There are lots and lots of people, who have asked me over the years, why go camping in New Jersey? The state is so overcrowded and there are so many other options for vacationing in the state so why would I put up a tent or drag a trailer to that little state?

My answer is because New Jersey has it all!

I have been camping in 10 or 11 different states in my lifetime and while that is only about 20% of this country I haven’t find any other state that offers so many different options and different types of camping in such a small area.

It might be me and the fact that I usually go camping on weekends but to me a major factor in my choosing a campground is its physical proximity to my home location. The ability to drive two hours and have my choice of types of camping and types of activities is a major benefit to me.

In that two hours I can be in the mountains, at the beach or lost in the wooded, quiet pine barrens. I can go hunting, fishing, skiing, body surfing, gambling, hiking, boating on fresh water, boating on salt water, pick apples or cranberries or blueberries or pears or oranges or strawberries, I can brew my own beer or wine, I can visit historic battlefields, the founding of our country or just hang out around a pool or campsite if I want.

I am sure there are many areas in this country that offer all of these different options in the same small amount of space but I know that is true in New Jersey and LOVE the options.

There are almost 100 different campgrounds in that same 2 hour drive from primitive squares of grass to full fledged pull-through sites that have cable, air conditioning, sewer and water. You can have your choice of completely being alone or immersing yourself in all of the activities and culture of a campground. Most privately owned campgrounds offer a variety of sports, activities, crafts and organized fun events all as part of your rental fee. You can rent cabins or trailers if you don’t want to drag a tent with you or you can sleep under the stars. You can spend $15 a night or you can spend $100 a night…it’s up to you!

I love the fact that I can choose whatever site I want, pay my money and drop my gear. I can have just about all of my favorite comforts of home, cook my own food and within reason do whatever I want all within a short drive of my home.

So yes there are literally millions of people within this state but that doesn’t preclude the fact that there are literally thousands of acres of public and private land available to lose yourself in a pseudo-natural setting and enjoy the outdoors.

Till next time.

Eric

Tags: new jersey camping