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

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

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

When picking a place to camp in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which is a division of Parks and Recreation, provides a wide range of camping experiences in their state parks and forests.  From tent and trailer sites to well established group campgrounds and primitive campsites to shelters and yurts the state of New Jersey offers some, if not all, of these facilities.  Therefore, when planning your camping experience you need to be aware of the rules and regulations that are common to all the camping areas and then individually check each site as to the specific regulations that might affect your experience.  Following are regulations taken directly from the department’s website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/camping.html .

General Camping Rules for New Jersey State Parks
Minimum age of a permittee – A campsite, lean-to, camp shelter, cabin or yurt must be reserved and occupied by at least one responsible person, 18 years of age or older.  A group campsite or cabin must be occupied by a minimum of one adult supervisor, age 18 years of age or older, for each nine campers who are under 18 years of age in the group.

Re-registration – If camping facilities are available, campers may re-register before 10 am on the expiration day of their permit, provided they have not exceeded their maximum limit of stay, and facilities are available.

Limit of stay per area – Total initial length of stay allowed is fourteen consecutive nights.  Additional stays may be granted in intervals of not more than seven nights provided the applicant has vacated the camping facility for at least seven nights between each occupancy.

Alcohol – Alcohol is prohibited.  Additional rules and regulations are printed on the back of the camping permit and are posted in the area.

Fires – Fires are permitted only in stoves, fireplaces or ground fireplaces or in approved camp stoves provided by the camper.  Fires may be prohibited due to forest fire threat when prevailing conditions warrant this precaution.

Firewood – Firewood is not provided at campsites, lean-tos or shelters, but it can be purchased at some areas.  Firewood is provided at cabins.

Pets – Pets are not permitted in camping facilities.

Firearms – A person shall not possess or discharge any firearm, pellet gun, bow and arrow, slingshot or other weapon capable of injuring people or wildlife.  Hunters in compliance with Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife hunting laws are exempted.  Target practice is prohibited.

Vehicle Limit – No more than two vehicles (including trailers) may be parked at a camping facility.  Additional vehicles may be parked in a location designated by the superintendent.  More than two vehicles may be parked at group campsites and group cabins subject to approval of the superintendent.

Visitors – Visitors are allowed at camping facilities between 8 am and 8 pm.  All visitors must pay day-use parking fees, if applicable.  The number of visitors may be restricted due to limited facility capacities.

Trailer hook-ups – Water, electric and sewer hook-ups are not provided at campsites.

Check-out time – Check-out time is noon at all campsites.  Check-out time is indicated on permits issued for lean-tos, shelters, and cabins.

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 11 months in advance and fees generally run $20.00 per campsite per night.  For further information call 1-800-843-6420 or 609-984-0370.

Be safe, follow the rules and enjoy your camping experience! 

Till Next Time

Eric

Tags: camping in nj, camping new jersey, new jersey camping, new jersey events, nj campgrounds, nj camping

Is it possible to be addicted to camping?

When I get back from a trip I think about all the fun we had, the solitude and quietness I enjoyed while there and write up several trip reports about what we experienced.

I begin getting ready for the next trip weeks before we go, I plan the menu, I plan the activities, I research the campground, I spend time cleaning and preparing my gear and in general just begin "anxiously awaiting" the time when we can leave.

Read More of Camping Addiction?

Tags: Camping, camping in nj, camping new jersey

I really enjoy winter camping.

Unfortunately, winter camping in new jersey is somewhat limited. Pretty much all of the private campgrounds in the state shut down by around November 1 and even the public campground choices are somewhat limited.
 

There are still places to go, you just have to do a little more research and make a few more calls. You also have to make sure you bring everything with you that you will need. Even now, many years into my winter camping experience I use a checklist and make sure I am prepared for just about any contingency.
 

Is there going to be snow on the ground? Will there be freezing rain? Can your tent hold up under freezing rain conditions? How will you start a fire if it's pouring? Do you have protection from the biting wind?
 

So what do I do?
 

Well, I go camping with my Boy Scout Troop for one. Scout Reservations are open all year round for the most part. Most of them are not exactly full of amenities and activities during the winter but I don't mind that because we plan our own events and activities so I'm not in need of the campground to provide that for me. Wood Platforms for the tents, campfire ring, latrine and sometimes a pavilion for our cooking & eating is pretty much all I need.
 

If I'm not going with the scouts then it gets a little harder. Over the years I have managed to find a couple of locations in or around the state that are open year round or are on private property but I have developed a relationship with the owner and they don't mind me camping on their property for the weekend.
 

Why do I like winter camping?
 

Mostly for the same reasons I like summer camping. I get out of the house, I get into nature, I get to contemplate my place in the universe, I love watching animals and I love the peace and quiet.
 

I am sure you are thinking "How the heck do you do that with a bunch of rowdy boy scouts around?"
 

It's actually easier than you might think, early mornings, late in the evening and even during the day sometimes when they are out on a hike or doing some sort of activity that I don't have to attend.
 

If you wear enough layers and are prepared for the temperatures and you learn how to just sit still and try to become part of your surroundings it is amazing what you will see and hear.
 

But isn't it cold?
 

Yeah so?
 

Do some planning and preparation and you won't even notice the cold. Bring extra clothing, get a good sleeping bag, bring an extra blanket or two, leave the air mattress at home, bring twice as much firewood as you think you will need, make sure you know exactly what the weather is "forecasted" to be and know exactly what is provided at your campsite of choice.
 

Winter camping New Jersey, limited but still one heck of a fun experience you won't soon forget!
 

Till Next Time…

Eric

Tags: Camping, camping new jersey, winter camping