We are traveling to the NJ coast and would like to know what are some great beaches to go to and if there is anywhere good to camp around those beaches.

Thanks

We have about 157 miles of coastline.

Can you be more specific as to where you are traveling?

Probably looking for somewhere in the northern end but we really have no set destination

There is only one shore. Even though there are different towns, they are collectively referred to as the NJ Shore. Actually, the preferred local usage is "down the shore."

There is a big range in price and amenities, from Point Pleasant to Long Beach Island. What are you looking for?

I live here in Belmar,NJ and think that it is the greatest beach around. We have cottage rentals & see visitors from around the world who say the same thing.The entire shore area is very popular & last minute accommodations are hard to come by.There are very few commercial campgrounds around. Your best bet is to try the state or county parks away from the shore.
If you e-mail me direct I'll be happy to answer what questions I can.

we just went to spring valley beach last weekend and we love it cause it's quiet there and the beach is clean compared to pt. pleasant, it's a little bit pricey though but it's worth a try.

my mistake, it's not spring valley instead it's spring lake beach

We always camp at Ocean View (http://ovresort.com/) in the town of Ocean View near Sea Isle City (southern shore region). There's alot to do at the campground for kids, a beautiful lake, pool, train, theme weekends, dances. You do have to take a 5 minute drive to the beach. My kids like it because they always meet kids their own age, and there is alot to do. It's between Wildwood (more teenagery - lots of amusement ride and water park piers, free huge beach) and Ocean City -(more family oriented, not that many rides, beach is not frre and is crowded, especially near the boardwalk). Both have large boardwalks. There are alot of nice little shore towns in between too like Stone Harbor, quaint and Avalon. You can go to a different one everyday. Bring quarters for parking and the showers!
It's not too far from the Cape May Zoo, which is wonderful and I think still free!

Thanks everyone for all your help and am hoping to enjoy some nice warm weather on the beach

Chiao

after reading this thread I feel its only right to put in my 2 cents worth to xyz: the correct term is "down na shore", when you are in nj!

I feel its my duty to correct you all. When you live in the shore area of Monmouth county at least we dont go down to any shore...We go to the beach. No self respecting local would ever utter "Were going down the shore" It would be impossible though because we live here

Well in south jersey we do say "down the shore".