Hidden Nature, Coastal Vibes, and Unexpected Beauty in the Garden State
When most people think of New Jersey, they imagine crowded highways, cities, and maybe a boardwalk or two—but for van lifers and car campers, New Jersey has a surprisingly rich landscape of forests, lakes, beaches, and peaceful parks just waiting to be explored.
From the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Water Gap, here are 10 of the best places to experience van life and car camping across New Jersey—plus stealth options and local tips for life on the road in the Garden State.
🌲 1. Wharton State Forest (Pine Barrens)
Location: South Jersey
Cost: ~$3–$20/night (primitive sites)
New Jersey’s largest state forest, Wharton is a dream for van lifers who enjoy peaceful pine forests, sand roads, and rustic, no-frills camping.
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🏕️ Primitive sites with fire rings & outhouses
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🌳 Dispersed-style camping (by permit) available
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🚐 Great for vans, SUVs, and 4WD vehicles
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🐦 Birdwatching, canoeing, and lots of quiet
💡 A permit is required for camping—even at primitive sites. Call ahead!
🏞️ 2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Location: Northwestern NJ
Cost: ~$20–$30/night (campgrounds); some free trailhead parking overnight
This mountainous, river-cut area along the Delaware River is one of New Jersey’s most scenic spots—and it's great for both camping and stealth overnights.
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🥾 Appalachian Trail access
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🚿 Dingmans & Worthington campgrounds have basic amenities
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🚐 Self-contained rigs can park overnight at some trailheads (check signs)
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🌄 Stunning fall foliage
🏖️ 3. Island Beach State Park
Location: Central Jersey Shore
Cost: ~$20–$35/night (campgrounds nearby), day-use only in park
While the park itself doesn’t offer overnight camping, there are multiple campgrounds just outside the park, giving you beach access during the day.
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🌊 Miles of undeveloped beach
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🐚 Surf fishing, birdwatching, and salt air
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🚐 Overnight parking outside the gates, then explore the park by day
🚣 4. Spruce Run Recreation Area
Location: Clinton, NJ
Cost: ~$20–$30/night
A peaceful lakeside park in central Jersey—ideal for van dwellers who want a calm place to paddle, fish, or take in a sunset.
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🛶 Boat rentals available
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🏕️ RV and van-friendly sites with fire rings
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🌅 Great for unwinding after time in town
🌳 5. Stokes State Forest
Location: Northwest NJ (Sussex County)
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
Located along the Kittatinny Mountains, this is a favorite for hikers and campers—with access to the Appalachian Trail and peaceful woodlands.
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🔥 Campsites with picnic tables & fire pits
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🥾 Climb Sunrise Mountain for panoramic views
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🌲 Quiet and shaded even in peak season
🌄 6. High Point State Park
Location: Near the NY/PA border
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
Home to New Jersey’s highest peak, this park offers cooler temps, mountain views, and wooded campgrounds.
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📍 Visit the High Point Monument
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🚐 Paved and unpaved sites available
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🌿 Ideal in late summer and fall
🛤️ 7. Round Valley Recreation Area
Location: Lebanon, NJ
Cost: ~$17–$30/night
This reservoir is known for deep, clear waters and peaceful shores—plus a campground that's friendly to vans and car campers.
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🏊 Swim beach in summer
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🔌 Some electric sites available
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🏞️ Great spot for solo travelers or couples
🏕️ 8. Bass River State Forest
Location: South Jersey
Cost: ~$20–$35/night
One of the oldest state parks in New Jersey, Bass River features wooded camping, a quiet lake, and lots of van-accessible campsites.
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🧺 Picnic areas and calm walking trails
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🛶 Canoe rentals in summer
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💤 Peaceful and not far from the coast
🛻 9. Stealth Parking (Walmart / Cracker Barrel / Rest Stops)
Location: Vineland, Newton, Freehold, or near I-95
Cost: FREE (ask permission)
While New Jersey cities can be strict about overnight parking, some rural or suburban locations are van-life friendly.
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✅ Always check signs or ask staff
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🧼 Pair with Planet Fitness (locations in Toms River, Parsippany, etc.)
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🚐 Great for overnight stays between destinations
🏖️ 10. Cape May Area (Private Campgrounds & Off-Season Parking)
Location: Southern tip of NJ
Cost: ~$30–$50/night (private), FREE (stealth offseason)
Cape May is a charming Victorian beach town with lots of nearby campgrounds. In the off-season (Oct–March), stealth camping gets easier.
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🏝️ Beaches, dolphins, and quiet towns
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🚿 Use day-use parks or nearby gyms for showers
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🧭 Consider Harvest Hosts if you're self-contained
🧭 Van Life Tips for New Jersey
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Best Season: April–October (summer is beach season, fall = foliage!)
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Traffic: Plan around rush hour if near cities
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Stealth: Tricky near urban areas; easier in south/western rural NJ
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Showers: State parks, gyms (Planet Fitness, YMCA), or beach shower stations
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Apps to Use: iOverlander, FreeRoam, Campendium, Gaia GPS
Final Thoughts
New Jersey may not top many van lifers' destination lists, but it should. It offers diverse terrain, hidden nature spots, ocean views, and rural charm all packed into one compact state. From forested ridges and lakes to sandy beaches and peaceful Pine Barrens, New Jersey is full of surprises for travelers on wheels.
If you're road-tripping through the Northeast, give the Garden State a serious look—you might be amazed at what you find.
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