Waterside camping near Atlantic City
Atlantic City camping is all about the Atlantic, with a little city thrown in.
- Atlantic City
Popular camping styles for Atlantic City
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping near Atlantic City guide
Overview
A popular resort locale for tourists near and far, Atlantic City sits right on the water, with Long Beach Island to the north and Cape May to the south. If you’re interested in Atlantic City’s high times, you can surely swing by the casinos and shop ‘til you drop. But, you can also take things slow with a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, a day at the beach, and a midday picnic at your choice of park. From your relaxing RV site or cabin campground, you’ll gain an entirely new understanding of the Atlantic’s namesake city.
Where to go
Up the Coast
Atlantic City’s coastal location means that every campsite, everywhere, is always close to something spectacular. Head north of Atlantic City and make your way to Beach Haven. En route to your coastal RV resort or beachfront tent campsite, stop by North Brigantine Natural Area. Search for colorful seashells, grab your binoculars for birdwatching, or just breathe in the salty air.
Down the Coast
If you’d rather head south than north, the lower coast offers just as many options in the form of sprawling campsites, stunning beaches, and everything in-between. Check into a cozy yurt or log cabin near Ocean City. Or, savor the best of the area’s nature at Belleplain State Forest. The good news is that you can camp with all your essentials—hello, wifi and on-site showers—without ever straying far from the coast.
Straight Inland
It seems counterintuitive to visit a city named after the Atlantic and explore the land rather than the water. But head inland from the Atlantic Ocean, where wildlife management areas, forests, and parks abound. Bass River State Forest and Wharton State Forest meet campers just north of Atlantic City and offer a welcome change of scenery. Think: green, mossy trails in lieu of sandy boardwalks.
When to go
Atlantic City is a popular destination year-round, but for camping purposes plan your visit in accordance with the weather. The ideal timeframe for Atlantic City camping is mid-spring through mid-fall. However, crowds—and prices—pick up from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So, if you’re looking to experience Atlantic City at its most peaceful, come outside of that window. Sure, some attractions may shutter after the busy months, but, luckily, nature never has an off-season.
