jersey in Sussex County.
There are two lakes in Swartswood State Park but the campground is on the larger of these lakes, Swartswood Lake.
This campground has over 60 campsites for camping in tents and trailers. There is a combination of wooded and grassy campsites within walking distance of the lake.
Swartswood Lake is one of the larger lakes in New Jersey with a campground. This 519-acre natural lake offers tons of space for adventures out on the water.
Swimmers will enjoy the lake’s swimming area with a concession stand, showers, and a first aid station. If you’re interested in boating, the lake has a boat launch and boat rentals. The lake is also a nice spot for fishing.
Swartswood State Park is a good state park to camp at if you’re looking for a quiet place to escape. Because the state park is away from major highways and only allows electric motors out on the lake, it offers a peaceful retreat for anyone seeking a serene lakeside campground.
Click here to reserve a campsite at Swartswood State Park.
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As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.
