1 15-16oz can tart cherries (not pie filling)
1 15-16oz can blueberries (not pie filling)
1 smaller can crushed pineapple
1 small package of chopped walnuts
2 boxes Jiffy cake mix
1/2 stick butter pats
Add ingredients order, spread fruit and nuts in bottom of Dutch oven. Sprinkle cake mix over all and put butter pats on top. Cook 20 -30 minutes or until "cake" is done.
Tags: camping recipe, Dessert, dutch oven, dutch oven cooking
When night comes and you’re about to set up your tent, what could be more helpful than a tent light? Without one camping can be a bit difficult when you can’t see who you are about to step on in the tent, but thanks to the Coleman Tent Light and its very powerful magnet you can place the light inside and illuminate the entire tent. This allows you to put out your sleeping bags and what-not without a hitch.
Since the Coleman Tent Light has an extremely powerful built-in magnet, you can place the light just about anywhere in the tent and be able to see everything. The magnet will not damage any of the tent’s fabric when you secure it to one of the tent poles, and because it’s secured on the tent there is plenty of space on the ground – unlike with the average lantern. The light runs on 4-AA batteries, and the bright Krypton light bulb is replaceable. Also, there is an easy on/off switch. The Coleman Ten Light won’t take up too much space in your bag and weighs only about two pounds, which makes it convenient to carry along with you for any occasion.
The Coleman Tent Light, though not extremely bright, is still useful when there are toddlers or other children on the camping trip. It can act as a nightlight for younger children but is dim enough not to disturb other campers. Also, there is enough light to talk to the other people in the tent or play games and even read if held close enough to the book. The built-in magnet is located on top of where the batteries are put in, and though it is a very strong magnet it can sometimes pull off the cover to the batteries, leaving the batteries to fall to the ground. Furthermore, the light itself is a bit heavy and with the weight of the batteries it’s even heavier. In one case the life of the batteries was quite short, staying lit for only about four hours with brand new batteries.
The Coleman Tent Light is a good buy if you are not looking for anything excessively bright and need just a small light to help you around the tent without hurting yourself or anyone else.
The forested acres of Belleplain include stands of young pine, oak and Atlantic white cedar, reflecting better soil conditions and less damage by fire than found in the Pine Barrens just north of the forest. Belleplain State Forest was established in 1928 by the State of New Jersey for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation. In 1933, three camps were set up by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reforestation Relief Act, supplying labor to the forest for over an eight-year period.
The CCC converted Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy, a popular swimming, boating, and fishing area. They also constructed the original forest headquarters, maintenance building, a road system, bridges, and dams.
Camping in the Forest
There are 169 tent and trailer sites found within the Belleplain State Forest. Each site contains a fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. A trailer dumping station is open from March 1 through November 30. The campsites are open all year and rent for $20 per night. The forest offers two group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to 75 people are open all year and rent for $75 per night per campsite.
Additionally there are fourteen lean-tos that are ADA accessible. Each can accommodate up to six individuals, have a propane heater, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. The lean-tos are open all year and rent for $30 per night.
The forest has one cabin available. East Creek Cabin has a furnished living room with a fireplace, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers and an outdoor campfire ring. The cabin can accommodate up to 30 people and is located on a lake. It is within easy access to East Creek Trail, picnic grove, a boat dock and ball field. This site is ADA Accessible, open throughout the year and rents for $155 per night. Belleplain State Forest has five yurts available. A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame which features a wood floor, a deck and a plexiglass skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. They are accessible to individuals with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.
Alcohol and pets prohibited in overnight facilities.
Highlights of Belleplain State Forest
“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program designed to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the forest. The program is available at seven state parks and forests for $20 a cord through mid March or while supplies last. Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood. Advance reservations are required and can be made for two consecutive days: Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday & Saturday or Sunday & Monday. Call the office to make a reservation today.
Fishing is available in Lake Nummy, East Creek Pond, Holly Lake and Cedar Lake. Typical freshwater species include pickerel, perch, catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish. Fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Hunting is open in portions of Belleplain State Forest. Deer, beaver, wild turkey, waterfowl, woodcock and small game, including rabbit, squirrel and fox may be harvested during approved seasons. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or contact the park office.
Picnicking is available in a Group Picnic Area developed for larger groups. It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:
$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Boating is available for Small boats or canoes. They may be launched near a floating dock on Lake Nummy and from a boat launch ramp at East Creek Pond. Powered boats are limited to electric motors only. In the summer a canoe concession is operated at Lake Nummy. Coast Guard approved life preservers are required for each occupant, including children in any watercraft. New Jersey Boating Rules & Regulations are to be followed at all times.
Swimming is permitted on the north side of Lake Nummy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing a changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
Trails wind throughout Belleplain forest and there are more than 40 miles of marked, designated trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when conditions permit. Many of these trails are bisected by gravel and hard surface roads, making the trails system quite accessible.
The 7.16-mile East Creek Trail connects Lake Nummy to East Creek Pond, and two self-guided interpretive trails, totaling almost one mile. These trails show a cross section of the forest's natural attractions. Trail 1, marked in white, forms a loop and is connected to Trail 2, which is marked in yellow by a wooden arch bridge. The trail experience begins in the picnic area and is completely accessible to persons with disabilities. A trail guide with audio can be obtained at the Forest Office.
The Eagle Fitness Trail is located between Meisle Field and the CCC Camping Areas. Get fit with 10 physically challenging stations, spaced along a mile-long oval on a gravel surface running track. A children's playground and parking lot are conveniently located within a short distance of the trail.
Location:
Cape May and Cumberland Counties
Mailing Address:
County Route 550
P.O. Box 450
Woodbine, NJ 08270
(609) 861-2404 (609) 861-2404
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 14’ 36.85” N 74° 50' 58.29" W
Size: 21,320 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Directions:
The forest can be reached via the Garden State Parkway by taking exit 17 southbound (exit 17) to Routes 9 and 550 or exit 13 northbound. Highway signs are provided to guide the motorist to the forest.
Information in this article was adapted from the Department of Environmental Protection-Division of Parks and Forestry website.http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html
Tags: campground
Dough:
2 cup warm water
1 Tbs. sugar
1 packet yeast (approx. 1 Tbs..)
1 tsp salt
6 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
Filling:
Pepperoni
Sausage
Mozzarella Cheese
Peppers
Onion
Your choice
Mix water, yeast and sugar and let bubble. Add salt, 2 cups flour, olive oil and mix. Add approximately 4 more cups of flour 1/2 cup at a time till you have a workable dough. Let it rest. Divide into eighths. flatten into pizza thin rounds on floured board. put 1/4 cup pizza filling of your choice on each round. fold over and seal.
Unless you are planning to eat cold cereal, sandwiches, and food straight from the can you're going to need some way to cook your meals. The question is, “which stove should you use to prepare your meals?” The answer to this question depends on what kind of camping you’re going to do as well as what you want to cook. As with other camping gear, selecting a stove and cookware can be confusing. The wide variety of stoves and fuels can leave the prospective camper wondering: What's the difference? Is one better than the other? Each type of stove and fuel has advantages and disadvantages, making it great for certain types of trips but not so great for others.
There are many different types and sizes of stoves for you to choose from. The mystery in selecting a camping stove disappears once you know the choices and have decided what type of camping trips your family will be taking. Will the stove be used for backpacking, car travel, ice fishing, vacation cabin or family outings? Will the stove be used in the United States, Europe, Africa or Asia? Do I need to get the stove through airport security? How many people will use the stove? What kind of weather conditions will be present?
You can narrow your choices by determining which general type of camping you will be doing, either backpacking or family/group camping. Backpacking requires appliances that are quick to set up, easy to light, stable, fuel efficient, dependable, durable, compact and lightweight. The availability of fuel in other countries, and its performance at various altitudes and temperatures, can be a deciding factor, if using the stove for trekking or touring. Whereas, family or group camping allows more leeway in the weight and size of stoves, since they don't need to be carried in a backpack. Comfort and convenience, while cooking for a larger group, is usually the most important factor. The fuel efficient, dependable, durable, stable, easy to light, and quick to set up stoves are still desirable.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU?
As you can see, size and weight are the two biggest factors in choosing a stove. Many manufacturers provide ratings to assist in your selection, such as the BTU (British Thermal Units) output, burn time, and fuel capacity of the stove. Other requirements, such as ease of use and packing, can only be judged from actual use and recommendations.
WEIGHT
Weight is particularly important when backpacking. As a rule, the smallest stoves range from 15 ounces to 36 ounces (with fuel) whereas the family camping stoves rarely list weights but start at around 8 pounds (without fuel) for the lightest verities. The type of fuel and size of the container also impact the overall weight of the system, as their weight will vary.
SIZE
Stove size, both in use and packed away, is almost as important as the weight. A well designed single or double burner stove will be easy to set up and will fold down into a compact shape that also protects the components. Single burner stoves are generally the most portable, although some are considered too heavy for backpacking. The most common fuels for these are white gas, butane, and unleaded gasoline. Double and triple burner stoves are good for family camping or trips that provide baggage transportation. Propane, white gas or unleaded gasoline is the most common fuel used in these stoves.
Pocket stoves, for emergency situations, consist of a small tray to hold your pot or cup, and burn a small, compressed cube of fuel. A few stoves use "canned heat" such as Sterno, however this type of fuel burns very cool and takes a long time to cook food or boil water. It is therefore, best reserved for an emergency survival kit.
EASE OF USE AND PACKABILITY
Ease of use and packability is important to both individuals and groups. Nobody wants to spend their camping or backing trip trying to outwit a stove. The stove should be simple, with few parts (fewer to lose and easier to maintain) and store compactly. Electronic ignitions eliminate the need for matches (dry or otherwise) and make lighting a snap. Stability, of both the stove and your pot on top of it, is more difficult to achieve on lighter weight stoves. Adjustable legs can help compensate for uneven terrain and surfaces.
BOILING TIME
Boiling time is a rating that indicates how long it takes the stove to boil water. The results are not concrete, since manufacturers don't all start their tests with the same amount of water at the same temperature so you might want to test your new stove in different conditions in your backyard before leaving home.
BURNING TIME
Burning time is the length of time that a stove will burn on a full "tank" or cylinder. This rating is subject to altitude, pressure and temperature changes. Again take this factor into consideration when buying your stove.
CAPACITY
Capacity is the amount of fuel that a stove, with a fixed container, will hold.
BTU
BTU’s (British Thermal Units) are the maximum heat output. The higher the number, the hotter, more efficiently the stove cooks. Flame adjusters regulate the speed that fuel is released in order to control the size of the flame, and thus the temperature that you are cooking with. Though most 2 and 3 burner stoves can be adjusted, like your kitchen stove, some single burner stoves are either on or off.
Once you have clarified your needs, make a check list and head to the camping store. The store employees are generally knowledgeable and willing to help you make the choice that is right for you.
(This article is adapted from the following website:http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/camping2/stove.htm)
Tags: camping equipment, camping needs
Allaire State Park is probably best known for its historic 19th-century iron making town, Allaire Village, and its antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen throughout the year. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails found in Allaire State Park.
Camping in the Park
There are 45 campsites available for rent within the park. These include both tent and trailer sites that are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities can be found within an easy walking distance of the camp sites. A trailer sanitary station is open from April 15 through October 31. The campsites are open all year with a $20 per night charge.
The state park offers 4 yurts which are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Each yurt consists of a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a wood floor, a deck and a Plexiglas skylight. The yurts have a wooden door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people and rent for $30 per night.
There are also 6 “cabin-like” shelters with wood stoves for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Each of these sites includes a fire ring and picnic table and are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The shelters are open from February 1st until Dec 31st and may be rented for $40 per night.
The 6 group campsites available each contain a fire ring, picnic tables and composting toilets. The total capacity of all 6 sites is 250 with 2 sites accommodating 25 campers each and renting for $25 per site per night and 4 sites accommodating 50 campers each and renting for $50 per site per night. These sites are open all year.
Alcohol and pets are prohibited at all overnight facilities.
Highlights of Allaire Park
Historic Allaire Village was known as the Howell Works in the early 19th century. At that time it was a thriving industrial community which produced pig and cast iron. The buildings which remain today include a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s house, foreman’s house and a church. One of the workers' row house buildings is in use today as the Visitor Center and Museum. Allaire Village Inc., a nonprofit corporation, sponsors more than 40 programs and events annually, including living history events, antique shows, arts and craft shows, and flea markets. For more information, write or call Allaire Village, Inc. (732) 919-3500
Pine Creek Railroad, established in 1953, is an example of rail travel in the United States at the height of the steam era. The live-steam and diesel, narrow-gauge trains are operated by the NJ Museum of Transportation. For more information, call (732) 938-5524 (732) 938-5524.
Visitors Center and Museum displays exhibits on the 19th-century bog iron industry, the Howell Works (original name for Allaire Village), and its owner, James P. Allaire provide an introduction to Allaire Village. Special programs are offered throughout the year. The Visitors Center and Museum are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
Nature Interpretive Center helps to preserve the park's flora and fauna as large areas of Allaire State Park have been left in their natural state. The flood plain of the Manasquan River bisects the park and provides an excellent habitat for plant species not usually found in the Jersey Shore Region. Over 200 species of wild flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants have been identified within the park. Located along the Atlantic flyway, Allaire provides a feeding and resting-place for a large variety of migrating birds, many of which may be observed throughout the year. Although the Center is currently closed you can call the park office at (732) 938-2371 for updated information.
Trails wind throughout the park providing many opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The yellow trail at .5 miles, the red trail at 1.5 miles and the green trail at 4.5 miles are easy hiking trails designated for pedestrians only while the orange trail, which is 16.5 miles in length, is a moderate multi-use trail.
Mailing Address:
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 09’ 43.60” N 74° 07' 53.62" W
Size: 3,199 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are only charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Directions:
Exit 98 off the Garden State Parkway or exit 31B off Interstate 195.
Information in this article was adapted from the Department of Environmental Protection-Division of Parks and Forestry website.http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire.html
Tags: campground, camping new jersey
1 c Soy Sauce
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 c Brown sugar
1 tsp Molasses
1/2 c Sherry Family pkg Pork Chops (8)
2 tsp Cinnamon
Combine all except pork chops for a marinade. Pour over chops and marinate overnight in refrigerator. Place chops about 6"-8" above fire. Turn frequently and baste with marinade while cooking. Done in 35 to 45 min.
Tags: camping recipe, grilling
Being hungry and stuck with all the dirty dishes is never any fun, but there is no need to fear when the Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin is here. The wash basin can save any camper a lot of time and trouble when it comes to getting around to washing those dirty dishes. And since the basin is double-sided, campers can now rinse and wash their dishes at the same time.
The Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin is small (10.5 x 1.2 x 10.5 inches) and weighs only around two pounds, which makes it a very convenient piece of equipment to bring along on a camping trip. It comes with ready-to-use cookware, including bowls, plates, forks, spoons, knives and cups. All the cookware is plastic so it’s easy to use and clean. The four handles allow the wash basin to be picked up and easily transported, and it is collapsible for compact storage. On top of all that, it comes with a one-year warranty.
In some cases the Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin was too heavy to lift with water in it when campers tried to dump out the used water. Also, when hot water is used to clean the dishes, the collapsible sides sometimes give way and allow the water to seep out. In other cases the hot water was so hot that it cut holes right into the side of the wash basin. In addition, some of the sharper knives poked holes in the softened sides of the wash basin, which again let the water leak out of the basin. However, in most cases the Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin worked wonders for those who used it. It is definitely a great alternative to bulky, exceedingly heavy other wash basins.
The Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin is an inexpensive buy and does wonders for your camping experience. If you use a little common sense when doing your dishes this tool is exactly what most campers need.
Buy The Coleman PVC Double Wash Basin,
There are many questions to be answered and aspects to consider when buying a tent that will be used for something other than “backyard camping”. The answers to these questions will help narrow your search and put you on a better footing when you enter the outdoor store with check book or credit card in hand.
Will the tent be used primarily for “car camping” or were you planning on using it to “backpack” or “canoe camp”? The answer to this question will help in guiding you toward the desired weight of your new tent. If you are primarily “car camping”, then the weight of the tent is not as important a factor as it would be if you were backpacking or canoe camping. Another aspect not be overlooked is the size of the tent. This determination is made based on the number and size of the people who will be sharing the tent? Today, many modern family tents come with plenty of head room to stand in and also contain separate rooms within the tent for privacy. On the other hand, backpacking tents economize in internal space to cut down on weight.
Another important aspect to be considered is the cost. Camping tents can range from as little as $20. for a backyard version of a two person tent to several hundred dollars for a high tech, special use tent for mountaineering conditions. A family can generally find a good tent in the $100 – $300 range, while backpacking tents can range as high as $500 for one that will house a couple of adults and be serviceable for all four seasons of the year.
Over and above the preceding information, there are several specific points that should be discussed. The following information addresses these points and is taken directly from an article on About.com by David Sweet, “Buying a New Camp Tent? Features of Camping Tents”.
What tent features should I look for?
* A tent with aluminum poles.
Tents may come with fiberglass poles, but they are fragile and more likely to break. If you bend or break a pole, most camping stores sell replacements or repair kits.
* A tent with an adequate rain fly.
The rain fly is your tent's umbrella. The bigger the better. Look for a fly that comes well down the sides of the tent rather than just across the top. Rain flies are waterproof. Tent walls are water-repellant.
* A tent with folded seams and double stitching.
If you can pull the material on either side of a seam and see through the stitches, this tent will leak. Be sure to use seam sealer on all seams.
* A tent with a one piece tub floor.
The floor should be made of waterproof material, and it should come a few inches up the sides before it is sown to the tent walls. No seam in the floor means there is no place for water to seep in.
* A tent with adequate guy lines.
Tent walls, and sometimes rain flies, have loops sown near the middle. These loops are used to attach guy lines that pull out the walls so that they are taught. It's impossible to sleep in a tent that's flapping in the wind.
* A tent with good-sized stake loops.
There should be loops at the base of your tent in every corner and at the center of each side. These loops need to be big enough to accommodate the large plastic stakes sold in camping stores. Material stake loops are preferred. Plastic ones might break when you hammer in the stakes.
* A tent that uses noseeum meshing.
This is the best material for keeping those nasty little bugs out.
* A tent with a roof vent.
Opening this at night will help create some air circulation and eliminate condensation inside your tent
* A tent with heavy-duty zippers.
You'll be in and out of your tent a lot so you want zippers that will hold up to frequent use
Good luck and happy tent shopping!!
Till Next Time
Eric
Tags: camping equipment, camping needs, tents
When you decide to camp in New Jersey you will find, with a bit of research, that there are a wide variety of public and private campgrounds from which to choose. All of these campgrounds will vary as to the amenities they offer and accordingly the price they charge for a nights stay. Rather than try to delve into all of the camping opportunities New Jersey has to offer at one time, this article will focus on some of the National Park units located in New Jersey and touch slightly on the private sector.
Public campgrounds are those managed by some level of a government agency. Whether the agency is federal, state or local, the grounds are open to the public and generally present a low cost vacation with limited amenities. Advanced reservations may or may not be made depending on the campground. When planning a camping trip, many campers look to our National Parks as their first choice. Research will show that some of the most treasured and scenic areas of our country are preserved and managed by the National Park Service and sprinkled throughout the nation.
The National Park Service was first established in 1916 under the United States Department of Interior with Franklin Lane as its first Director. The primary goal, as stated by Lane, was to “faithfully preserve the National Parks in absolutely unimpaired form for the use of future generations as well as those of our own time.” Today the mission of the Park Service is basically the same. You will find however, the Park Service now manages “other types of land units” as well as our National Parks. In New Jersey the land managed by the Park Service falls under some of those “other types of land unites” with names such as National Recreation Areas, National Scenic and Recreational Rivers, National Reserves and National Monuments.
Some of these areas found in New Jersey are the:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which contains the Delaware National Scenic River. This National Recreation Area covers parts of New Jersey as well as Pennsylvania. Camping in this National Recreation Area is under the control of the New Jersey State Forest and is available at Worthington State Forest as it is located in the middle of the National Recreation Area. This State Forest has a campground with 69 tent and trailer sites and is open from April1 to December 31. For further information call (908)841-9575
Gateway National Recreation Area which covers parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, New York and Monmouth County in New Jersey. The section of this National Recreation Area found in New Jersey is the Sandy Hook Unit. Although there are no campgrounds within this unit there are many opportunities for boating, canoeing and site seeing with private camping nearby. For further information call (732)872-5900.
Great Egg Harbor River National Scenic and Recreational River which starts near Berlin, New Jersey and gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor at the Atlantic Ocean. Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Preserve. This National Park Service unit is unusual in that local jurisdictions continue to administer the lands so camping opportunities are found in the local jurisdictions with quite a few campgrounds along the river. For further information call (215)597-5823
The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve was created by Congress under the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. The Pinelands National Reserve is the first National Reserve in the nation. The Reserve encompasses approximately 1.1 million acres and covers portions of seven counties and all or parts of 56 municipalities. The Reserve is a wonderful place to visit and exhibits a unique ecosystem. Camping is available in the local jurisdictions at four New Jersey State Forest located inside the Reserve. For further information call (609)894-7300.
There are other units of the National Park Service in New Jersey which bear mentioning for their historic and scenic value. Although they are small and do not offer camping, they are worth visiting. You might want to take a look at the Edison National Historic Site, Ellis Island National Monument and Morristown National Historic Park and then plan to stay at one of the private campgrounds nearby.
Similar to public campgrounds, in that everyone is welcome, private campgrounds, such as the well known KOA’s (Kampgrounds of American), are privately owned, franchised businesses. Although they usually cost more for a nights stay, they generally offer superior amenities that include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, game rooms, movie nights, laundry facilities and camp stores with fast food and microwaves. Many of these privately franchised campgrounds offer catalogs (at a price) which allow you to not only book your trip in advance, but often pick your site and book side trips prior to your arrival.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that New Jersey is home to the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail and also proud to encompass parts of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Both of these trails offer outstanding opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation, a must for the avid outdoor user.
Whatever you decide, public or private campground for a day, a night or a weeks stay, be safe and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Till Next Time
Eric
Tags: camping in nj, camping new jersey, new jersey camping, nj campgrounds, nj camping