Top 10 Summer Camps in New Jersey (2025 Guide)

New Jersey is packed with great summer camps—day camps, overnight camps, sports camps, and specialty programs. When parents search for “best summer camps in New Jersey” or “best day camps in NJ,” they’re usually trying to answer a few big questions:

• Is the camp safe and well supervised?
• What do kids actually do all day?
• Does the camp offer transportation?
• How far is it from home?
• Will my child feel included and supported?

This 2025 guide highlights ten strong camps across the state—including Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown—and explains what makes each one stand out. It’s not an exhaustive list of every camp in New Jersey, but a useful starting point if you’re comparing options for your family.

For deeper comparisons and data-driven detail, you may also want to explore:

• Liberty Lake vs Other NJ Camps — Comparison
• Best Day Camp in New Jersey? Here’s the Data.
• Camp Comparison Hub

How This List Was Created

Families care about more than just a brochure. To create this guide, we looked at:

• Safety and staff training – certifications, ratios, supervision, and emergency plans
• Program depth – number and variety of activities (sports, arts, adventure, STEM, outdoor skills)
• Campus environment – outdoor space, water access, nature, and facilities
• Swim and water programs – quality and structure of swim instruction
• Electronics/phone policy – screen-free time and focus on real-world experiences
• Camper and staff return rates – long-term commitment and satisfaction
• Leadership opportunities – CIT/teen programs and responsibility
• Transportation options – bus routes and coverage areas
• Inclusion and support – how camps handle different needs and personalities
• Overall family value – what families receive for the cost

Every camp on this list has strengths; the “best” one is the one that fits your child and your family’s needs.

1. Liberty Lake Day Camp — Bordentown, NJ

Website: https://libertylakedaycamp.com/

Type: Traditional day camp (Central/South Jersey)

Known for: Large outdoor campus, program depth, leadership tracks, and strong transportation network.

Liberty Lake sits on a 60-acre, fully outdoor, lakefront campus in Bordentown, serving families across Burlington, Mercer, Camden, and Gloucester counties, plus parts of Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County.

Highlights include:

• 70+ program areas (sports, arts, adventure, STEM, outdoor skills)
• Red Cross–based instructional swim in a shallow, small lake
• Choice-based electives for entering 1st–9th graders
• Teen Leadership and CIT programs for older campers
• Bus transportation across multiple NJ counties and Philly-area towns
• An inclusion-oriented “Success” program supporting a wide range of children

For more details on how Liberty Lake compares to other New Jersey camps, visit Liberty Lake vs Other NJ Camps — Comparison and Best Day Camp in New Jersey? Here’s the Data.

2. JCC Camps at Medford — Medford, NJ

Website:  https://jcccampsatmedford.org/

Type: Day camp

Known for: Strong community roots and a wide variety of program areas.

JCC Camps at Medford is a long-established South Jersey camp with a large wooded campus, pools, lake, and multiple program areas. Many families appreciate the sense of community and tradition, along with varied activities and a supportive environment.

3. Tall Pines Day Camp — Williamstown, NJ

Website:  https://tallpinesdaycamp.com/

Type: Day camp

Known for: Classic camp feel with strong traditional programming.

Tall Pines offers a wooded campus with fields, pools, and a variety of sports, arts, and outdoor activities. Families drawn to a traditional camp experience with a strong sense of routine and community often put Tall Pines on their shortlist.

4. YMCA of the Pines — Medford, NJ

Website:  https://ycamp.org/

Type: Day and overnight programs

Known for: Outdoor adventure and character-building experiences.

YMCA of the Pines operates both day camp and overnight programs in a natural setting with lakes, woods, and rustic facilities. Many families choose YMCA-based programs for their focus on character development, teamwork, and outdoor challenges.

5. Rambling Pines — Hopewell, NJ

Website:  https://www.ramblingpines.com/

Type: Day camp

Known for: Long-running family ownership and tradition.

Rambling Pines is a family-owned camp with a generational feel, offering traditional camp activities like sports, arts, swimming, and special events. Families often appreciate the continuity and personal touch that comes with a long-established, family-run operation.

6. Oak Crest Day Camp — Somerset, NJ

Website: https://www.oakcrestdaycamp.com/

Type: Day camp

Known for: Classic day camp program with strong event days.

Oak Crest offers sports, swimming, arts, and special events on a day camp campus serving central New Jersey. Many families like the mix of structured activities and themed days that add variety throughout the summer.

7. Camp Riverbend — Warren, NJ

Website:  https://campriverbend.com/

Type: Day camp

Known for: Multi-generational, family-run culture and teamwork focus.

Camp Riverbend is a family-run camp in North/Central Jersey that emphasizes teamwork, outdoor learning, and personal growth. Its culture reflects a long history of family involvement and multi-generational enrollment.

8. Fairview Lake YMCA Camps — Stillwater, NJ

Website:  https://fairviewlakeymca.org/

Type: Day and overnight camp

Known for: Outdoor education and rustic adventure programming.

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps offers day and resident programs with a strong outdoor education component. If your family is interested in wilderness-style experiences and rustic overnight options, this may be a good fit.

9. Camp Mason — Hardwick, NJ

Website:  https://campmason.org/

Type: Day and resident camp

Known for: Community-building and outdoor experiences.

Camp Mason blends traditional camp activities with a rustic, community-centered environment. Families appreciate the sense of connection that develops across cabins, age groups, and returning campers.

10. Medford Village Swim Club Camp — Medford, NJ

Website:  https://www.medfordvillage.com/amenities/aquatics

Type: Day camp

Known for: Strong aquatics and a neighborhood-club feel.

Medford Village Swim Club Camp centers around a strong pool/aquatics program and a local club atmosphere. It can be a good fit for families looking for a smaller-scale, neighborhood-style summer option.

How to Choose Between These New Jersey Camps

Reading a “Top 10” list is helpful—but the real decision happens when you match each camp’s strengths to your child’s needs. When comparing camps, consider:

• Safety systems: How do they train staff, supervise groups, and respond to emergencies?
• Program match: Does your child need variety, or a focus (like sports or outdoor adventure)?
• Transportation: Do they offer bus routes from your town or nearby areas?
• Readiness: Is your child better suited for a day camp, overnight camp, or both?
• Social and emotional support: How do they handle shy, anxious, or first-time campers?

For step-by-step help, see:

• Choosing the Right Summer Day Camp for Your Child
• Is My Child Ready for Day Camp?

Related Questions Parents Often Search

When families start researching “best summer camps in New Jersey,” they often search for:

• Which New Jersey day camps offer transportation?
• What are the safest summer camps in NJ?
• What’s the best age to start day camp?
• Should we choose day camp or overnight camp?
• What should I ask on a camp tour?

To help with those decisions, you can use:

• Day Camp vs Overnight Camp
• 30 Essential Questions to Ask on a Camp Tour

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Top 10 NJ Camps — FAQs

What is the best summer camp in New Jersey?

There’s no single “best” camp for every child. Liberty Lake Day Camp and the other camps on this list each have strong programs, but the right choice depends on your child’s age, personality, interests, and your family’s schedule, location, and budget.

Which New Jersey day camps offer transportation?

Many larger NJ day camps—especially in Central and South Jersey—offer bus transportation from surrounding towns. Liberty Lake, for example, serves Burlington, Mercer, Camden, and Gloucester counties, plus parts of Philadelphia and Lower Bucks. Always ask camps for route maps and supervision details.

What age is best to start day camp?

Some camps start as early as age 3 or Pre-K, while others start at 4 or 5. The “best” age depends on your child’s readiness, stamina, and comfort separating from home. You can use the camp readiness guide as a checklist.

How do I choose between day camp and overnight camp?

Day camps are typically best for younger campers and those who need daily home support. Overnight camps can be a great fit for older, more independent kids. If you’re unsure, the Day Camp vs Overnight Camp guide walks through the pros and cons.

What should I look for in a safe summer camp?

Ask about staff training, background checks, supervision ratios, lifeguard certifications, emergency plans, medical support, and transportation procedures. The How to Evaluate Day Camp Safety guide provides a detailed checklist.

How many camps should I visit before choosing?

Most families visit 2–3 camps in person. Use online research to narrow your list, then schedule tours to see how each camp feels in real life. Bring the 30 Essential Questions to Ask on a Camp Tour to compare programs fairly.