Visiting Jackson Township
Jackson is one of New Jersey's biggest visitor destinations and one of Ocean County's largest municipalities. Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari, Hurricane Harbor, Jackson Premium Outlets and Adventure Crossing draw regional visitors, while campgrounds, state forest trails, township parks and nearby shore destinations make Jackson useful for longer stays.
Jackson's overnight mix is unusual: instead of a large concentration of conventional hotels, the township has a safari resort plus multiple campgrounds, RV parks and cabin options. Travelers seeking a standard chain hotel generally compare nearby Lakewood, Toms River, Freehold and other surrounding communities.
Jackson Visitor Guide at a Glance
350 acresWild Safari animal preserve within the Six Flags Great Adventure Resort
45 acresHurricane Harbor New Jersey water park
4 major campgroundsplus Six Flags' on-site safari resort and cabin accommodations
I-195primary highway connection for Six Flags, outlets and western Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure Resort
The Six Flags complex is the centerpiece of Jackson tourism. Visitors can combine the theme park, Wild Safari, Hurricane Harbor and overnight lodging at Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, with seasonal events extending the visitor season well beyond summer.
Great AdventureLarge regional theme park with roller coasters, family rides, live entertainment, food and seasonal festivals. Operating days and ride availability vary throughout the year.
Safari Off-Road AdventureOpen-air safari-truck tours depart from inside Great Adventure and run about 30 minutes through the wildlife preserve, home to nearly 1,200 animals from six continents.
Hurricane Harbor New Jersey45-acre water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, children's play areas and cabanas. The 2026 season opened May 23.
Savannah Sunset Resort & SpaLuxury safari-style accommodations inside Wild Safari with private bathrooms, outdoor gathering areas and resort experiences overlooking animal habitats.
Fall EventsFright Fest runs select nights September 18-November 1, 2026, with Kids Boo Fest and Oktoberfest operating on select fall dates.
Holiday in the ParkSix Flags has announced the return of its winter holiday event for 2026 with lights, rides, entertainment and themed areas.
Check before traveling: Six Flags operating calendars, attraction availability, safari schedules, water-park dates, admission requirements and seasonal-event hours can change. Verify the current day's schedule before leaving home.
Jackson Lodging
Jackson's overnight inventory is concentrated in resort, campground and RV-style stays rather than conventional hotels. The properties below are located in Jackson Township.
Safari Resort / Luxury Glamping
Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa
1 Six Flags Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-2000 Luxury safari suites inside the Wild Safari with private bathrooms, outdoor gathering areas and immersive wildlife-oriented packages.
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-2000 Luxury safari suites inside the Wild Safari with private bathrooms, outdoor gathering areas and immersive wildlife-oriented packages.
Campground · RV · Tent · Cabins
Butterfly Camping Resort
360 Butterfly Road
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-2107 Family-owned 15-acre campground with RV sites, tent sites, cabins, pool, splash pad, fishing pond, recreation and family activities. 2026 season: April 3-October 18.
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-2107 Family-owned 15-acre campground with RV sites, tent sites, cabins, pool, splash pad, fishing pond, recreation and family activities. 2026 season: April 3-October 18.
RV Park · Campground · Limited Tent Sites
Indian Rock RV Park & Campground
920 West Veterans Highway
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-0034 Wooded family campground with spacious RV sites, water and electric hookups, many sewer connections, pool, playground and seasonal recreation. Accepting 2026 reservations; limited tent sites are offered.
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-0034 Wooded family campground with spacious RV sites, water and electric hookups, many sewer connections, pool, playground and seasonal recreation. Accepting 2026 reservations; limited tent sites are offered.
RV · Tent · Camping Resort
Tip Tam Camping Resort
301 Brewers Bridge Road
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-363-4036 Family camping resort with tent and RV accommodations, swimming, recreation fields and organized activities, a short drive from Six Flags. Taking 2026 reservations.
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-363-4036 Family camping resort with tent and RV accommodations, swimming, recreation fields and organized activities, a short drive from Six Flags. Taking 2026 reservations.
Campground · RV · Cabins
Timberland Lake Campground
1335 Reed Road
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-0500 Large wooded campground listed by New Jersey tourism with RV sites, cabins, a lake, swimming, recreation and family-oriented camping amenities.
Jackson, NJ 08527 732-928-0500 Large wooded campground listed by New Jersey tourism with RV sites, cabins, a lake, swimming, recreation and family-oriented camping amenities.
Before booking: Campground seasons, site types, cabin inventory, minimum stays, pet rules, visitor fees and amenities can change. Contact the property directly to confirm current availability and requirements.
Nearby Traditional Hotels
Travelers who prefer a standard hotel with features such as daily housekeeping, indoor corridors, meeting space or year-round hotel services generally need to stay outside Jackson Township.
LakewoodEast of Jackson with Route 70 hotels and relatively direct access to Jackson via County Line Road and local connecting roads.
Toms RiverSoutheast of Jackson with a larger hotel inventory, restaurants, healthcare and access toward the barrier-island shore communities.
FreeholdNorth of Jackson in Monmouth County, convenient for visitors combining Jackson with Freehold-area shopping and attractions.
East Windsor / Hightstown AreaWest of Jackson near the New Jersey Turnpike, useful for visitors approaching from central or northern New Jersey.
Distance matters in Jackson: The township itself is more than 100 square miles. A hotel described as “near Six Flags” can still require a significant drive, especially during summer weekends or major park events.
Jackson Premium Outlets
Jackson Premium Outlets at 537 Monmouth Road sits along the Route 537 attraction corridor near Six Flags and I-195. The center currently has roughly 70 stores and is a common addition to theme-park or campground trips.
Regular HoursCurrent published hours are generally Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Holiday hours can vary.
Outlet ShoppingApparel, athletic, footwear, accessories, beauty and specialty stores make the center one of Ocean County's major destination-shopping locations.
Trip PairingThe outlets are especially convenient for visitors staying near Six Flags, Adventure Crossing or western Jackson campgrounds.
Adventure Crossing USA
Adventure Crossing at 515 Monmouth Road adds indoor sports, tournaments and entertainment to Jackson's Route 537 visitor corridor. Its large indoor Dome hosts soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, softball and other sports, creating significant weekend visitor traffic.
Tournament weekends: Families traveling for sports should reserve lodging early. Jackson's limited traditional-hotel inventory means nearby hotel areas can fill quickly when major sports events overlap with Six Flags or shore traffic.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Visitors who want something quieter than the attraction corridor can explore Jackson's extensive outdoor side.
Forest Resource Education Center495 Don Connor Boulevard. More than seven miles of trails, forestry education, an arboretum, wetlands and accessible nature features. Grounds are generally open dawn to dusk.
John F. Johnson Memorial Park260 Kierych Drive. Athletic fields, pickleball, tennis, basketball, bocce, playground, dog park and picnic areas.
Justice ComplexMajor township recreation site with athletic fields, playgrounds, skate park, hockey rink and seasonal spray park.
Lake EnoFishing, small-boat access and observation areas offer a quieter neighborhood recreation setting.
Colliers Mills Wildlife Management AreaLarge state wildlife area spanning Jackson and Plumsted with fishing, wildlife habitat and regulated outdoor recreation.
Gil Putnam Memorial ParkWooded township park along West Veterans Highway with a more natural Pinelands character.
Colliers Mills safety: Wildlife Management Areas can have active hunting and regulated shooting-range use. Check current New Jersey Fish & Wildlife rules before entering.
2026 Seasonal Events
DC Heroes & Villains FestSelect dates through August 30, 2026 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Fright FestSelect nights September 18-November 1, 2026.
Kids Boo FestSelect fall days through November 1, 2026.
OktoberfestSelect fall dates through November 1, 2026.
Holiday in the ParkReturning in winter 2026 at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Jackson DayAnnual free township community celebration at John F. Johnson Memorial Park with vendors, entertainment, family activities and community organizations.
A Two-Day Jackson Getaway
Day 1 MorningArrive early for Six Flags Great Adventure and use the morning for major rides before peak afternoon crowds.
Day 1 AfternoonAdd Safari Off-Road Adventure or Hurricane Harbor depending on operating calendar, tickets and weather.
Day 1 EveningStay for seasonal entertainment or head to Jackson's County Line Road, New Prospect or Veterans Highway areas for dinner.
Day 2 MorningExplore the Forest Resource Education Center or one of Jackson's parks for a quieter start.
Day 2 AfternoonShop at Jackson Premium Outlets or attend a tournament or event at Adventure Crossing.
Extend the TripUse Jackson as a mainland base for Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Freehold or other central New Jersey day trips.
Getting to & Around Jackson
Interstate 195The primary high-speed route through Jackson, linking the township with the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 9, the Garden State Parkway and the shore region.
County Route 537 / Monmouth RoadMain Six Flags, outlet and Adventure Crossing corridor connecting western Jackson with Freehold and the I-195 interchange.
County Line RoadMajor east-west local commercial route connecting Jackson with Lakewood and many year-round services.
Jackson Park & Ride2 Progress Place near I-195 Exit 21. Commuter bus service connects Jackson with Manhattan destinations. Township parking permits and daily parking rules apply.
By CarA vehicle is strongly recommended for visitors because Jackson's attractions, campgrounds, parks and shopping areas are spread across a very large township.
Theme-Park TrafficExpect heavier traffic on I-195, Route 537 and nearby local roads during summer weekends, Fright Fest, holiday events and major concerts or festivals.
Visitor Tips
Check Calendars FirstSix Flags, Hurricane Harbor and safari operating days vary by season. Do not assume every park is operating on the same day.
Reserve Camping EarlyHoliday weekends, summer weekends and major Six Flags events can create heavy campground demand.
Plan for WeatherHeat, thunderstorms and high winds can affect outdoor rides, safari operations, water attractions and camping activities.
Use the Food GuideJackson's NJTGO Food & Drink page lets visitors search neighborhood restaurants and verified GF/DF options outside the attraction corridor.
Allow Driving TimeA destination can be “in Jackson” yet still be 15-25 minutes from another Jackson destination because of the township's size and road network.
Shore Day TripsPoint Pleasant, Seaside Heights and other shore destinations are reachable by car, but summer traffic can make drive times highly variable.
Official Visitor Resources
Jackson TownshipMunicipal events, recreation, permits, parks, announcements and visitor-related information.
Jackson Parks & PlaygroundsOfficial township park locations and recreation facilities.
Jackson DayOfficial township information for the annual community celebration.
Jackson Park & Ride PermitCurrent municipal parking-permit information for Jackson commuter lots.
Forest Resource Education CenterState trail, forestry, education and visitor information.
VisitNJ — Timberland Lake CampgroundState tourism listing and campground information.
NJTGO Visitor & Lodging Listing Policy
Basic lodging listing: A free NJTGO lodging listing may include the property name, lodging type, address, phone number and a brief factual description. Basic listings do not include a direct external commercial website link.
Enhanced paid placement: Resorts, campgrounds, hotels, vacation rentals, attractions and visitor businesses can add website links, expanded descriptions, photographs, featured placement, special offers, Local Business Spotlight or Townwide Placement through NJTGO advertising.
Promote a Jackson Visitor or Lodging Business
Reach people planning theme-park trips, sports weekends, campground stays, shopping trips and Central Jersey getaways through NJTGO's Jackson visitor pages. Ask about lodging promotion, attraction placement, photographs, direct website links and Townwide Placement.
Advertising Information Contact NJTGO