Camping in New Jersey's national and state parks is a great way to disconnect, get fresh air, and explore the outdoors. From setting up tents near the Delaware Water Gap to hiking the trails of Wharton State Forest, the Garden State has no shortage of camping spots. But while you're enjoying the scenery, safety should always stay top of mind.

Even in peaceful settings, accidents can happen—and sometimes, they’re more than just bad luck. Whether it’s an injury caused by poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or someone else's mistake, campers should know how to stay safe and understand their rights when something goes wrong.

Common Camping Injuries in New Jersey’s Parks

People tend to expect that camping accidents will be minor, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Several types of injuries can be serious and even life-changing, especially when they result from unsafe conditions or poor management.

Slips and Falls

Uneven trails, loose gravel, and poorly lit areas can all cause someone to trip or slip. If trails or campsite walkways aren't maintained and someone gets hurt due to a slip and fall accident, there could be a legal case depending on the circumstances.

Burns and Fire Injuries

Fire pits and portable cooking gear are camping staples—but they carry risks. Serious burns can happen if fires aren’t contained or if hot equipment isn’t handled safely. If the park failed to provide or enforce safety rules, they may share some responsibility and require a burn injury lawyer to recover damages.

Tree Hazards

Falling limbs or trees that haven’t been cleared out can turn a peaceful night in the woods into a medical emergency. Parks and campground operators should regularly check for dangerous trees.

Animal Encounters

While it’s part of the experience, unexpected encounters with wildlife—especially when they lead to bites, scratches, or disease—can be dangerous. Parks should post warnings and make an effort to minimize human-wildlife conflict in areas where it’s a known issue.

Gear and Equipment Failures

Whether it's a rental tent platform that collapses or benches that haven’t been inspected in years, faulty equipment can cause injuries. Parks or private vendors may be liable if they provided unsafe gear.

Weather-Related Dangers

From lightning and windstorms to flash floods, campers must be prepared. But parks should also notify visitors of severe weather and provide information on how to evacuate or shelter in place.

Accidents on Water

Lakes and rivers are part of the charm in many parks, but poor signage, missing safety gear, or unmonitored swimming areas can lead to injuries or even fatalities.

Tips for Staying Safe on Your Next Camping Trip

Before heading out, consider the following ways to avoid getting hurt:

• Walk your campsite before unpacking to spot obvious risks
• Keep fires small and never leave them unattended
• Lock away all food to avoid attracting animals
• Always carry a working flashlight or headlamp
• Follow posted signs and listen to any ranger guidance
• Watch the weather and plan for emergencies
• Carry a basic first aid kit and know how to use it

Can You File a Claim for a Camping Injury?

If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions or someone else's carelessness, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim. The answer often depends on who’s responsible for the campsite or trail.

Government agencies, like the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry or the National Park Service, often have legal immunity from many claims—but there are exceptions. You may need to file a special notice within 90 days, and a lawyer can help guide you through that process.

Private businesses—such as tour operators, vendors, or privately owned campgrounds—can be held accountable for negligence. For example, if a rental canoe was defective and caused a water-related injury, the company that provided it may be liable.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’re unsure what caused your injury or whether you have a case, a personal injury attorney can help. This might include:

• Reviewing maintenance records
• Interviewing witnesses
• Taking photos of the accident site
• Working with experts to evaluate equipment or trail conditions

A lawyer can also handle communication with government agencies or insurance companies and ensure all deadlines are met.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Injuries can take the fun out of any camping trip—but you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our team is experienced in personal injury cases involving public lands and outdoor recreation.

Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll go over what happened, explain your rights, and help you figure out what comes next. Let us focus on the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.