Stafford Township, NJ Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Section 151-19 is the Township's camping rule, and it covers parks only. Chapter 151 defines a park as any public park, beach or recreation or playground area, or building or facility on it, that the Township owns and maintains. Subsection A bars camping outside areas the Township has designated for camping, 'if any', and limits camping to tent camping, trailer camping or camping with other equipment designed specifically for camping. That camping must obtain written approval from the Township Council. Subsection B adds a separate requirement: no one camps in a park without first obtaining a camping permit from the Township or its designated agent.

Other Chapter 151 rules shape what a camp can look like. Section 151-34 bars anyone from being in a park after closing hours without a permit, and parks are open from sunrise to dusk and in no case beyond 9:00 p.m. except for athletic events on lighted fields and courts. Section 151-20 allows outdoor fires only in designated picnic or camping areas and limits them to cooking fires or fires in camp lanterns or heaters. Section 151-9 requires a permit to construct or erect any building or structure of any kind, temporary or permanent, in a park. Section 151-8C bars leaving a vehicle on park property after closing hours without a permit from the Director. For sanitation, section 151-12B requires anyone who brings in rubbish, waste, garbage or refuse to place it in the proper receptacles or carry it away.

Outside parks, Chapter 153 (Peace and Good Order) addresses sleeping in vehicles. Section 153-6 says no person over the age of 18 years shall, within the limits of the Township, lodge in any automobile, truck, camping or recreational vehicle or similar vehicle in any public street, parking lot or other public property.