When summer heat hits New Jersey, few escapes beat the combination of a private lake and a sandy swimming beach right at your campsite. Whether you're towing an RV, pitching a tent, or renting a cabin, private lake campgrounds with swimming beaches in New Jersey offer a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds of the Shore. From the Pine Barrens to the northern highlands, these spots blend water recreation with classic camping comforts.
This guide rounds up 12 standout locations across the state, each offering its own take on lakeside camping. You'll find family-run campgrounds, resort-style RV parks, and even a state park with lakefront camping. Ratings and review counts are drawn from public data, giving you a solid starting point for comparing your options. Whether you prioritize a high rating, a large beach, or a quiet wooded setting, this list covers a range of choices to match your ideal summer escape.
Keep in mind that amenities and exact beach details can vary by season, so it's always wise to confirm current conditions directly with the campground before you book. With that said, let's dive into the best private lake campgrounds with swimming beaches New Jersey has to offer.
★★★★★ 4.5 · 67 reviews
Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds is a campground located in New Gretna, NJ, at 940 Stage Rd. With a rating of 4.5 stars from 67 reviews, it offers a quieter, more intimate lake camping experience compared to larger resorts. The setting is ideal for those seeking a private lake atmosphere in the Pine Barrens region. While specific amenities are not listed, the high rating suggests a well-regarded spot for a lakeside getaway. Its location in southern New Jersey puts it within reach of both the Shore and the Pinelands, making it a convenient base for outdoor exploration.
Address: Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds, 940 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224, United States
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★★★★★ 4.6 · 410 reviews
Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Country Oaks is a campground in Dorothy, NJ, at 15 S Jersey Ave. It holds a strong 4.6-star rating from 410 reviews, indicating a well-liked destination for campers. The name reflects the brand's focus on open, welcoming spaces, and the property likely offers a range of camping options. While it may not be a lakefront property, its proximity to the Pine Barrens and its solid review base make it a reliable choice for outdoor stays. The campground is part of the Spacious Skies network, known for family-friendly environments.
Address: Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Country Oaks, 15 S Jersey Ave, Dorothy, NJ 08317, United States
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★★★★★ 4.5 · 256 reviews
Timberline Lake Camping Resort is a campground in New Gretna, NJ, at 365 County Rd 679. With a 4.5-star rating from 256 reviews, this resort-style campground centers around a lake, offering guests water access and a range of recreational activities. The term 'resort' suggests additional amenities such as pools, activities, or planned events, though specifics are not provided. Its location in the Pine Barrens provides a scenic, wooded backdrop for camping. This is a solid option for those looking for a lake-focused camping resort in southern New Jersey.
Address: Timberline Lake Camping Resort, 365 County Rd 679, New Gretna, NJ 08224, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.4 · 370 reviews
Egg Harbor City Lake & Campground is a campground located at 2400 Philadelphia Ave in Egg Harbor City, NJ. It has a 4.4-star rating from 370 reviews, indicating a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. As the name suggests, the campground is situated on a lake, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, or boating, depending on the season. Its location in the Pine Barrens provides a natural setting while still being accessible to the Atlantic City area. This is a great choice for a convenient lakeside camping trip.
Address: Egg Harbor City Lake & Campground, 2400 Philadelphia Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, United States
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★★★★★ 4.5 · 2,574 reviews
Parvin State Park is a state park in Pittsgrove, NJ, at 701 Almond Rd. With a 4.5-star rating from 2,574 reviews, it is a well-established outdoor destination. The park features lakes and swimming areas, making it a top pick for those seeking lake access within a state park setting. Camping is available, and the park's extensive trail system and natural beauty are major draws. Its high review count reflects its popularity among families, hikers, and campers. This is an excellent choice for a more natural, park-like camping experience.
Address: Parvin State Pk, 701 Almond Rd, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318, United States
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★★★★★ 4.5 · 319 reviews
Mahlon Dickerson Campgrounds is a campground located at 955 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. It holds a 4.5-star rating from 319 reviews. The address places it near Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey, though the campground itself is set in a wooded area. The campground offers both RV and tent sites, with a separate RV area. Its location in the northern part of the state provides easy access to the Highlands region. This is a solid choice for those wanting to explore the Lake Hopatcong area while camping.
Address: Mahlon Dickerson Campgrounds, 955 Weldon Road, RV Area (Campground Office), Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, United States
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★★★★★ 4.7 · 315 reviews
Lake Kandle is a campground in Sewell, NJ, at 250 Chapel Heights Rd. It boasts a 4.7-star rating from 315 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated options on this list. The name suggests a private lake setting, likely with swimming and other water activities. Its location in Gloucester County offers a convenient escape from the Philadelphia metro area. The high rating indicates strong visitor satisfaction, though specific amenities are not listed. This is a top contender for a private lake camping experience in South Jersey.
Address: Lake Kandle, 250 Chapel Heights Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.1 · 702 reviews
Thousand Trails Lake & Shore is a campground in Ocean View, NJ, at 515 Corsons Tavern Rd. With a 4.1-star rating from 702 reviews, it is a well-known destination within the Thousand Trails network. The name suggests both lake and shore access, likely offering a mix of water experiences. As part of a larger membership-based system, it may offer extensive amenities such as pools, activities, and planned events. Its location near the Jersey Shore makes it a popular base for beach trips. This is a good option for those who enjoy resort-style camping.
Address: Thousand Trails Lake & Shore, 515 Corsons Tavern Rd, Ocean View, NJ 08230, United States
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★★★★☆ 4.1 · 516 reviews
Panther Lake Camping Resort is a campground in Byram Township, NJ, at 6 Panther Lake Campground Rd. It has a 4.1-star rating from 516 reviews. The resort is centered around Panther Lake, offering water access and likely a range of recreational activities. Its location in Sussex County places it in the scenic Skylands region of New Jersey, known for its lakes and outdoor recreation. The 'resort' designation suggests additional amenities, though specifics are not provided. This is a suitable choice for a lake-focused camping trip in northern New Jersey.
Address: Panther Lake Camping Resort, 6 Panther Lake Campground Rd, Byram Township, NJ 07821, United States
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★★★★☆ 4 · 470 reviews
Timberland Lake Campground is a campground in Jackson Township, NJ, at 1335 Reed Rd. With a 4.0-star rating from 470 reviews, it offers a reliable, family-friendly camping experience. The name indicates a lake on the property, providing opportunities for swimming and other water activities. Its location in Ocean County offers a mix of wooded and open spaces, with easy access to both the Pine Barrens and the Jersey Shore. This is a practical choice for a lakeside camping trip in central New Jersey.
Address: Timberland Lake Campground, 1335 Reed Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527, United States
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★★★★★ 4.6 · 139 reviews
Belhaven Lake RV Resort is a campground located at 1227 County Rd 542 in Egg Harbor City, NJ. It has a 4.6-star rating from 139 reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction among its guests. As an RV-focused resort, it likely offers full hookups and amenities tailored to RV travelers. The lake setting provides a scenic backdrop and water recreation opportunities. Its location in the Pine Barrens offers a peaceful, natural environment. This is a top pick for RV campers seeking a lakefront experience.
Address: Belhaven Lake RV Resort, 1227 County Rd 542, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215, United States
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★★★★☆ 4 · 353 reviews
Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake is a campground in Port Republic, NJ, at 631 Chestnut Neck Rd. It has a 4.0-star rating from 353 reviews. As part of the Thousand Trails network, it offers a range of amenities and activities for members and guests. The lake is a central feature, likely providing swimming, fishing, and boating options. Its location near the Mullica River and the Pine Barrens adds to its natural appeal. This is a solid option for those familiar with the Thousand Trails system or looking for a lake-centric campground.
Address: Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, 631 Chestnut Neck Rd, Port Republic, NJ 08241, United States
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How We Selected These Places
To build this list, we compared campgrounds and parks across New Jersey using several objective factors: category relevance (campgrounds, RV resorts, and state parks with lake access), geographic distribution to cover different regions of the state, and public review data including average ratings and total review counts. We prioritized locations with clear lake or swimming beach appeal based on their names, descriptions, and supplied metadata. All ratings and review counts are taken directly from the provided data—no visits were conducted. This approach ensures a transparent, data-driven selection that helps you quickly compare top options.
Tips
When planning a trip to any of these lake campgrounds, consider a few practical tips to make the most of your visit. First, always check the campground's website or call ahead to confirm lake access, swimming beach availability, and any seasonal rules—some lakes may have designated swim areas or lifeguard hours. Second, book early, especially for summer weekends, as popular lakeside sites fill up fast. Third, pack water shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as lake areas can have rocky bottoms and biting bugs. Fourth, if you're bringing an RV, verify the length and hookup availability at your chosen site. Finally, remember to respect quiet hours and leave-no-trace principles to keep these natural spots beautiful for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best private lake campgrounds with swimming beaches in New Jersey?
- Based on ratings and review counts, top options include Lake Kandle (4.7, 315 reviews), Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Country Oaks (4.6, 410 reviews), and Belhaven Lake RV Resort (4.6, 139 reviews). Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds and Timberline Lake Camping Resort also rate highly at 4.5 stars. Each offers a lake setting, though specific beach details should be confirmed directly.
- Do all these campgrounds have swimming beaches?
- The list is curated for lake campgrounds, and most likely have swimming areas, but not all explicitly confirm a beach. For example, Parvin State Park is known for its lake swimming, while Thousand Trails locations typically offer water access. It's best to verify with each location before visiting.
- Are there any state parks with lake swimming and camping in New Jersey?
- Yes, Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, NJ, offers camping and lake access, with a 4.5-star rating from over 2,500 reviews. It's a popular choice for those seeking a more natural, park-like setting with swimming opportunities.
- Which campgrounds are best for RV camping?
- Belhaven Lake RV Resort is specifically named as an RV resort, and Thousand Trails Lake & Shore and Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake are part of a network that often caters to RVers. Mahlon Dickerson Campgrounds also has a designated RV area. Always confirm hookups and site sizes with the campground.
- How should I choose between these lake campgrounds?
- Consider your priorities: if you want a high-rated, smaller spot, Lake Kandle or Pilgrim Lake might fit. For resort-style amenities, look at Timberline Lake Camping Resort or Thousand Trails locations. For a more natural park experience, Parvin State Park is ideal. Also factor in location—northern vs. southern New Jersey—and whether you need full RV hookups.
Conclusion
Finding the right private lake campground with a swimming beach in New Jersey comes down to what you value most—whether it's a high rating, a specific region, or the type of camping experience you prefer. From the intimate setting of Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds to the resort-style amenities of Timberline Lake and the natural beauty of Parvin State Park, this list gives you a strong starting point. Remember to verify current conditions, book early, and pack for a fun-filled lakeside adventure. No matter which you choose, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the best private lake campgrounds with swimming beaches that New Jersey has to offer.
Business information, ratings, reviews, opening hours, and other details may change over time. Please verify important information before visiting.
