Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the place to be if you have kids or pets. The campground describes itself as a pet friendly resort with many planned activities to ensure that none of their guests will have time to be bored. They feature a heated swimming pool, go carts, and a stocked fishing pond. These are great activities to do if you have small kids and just aren’t up for any more sightseeing. The heated pool in particular is one of my favorite things about this campground. Spending some time in the pool is a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while the adults relax after a long day. There are also many scheduled activities such as hay rides and games in the game room.

If you travel in an RV, the campground also provides full hookups as well as a laundry area and dump station. Jellystone Park also has the option for its guests to rent cabins or trailers, for those who want to camp but don’t want to bring the tent with them. No matter what your camping style is from primitive to modern, Jellystone Park has something to make sure that you get exactly the experience that you’re looking for.

Jellystone Park is a campground with just about anything you could want on site. They pride themselves on making sure all of their guests are happy. The base rate is $40/night for a campsite, and more for renting a cabin or trailer. Given all of the amenities on site, this could turn out to be a good deal if you use the swimming pool and other facilities. The Jellystone Park campground has won the Pinnacle Club Award in every year since 1998, meaning that it has a long history of fun times and quality service. Many families enjoy camping here so much that they return to the park year after year to keep making new memories.
 

For More Info: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Winding River Campground is located on the Egg Harbor River, which makes it a great place to be if you love to stay close to the water. The campground prides itself on secluded campsites, which means you won’t feel like you are sitting right on top of your neighbor. Its location by the river makes it a prime spot for water-based activities. Visitors can canoe, kayak or tube down the river.  Of course if you don’t have the equipment for your chosen activity the campground will gladly rent it to you. You can also boat or fish on the river, or just set up a chair nearby and enjoy the breeze coming off of the water. There is also a heated swimming pool and a game room with planned activities for times when the weather just isn’t conducive to being out on the river.

If your tastes run towards a bit more action, don’t worry. The Winding River Campground is located close to the Sands Hotel and Casino. This makes it an ideal location if you want to be able to to get in a few hands of poker in between kayaking and fishing. The park is also close to Storybook Land which is a great place to go with younger kids. Storybook Land is a lot of fun and there are many rides and attractions based on different classic storybook scenes and characters.

The Winding River Campground has an online reservation system, making it easy to reserve your site days or even weeks before you arrive. This takes the stress out of wondering if the campground will be full if you arrive during a peak time. They do require a 2 or 3 day stay on weekends and holidays so be sure to figure that into your travel plans.

For More Info: Winding River Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Holly Acres RV Park is a great place to be if you want to be close to where the action is while still keeping the peaceful aspects of camping out in the wilderness. It is located on 40 acres of forest which gives visitors the chance to feel like they’re getting away from it all. There is a park nearby where people can ride bikes, swim, or watch the ducks in the pond.  There is also a large swimming pool and a kiddie pool, along with horseshoes and shuffleboard. Those concerned with safety will be happy to know that Holly Acres has an electronic gate system so that access is restricted to people who are staying there.There are many activities offered at the campground that will keep your interest as well. Holly Acres publishes its Nick-A-Demus newsletter weekly to keep visitors informed of what is happening at the campsite. Typical activities include softball, arts and crafts, miniature golf, and bingo.

For those wanting a bit more action in their vacation, the casinos of Atlantic City are a mere 20 minutes away. This is close enough to be just a short drive but far enough that it is possible to get away from the lights and the crowds. There are public golf courses and a shopping mall only 10 minutes away, perfect if you want to get some shopping in. For those with more refined tastes the Renault Winery is 4 minutes away and Lenox China is 5 minutes. This makes Holly Acres a prime spot for being able to travel almost anywhere in the Atlantic region.

Holly Acres is primarily an RV park, but they do have a limited number of tent sites available. These are $36/night and sites are for one family only. The park also has cabin rentals available for families of 4-6 at $70-$95/night. RV sites are $38/night with water, cable, and electric hookups for a family of two with prices increasing during peak travel times.

For More Info: Holly Acres RV Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey

Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location.  Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems.  Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park.

Camping in the Park

There are 53 tent and trailer sites within the park, each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance and a trailer sanitary station available.  There is an 11-foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area.  Open from April 1st through October 31st, there is a $20 per night charge per site with a limit of six people and two vehicles per site.

The state park also offers 6 group campsites.  The Gordon Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables.  This group area has six individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each.  The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All camper trash must be carried out.  Open from May 1st through October 31st. each group site rents for $25 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities

Highlights of Cheesequake Park

Cheesequke Natural Area (386 acres) is a striking example of vegetation change along a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests and can be observed from the various trails running through the natural area.  A diversity of plant species and community type’s characteristic to both northern and southern New Jersey can be seen.

Cheesequake Interpretive Center is located a short distance from the trailhead parking area on the Red/Green/Blue trail.  Visitors are welcome to view the wildlife historical exhibits throughout the Center where they can also learn about the three habitats located within Cheesequake State Park.  Additionally, the Center provides information on the Native American and early colonization of the area.  The center is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Interpretive Center provides free weekly interpretive programming focusing on a variety of seasonal topics. Consult the Calendar of Events online or call the Center for details at (732) 566-3208 (732) 566-3208.

Trails consist of five which are designated throughout the park.  The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use.  The White Trail is multi-use and has been designated for hiking and mountain biking.  Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles, have some inclines and range from easy to moderate in difficulty.  

Fishing (freshwater) is available on the six-acre Hooks Creek Lake.  Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Sunfish provide the angler with a variety of freshwater species.  All fishing is subject to all NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. Crabbing is also available from the Crabbing Bridge which is reachable from the lake parking area.  The bridge and walkway are ADA accessible.

Picnicking is provided at several picnic areas with tables and grills located throughout the Park.  For larger groups, two picnic areas are offered.  The group picnic area, which must be reserved, at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people and provides shelter and playfields.  The group picnic area at Spring Hill holds a capacity of 100 people and provides playfields and playground equipment.  Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:

$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
NOTE: There is no group picnicking on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  No alcohol is permitted.  Trash must be carried out.

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.

Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form.  Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

Boating and Canoeing is permitted the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day weekend.  Canoeing, kayaking and boating with facilities for car top boat launching only.  Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations.  Electronic motors only.  There are no boat/canoe rental facilities available.

Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing 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.

Winter Activities include sledding which is permitted on the hill adjacent to the Hooks Creek Lake parking area, cross-country skiing which is permitted on the roadways and field areas and snow shoeing which is permitted throughout the Park.

Location:
Middlesex County
Mailing Address:
300 Gordon Road
Matawan, NJ 07747
 (732) 566-2161 (732) 566-2161
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40 ° 26’ 6” N 74° 16' 13" W
Size: 1,569 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
N/A
walk-in/bicycle

Directions:
The Park is accessible from exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway and from Route 34. State Park signs are posted at critical intersections along the following routes: GSP, Route 34 South and North.
 

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

The Blueberry Hill Campground is a friendly and well-maintained place. It is a great location to stay at if you are looking for peaceful evenings but still want to be able to take in the sights and sounds of Atlantic City during the day. They are located a mere 13 miles from Atlantic City and the Boardwalk, which lets you experience the casinos and action. The trees and forest on site make the campground feel much farther away from it though.  Blueberry Hill is also close to Storybook Land which is a great place to take younger children. There are movie theatres and bowling available nearby for those who are looking for activities during the evenings.

On site, Blueberry hill offers many amenities. They include a kiddie and an Olympic-sized pool, a game room, and a large activity lodge. Once the 2010 camping season begins, Blueberry Hill will begin offering their themed weekends, which are always a lot of fun. The campground even has a coffee and ice cream shop for when visitors want to socialize indoors. There are free cable TV hookups at all RV sites, and there is a wi-fi hotspot near the office that visitors can access free of charge.

Tent sites start at $30/night for families of four, and increase during peak seasons or weekends. RV sites start at $34/night for basic hookups and increase accordingly. There are also several options for renting cabins available. The cabins sleep from 4-8 people depending on the arrangement and start at $88/night. Blueberry Hill has an online registration system on their website, which makes it convenient for travelers to register days or even weeks before they plan to be stopping there. This also ensures that a space will be available for you when you arrive, which is particularly helpful during the busy seasons.

For More Info: Blueberry Hill Campground
 

Tags: campground, camping new jersey

Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management.  Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing.  A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic White Cedar bog.

Camping in the Forest

The Bass River State Forest boasts 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables.  Although no hook-ups are provided, flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites.  Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents.  A trailer sanitary station is open from March 1 through November 30 and the campsites are open all year with a charge of $20 per night. 

The state forest also offers six group campsites with water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers and has parking on the site. This area is open all year with a charge of $25 per night per site.

There are also nine handicap accessible lean-tos.  Each of these structures has a hardwood floor, a wood burning stove, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance.  Located on the south shore, each structure accommodates a maximum of six people, is open all year and rents for $30 per night.

The six lakeside shelters available have two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, wood burning stove, fire ring and screened double door.  There is an outdoor grill for cooking a table and benches.  Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby.  The shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami and each accommodates a maximum of four people.  Open from April 1 through October 31 each shelter rents from $40 per night.   

In addition to all of the above the Bass River State Forest provides six lakefront cabins each with a living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace, two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators; bathrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks.  All of the screened-in porches face the lake.  Outdoor fire rings and electricity have also been provided.  Each accommodates a maximum of six people.  The cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each cabin rents for $65 per night or $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in all overnight facilities.

Highlights of Bass River State Forest

Absegami Natural Area (128 acres) is a self guided nature trail that loops through this wetland forest, where Atlantic White Cedars share the canopy with Red Maple and Magnolia trees.  The Pinelands white cedar swamp and surrounding oak-pine forest community make up the Absegami Natural Area.

West Pine Plains Natural Area (3830 acres) is a unique stunted forest ecosystem, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, which is globally rare and supports an extensive forest of pine and oak trees that may obtain a canopy height of only four feet at maturity. New Jersey contains the largest acreage of this forest community type worldwide.  The area also supports an endangered plant species – the broom crowberry – and numerous rare species of moths.

Trails:  There are eight easy walking (non-ADA accessible) trails from 1 to 3.2 mile winding throughout the forest.  The 1/2 mile self-guided Absegami Trail includes a wooden foot bridge with benches.  All trails start at the second parking lot at the beach. Animals, birds and plant life of the Pine Barrens may be found along the way.  A trail brochure is available at the office, or on the portion of the Pink Trail that passes through the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp near East Greenbush Road.  This guide describes the camp foundations.

Batona Trail is an easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes and runs for 50 miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  The trail crosses streams and passes through forested areas that were once bustling towns with names such as Four Mile, Butler, Martha and Washington.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service, Outdoor Club of South Jersey and the Batona Hiking Club.

The Civilian Conservation Corp at Bass River State Forest

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The Hundred Days," the beginning of FDR's first term, and a time of massive legislative efforts to deal with the paralyzing effects of the Great Depression.  The CCC put needy young men to work who in turn sent a large portion of their pay back to their families.  The fact that only 37 days elapsed between FDR's swearing in and the induction of the first CCC enrollee on April 7, 1933 reflects the importance of this program.  By the time the program ended in 1942, due to World War II, over three million unemployed young men had been enrolled, planting over three billion trees and completing many other conservation projects including building much of the infrastructure at Bass River State Forest. 

The CCC camp at Bass River State Forest, Camp S-55, lasted from 1933 to 1942, throughout the entire life of CCC.  Company 225 served at the camp from 1933-1937 and Company 2201-V, a Veteran’s company, followed from 1937-1942.  There were usually 200 men at the camp, which was a full complement.  The CCC members performed a wide range of conservation work from building park roads, trails, bridle paths, bridges for vehicles, ponds for fish and waterfowl, lookout towers, nature observatory shelters, picnic areas, cabins, fireplaces, campgrounds, recreational lakes, and landscaping.  The most noteworthy feat was the creation of the 67-acre Lake Absegami, by damming two streams flowing through the forest.  The foundations of Camp S-55 and the CCC Memorial are part of a self-guided trail.  Brochures are available at the Forest Office and at the beginning of the trail near the parking lot on East Greenbush Road.  Stop in and visit the Forest Office to see artifacts from the Camp as well as a list of members. 

Location:
Burlington and Ocean Counties
762 Stage Road
Mailing Address:
762 Stage Rd
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
 (609) 296-1114 (609) 296-1114
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 37’ 14.30” N 74° 25'28.83" W
Size: 27,635 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Directions:
Bass River State
Forest is about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 52 heading south and exit 50 heading north.

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s.  The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town.  Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Camping in the Forest

There are 79 tent and trailer sites located in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities within easy walking distance.  The campsites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

In the spring 2010, the forest will be opening some pet-friendly campsites.

Byrne State Forest has three group sites with a total capacity of 100.  Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets are available on these sites which are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $30 per night.

 
Three cabins are also available, each furnished with a fireplace, two double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators, half-baths, a toilet and basin and electricity throughout.   There are outdoor campfire rings and picnic tables at each site with showers available at the main camping area.  The cabins can accommodate four people and with prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  The cabins are located on the shore of Pakim Pond.  Showers are available at camping area.  Open from April 1 through October 31, these units rent for $45 per night or $315 per week.

In addition the forest provides three yurts.  A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a Plexiglas skylight.  Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. The yurts are open from April 1 through October 31, are accessible to persons with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.

Alcohol is and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park.  Available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last.  Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood.  Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.

Whitesbog Village was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community.  This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White.  The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state.  The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village.  For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646 (609) 893-4646.

Cedar Swamp Natural Area (735 acres) contains many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and may be observed along the trails through the natural area.  These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp.  The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Trails in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest cover more than 25 miles and are well marked. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities.  The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting).  The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the New Jersey State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.
Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes.  Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens.  Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking – the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
 (609) 726-1191 (609) 726-1191
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 53’ 27.66” N 74° 34' 46.63" W
Size: 36,647 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

Directions:
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

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

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

Sea Pirate campground is located in West Creek, NJ. It is a privately owned campground with alot of things that I like in a campground:

1. Close to the beach – It's just a couple of miles from Long Beach Island
2. Clean – The store, restrooms, laundry facility, pool and all public areas were well maintained and clean.
3. Spacious – The site(s) we stayed in and all that we saw were a good size, most had grass and trees and were in good repair. All hookups functioned properly.
4. Seasonal Sites – All the seasonal sites were clean and well maintained. We didn't see any that were old and delapidated. The residents seemed to keep their sites nice and neat.
5. Activities – There is plenty of things to do at this campground including: swimming pool, fishing, crabbing, coordinated arts & crafts and regularly scheduled and well attended evening activities.
6. Moderately priced – As of 2009 the sites ranged from $32 to $45 per night which is well worth the price in my opinion.

We have stayed at this campground twice now and will definitely go back again.

The staff was friendly and professional, the owner was a very nice older woman who spent lots of time in and around the campground helping out and just enjoying herself.

They have an annual crabfest there every year and if you get the chance it is definitely worth it. Plenty of crab, food, beer and live entertainment. There is always something going on at the campground during the summer.

There are several good restaurants in the area so if you want to go out to eat you can and you don't have to drive to LBI to do so. I say this because sometimes when we go camping for a weekend we don't like to worry about cooking dinner on Friday night after we get there and get our site all setup. We went to the Grapevine II restaurant right down the road thinking it was just a pizza place but it was way more than that. It was a good quality moderatly priced italian restaurant that we really enjoyed!

If it does happen to rain while you are there it's not really a big deal. Our site(s) and most of the sites we saw were fairly level and graded well so the water drains off fairly quickly. The fact that there are so many trees around does mean that the ground itself stays a little wet for awhile so be prepared with mats and/or external rugs to get most of the dirt and mud off your shoes before you go into your tent/trailer.

The only negative experience we had while there wasn't the fault of the campground and would not prevent us from returning but you should be aware of it: Mosquitos. There were alot of them around during the summer of 2009 but that was true of the entire state of New Jersey not just Sea Pirate. So just make sure to bring extra bug spray and your favorite area clearing bug repellant (I personally like the Coleman Mosquito Deleto – pricey but keeps the average campsite pretty clear of the little annoyances!).

I highly recommend Sea Pirate to everyone I talk to. Check them out at: Sea Pirate Campground

Till Next Time…

Eric

Tags: campground, nj camping, sea pirate campground