With the weather warming up and spring's arrival, people are craving time in the great outdoors. New Jersey doesn't rank very high on the list of best states for camping in the country. We're ranked 36th among all 50 states.

Our neighbor to the north, New York State made it into the top 5.

It's a much bigger state and with regions like the Adirondacks, The Catskills and Finger Lakes it offers a lot of options. If you prefer not to travel too far, not to worry. New Jersey has some amazing places to camp that you may not have considered.

Our small state varies greatly from north to south in its topography and even vegetation and wildlife. You've got a lot to choose from when it comes to camping depending on what you're looking for. Also factor in how far you want to travel.

You could have some amazing camping options not too far from where you live in New Jersey. Here are some of the top picks for camping in 2023 both public and private.

NORTH

STOKES STATE FOREST - Sussex County. 

Camping at sunset at a Rv resort
Larry Crain
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LIBERTY HARBOR RV PARK - Jersey City. 

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GREAT DIVIDE CAMPGROUND - Newton. 

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HARMONY RIDGE FARM & CAMPGROUND - Branchville. 

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PANTHER LAKE CAMPING RESORT - Andover. 

The traditions
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HIGH POINT STATE PARK - Sussex County.

barbecue camping
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CENTRAL

ROUND VALLEY RESEVOIR - Clinton. 

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PINE CONE RESORT - Freehold. 

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MOUNTAIN VIEW CAMPGROUND - Milford. 

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ALLAIRE STATE PARK CAMPGROUND - Farmingdale. 

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TIMBERLAND LAKE CAMPGROUND - Jackson. 

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CAMP GATEWAY - Sandy Hook. 

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SOUTH
TURTLE RUN CAMPGROUND - Wading River/Egg Harbor City. 

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BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST - Woodbine. 

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TIMBERLINE LAKE CAMPING RESORT - New Gretna. 

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BASS RIVER STATE FOREST - Bass River. 

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FOUR SEASONS FAMILY CAMPGROUND - Pilesgrove. 

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ATSION RECREATION AREA - Shamong. 

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BEACH COMBER CAMPING RESORT - Cape May. 

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PARVING STATE PARK - Pittsgrove. 

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Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

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