Beach Camping Near Princeton, New Jersey, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

Princeton’s coastline packs a punch—over 500 beach campsites, each within earshot of the Atlantic, wait for you to stake your claim. Average rates run around $110 a night, but you can find spots as low as $75 if you book early. Expect sand underfoot and salty air, with sites offering toilets, showers, and room for your pets. Swim, hike the dunes, or even try snow sports in the off-season. Locals swear by Great Times Camp Ground (46 reviews) for easy beach access, 60's Surf Camper (39 reviews) for retro vibes, and Beach Getaway (14 reviews) for quiet stretches of sand. Pack layers—the ocean breeze doesn’t mess around.

94% (100)

Top-rated campgrounds

Princeton’s coastline packs a punch—over 500 beach campsites, each within earshot of the Atlantic, wait for you to stake your claim. Average rates run around $110 a night, but you can find spots as low as $75 if you book early. Expect sand underfoot and salty air, with sites offering toilets, showers, and room for your pets. Swim, hike the dunes, or even try snow sports in the off-season. Locals swear by Great Times Camp Ground (46 reviews) for easy beach access, 60's Surf Camper (39 reviews) for retro vibes, and Beach Getaway (14 reviews) for quiet stretches of sand. Pack layers—the ocean breeze doesn’t mess around.

94% (100)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Great Times Camp Ground

99%

(65)

46mi from Princeton · 2 sites · Lodging · Waterford Works, NJ

Great Times Camp ground has been the home of "Great Times Day Camp" for 35+ years. In the heart of the pinelands, GTDC provides a beautiful ground for campers to enjoy the outdoors and experience new things like boating, hiking, and more. Update - We have added a parking location close to the main site area! It is now extremely easy to access the site location! AC Available! Great Times Camp Ground consists 52 acres of the amazing outdoors including a large natural lake, acres of woods to explore, and lots of fun activities such as volleyball, basketball, and even a beach to enjoy. Great Times operates as a children's day camp during the summer months, but now can be enjoyed all year round. Activities Available: - Basketball Courts - Tennis Courts - Fishing - Beach - Sport Fields for Activities If you would like the bunkhouse / cabin - you must add it as an extra, otherwise it will be assumed that you are tent camping. Pools are off limits to Hipcamp families.

2. 60's Surf Camper

83%

(50)

47mi from Princeton · 3 sites · Lodging · Inwood, NY

Located in the heart of Rockaway Beach NYC, this vintage 1963 Shasta camper is perfect for a small getaway with a few pals to enjoy the sun and the surf! Take a trip back in time! The camper can sleep up to 4, where the second bed is created from the seating area. There is a beautiful city view over the bay that can be seen from the seating area. All linens are provided. A fridge to keep your drinks ice cold, a BBQ, 2 beach chairs with umbrella, a cooler, and a coffee maker with coffee, are all yours to enjoy and are included free in the rental! We also have two surfboards available to rent for an extra fee. Guests have access to a private toilet, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a long day on the beach or shredding the surf. Fishing, and the most amazing city view sunsets are just a 1 minute walk up the block to the bay park. Quality Wifi is included.The Atlantic ocean, the beach, concession stands, and our wonderful new boardwalk are just a few short blocks away, a 4 minute walk. Great neighborhood restaurants and bars are within walking distance. Rent a surf board and hit of the surf beaches or just head to the beach to relax. Perfect for couples or a small family getaway, come and enjoy this vintage camper, and all that this beach town has to offer!

3. Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

100%

(11)

49mi from Princeton · 1 site · Lodging · New York City, NY

The Terry is an adorable vintage 1970’s camper trailer nestled in the back corner secret garden area of Marina 59, a marina on the bayside of Far Rockaway, Queens, NYC filled with creative structures, beautiful boats and wonderful wildlife. The RV has a queen size bed that comfortably fits 2. There is a new, powerful AC, a toaster oven, a fridge, a hot water kettle, and all the kitchen basics. The bathrooms, with large comfortable showers, are a quick walk away at the Marina entrance. Your rental includes parking in the marina lot and a clicker to come and go as desired. Outside the doors, there’s a decent super market, a Dunkin’ Donuts, and a gas station. The beach is only three blocks away. The beach where numerous surf lessons take place is 9 blocks away. We are close to JFK airport - super convenient, but you will hear some plane traffic overhead. We're the perfect spot to stay if you have a layover at the airport and want to head to the beach. The marina is also home to Sail Rockaway, that has sailing lessons and trips along the beautiful Jamaica Bay. Great birdwatching as well because we are located at the edge of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It's truly a magical spot! In addition, I've opened a shipping container store, Tree Rock NYC, right by the bathroom. Please stop in and check us out! The Terry is a perfect retreat for surfers, sun lovers, bird watchers and anyone who loves to enjoy all that Rockaway has to offer. And it’s an easy breezy subway / bus / ferry / drive away from the city! In summer, there are surfing classes, sailing and fishing trips, and numerous concerts and performances. I'm very willing to help you find the fun and adventure you seek here in Rockaway.

4. Slip Away Ocean Gate Home

41mi from Princeton · 2 sites · Lodging · Ocean Gate, NJ

Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space. King size bed, bathroom, laundry, and living room. Keurig, mini fridge, and microwave available as well. Dining establishments within steps / walking distance. The space This unit offers its own private entrance and parking spot. On street parking is available as well, first come, first serve. You enter through a covered deck. There is also a small fenced in side yard. You are welcomed into a living room with TV. A private bedroom very close to the bathroom with a standup shower stall. Washer and dyer are available in the walk in closet. Guest access Guest will have access to the whole space. The main entrance door has a keypad for entry. There is a locked door separating the other unit.

Public campgrounds near Princeton

96%

(12)

Round Valley Campground

21mi from Princeton · 85 sites · in Round Valley Recreation Area

83%

(6)

Cheesequake Campground

22mi from Princeton · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cheesequake State Park

75%

(3)

Spruce Run Campground

25mi from Princeton · 67 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spruce Run Recreation Area

100%

(1)

Nockamixon Park Campground

31mi from Princeton · 10 sites · in Nockamixon State Park

79%

(7)

Allaire Campground

31mi from Princeton · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Allaire State Park

100%

(1)

Brendan T. Byrne Campground

34mi from Princeton · 91 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Fort Wardsworth

36mi from Princeton · 7 sites · in Gateway National Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Evansburg Park Group Campground

41mi from Princeton · 2 sites · in Evansburg State Park

67%

(3)

Floyd Bennett Field

44mi from Princeton · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gateway National Recreation Area

67%

(3)

Ridley Creek Park Campground

50mi from Princeton · 2 sites · in Ridley Creek State Park

100%

(2)

Swartswood Campground

50mi from Princeton · 73 sites · Tents, RVs · in Swartswood State Park

Stories from the community

Signe

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

We absolutely loved staying at Siri's camper in Far Rockaway... the location was right on the ocean, while still feeling private and protected from the outside city bustle.... Truly a little haven in the big city. The weather was a little chilly but Siri was incredibly sweet and left us electric, heated blankets.

C

Carly

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Great Times Camp Ground

We had such a GREAT TIME at Great Times Camp! Bathrooms and parking are a short walk away from the cabins. The camp is private and quiet with plenty of room for our large group. Will was helpful and prompt with answering any questions. We will definitely be back!

D

Dave

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Great Times Camp Ground

7th trip to Great Times in 6 years and every year is better than the last. Our host Will is always just a message away and is very accommodating.

D

David

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

The camper was very cozy and had everything we needed for our overnight!

M

Matthew

October 2025

4 nights at Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

Great little simple spot & Siri is very welcoming!

Bill

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Great Times Camp Ground

Had a blast with a bunch of friends. Decent size piece of land with a lake/pond. We used 2 cabins. Plenty of picnic tables to use. Bathrooms are only a short walk from the cabins. Will was very accommodating. I'm sure we will be back.

Franchi

September 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Great Times Camp Ground

I recently spent a weekend at Great Times Camp Ground through Hipcamp, and I can honestly say it exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, relaxed, and totally immersed in nature—yet with every comfort I needed. What stood out: • Peaceful & Scenic Setting The campsites are nestled in beautiful woods, with plenty of privacy. Waking up to birdsong and filtered sunlight through the trees immediately recharged me. • Well-Kept Grounds & Amenities The entire site is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully laid out. Paths are easy to find, sites are level and spacious, and facilities (restrooms, water points, etc.) are all in good shape. It strikes a great balance: rustic enough to feel like real camping, but convenient enough to feel comfortable.

A

Allison

September 2025

2 nights at Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

The camper is well thought out and in such a cute marina. Everyone is really friendly and it’s great to sleep in the bay breeze! Siri was helpful and communicated throughout. Recommend this cozy stay!

B

Bob

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

Great space. Private corner of the 59th marina. Best spot for an over night on Rockaway Beach.

A

Amanda

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

Cozy place to stay! Loved the seating outside and the books to tuck shoes and bags inside.

G

George

July 2025

1 night at Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

My in-laws had such a lovely stay at The Terry—they were totally taken by its rustic charm. It’s cozy, comfortable, and full of character, with everything you need for a beachy retreat: a comfy queen bed, strong AC, and a little kitchenette for simple meals. They appreciated that the bathrooms and showers are a short walk away, but what really makes this spot a treasure is its location and general vibe. The marina is a hub of creative people who are friendly and welcoming, with an eclectic mix of sailboats, fishing boats, live-aboards and handmade structures that are lit up and twinkly at night. It’s a magical little artist enclave on the water. And Rockaway Beach is just three blocks away; a city beach miracle. The water was the perfect temperature when they visited in late July, the people-watching was excellent, and we saw dolphins just off shore on several occasions. Yes, you’ll hear overhead planes from nearby JFK, but honestly, you stop hearing them pretty quickly and the convenience of the beach and the marina vibe more than makes up for it. Plus Siri is a total delight!

N

Natalie

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

Loved Siri’s camper! Hidden away in the marina, with a darling little garden planted around it. The camper itself is cozy and has AC and a good little fridge and kitchenette. Siri was such a great host (and I got to shop in her store, too). 10/10

D

Daniel

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

The Rockaway Marina is a unique location in all of New York and this Hipcamp site gives you the opportunity to experience it from the inside! it's amazing to be super close to the beach and all the fun spots in Rockaway and also to be able to explore the Bayside - from the Marina, the amazing host can help you rent a boat, take sailing lessons, or rent a stand up paddle board. The camper is super cute, very accessible from the A train and amazingly, air conditioned! It makes sleeping through a hot summer's night very doable. Be forewarned... The Marina is also in the heart of New York City! So you might hear some sirens, barking dogs...and maybe a party! in fact, you might get invited to that party. 😃 The Marina is a very friendly community. And since the Marina is across from the airport, you will hear airplanes, just like you do at the nearby beach. I used earplugs one night and that helped.

M

Montgomery

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Great Times Camp Ground

Great times was exactly what we needed! We had a group of 18 people and everyone had an amazing time. There was plenty of space for everyone to set up camp and tons of equipment for playing games (soccer, basketball, gaga, etc). The sprinkler area was perfect for cooling off after playing games in the hot sun. The surrounding area is great too for a more casual camping experience, as there are plenty of shops and restaurants within driving distance. All in all, I highly recommend Great Times Campground.

F

Franklin

June 2025

2 nights at Comfy camper by the bay in Rockaway

Siri was a wonderful host. Directions to check in to the trailer were very clear. Very close to rockaway beach. Beautiful sunsets and a powerful AC to get us through the heat wave. Would highly recommend.

Leora

June 2025

1 night at 60's Surf Camper

Cute camper with great convenience to the beach! It is parked in a driveway in an urban environment so it's not like an isolated quiet space, but since we knew that going in found it perfect for an urban getaway!

D

Dave

May 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Great Times Camp Ground

This is my 6th time going to Great Times. Booked this site when a different camp ground fell through for my spring camp out. I booked 3 weeks notice and Will was hospitable as always!

K

Kathleen

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Great Times Camp Ground

Great times! Beautiful spot, love having the place to ourselves to let the kids and dog run around. Just a note that there is a walk from the parking area to where you'll set up your tent - it's flat, and they leave a big cart to help you move stuff.