Campgrounds and RV parks near Manahawkin, NJ

Manahawkin sits at the western end of the causeway to Long Beach Island in Ocean County, New Jersey. The area functions as a mainland base for LBI beach days, Barnegat Bay boating, and trips into the Pine Barrens. RV renters typically choose between private commercial parks with full hookups and pool amenities, or state forest camping with a more rustic footprint. Sea Pirate Campground and Sun Retreats Long Beach Island are the closest full-service options to the causeway, while Bakers Acres Campgrounds and Atlantic Shore Pines Campground sit slightly inland toward the Pinelands. Bass River State Forest, southwest of town, is New Jersey's first state forest and lies within the Pinelands National Reserve. Most private parks in the area are seasonal and geared to families, with cabins, pools, and planned weekend activities. State forest sites lean toward tent and smaller-RV camping, with fewer hookups but direct access to hiking, paddling, and swimming at Lake Absegami.

Private campgrounds in the area take reservations directly through their own websites. Sea Pirate Campground, Bakers Acres Campgrounds, Sun Retreats Long Beach Island, and Atlantic Shore Pines Campground all fill early for summer weekends, so booking several months ahead is standard practice for July and August. Bass River State Forest online reservations are made at camping.nj.gov, the New Jersey State Park Service reservation system. Tent sites, cabins, shelters, and lean-tos are booked separately. For holiday weekends and any stay on LBI-adjacent parks, reserve as early as the system allows. Cancellation policies and minimum-night rules vary by property and by season.